Read This Before Hiring a Website Provider: 10 Key Questions to Consider
Hiring a website provider is no small feat. From cost and design to platform and long-term maintenance, there are so many factors to consider that can make the process feel overwhelming before it’s even begun. This is why it’s important to ask the right questions to set your website project up for success.
For many hired professionals, their work is easy to see and evaluate. If you hire a painter or carpenter, you can immediately see the quality of their craft and determine if they completed the project to your satisfaction. However, in website design and development, the quality of the work goes beyond what we see on the screen, as much of what makes a quality website is on the back end and not immediately visible.
This complex nature of website design and development can make finding a qualified professional for your website build or redesign even more challenging. Many people don’t know where to start or what to ask to ensure that the investment they’re making into their website will result in a site that is both visually appealing and functional.
At Correnti Marketing, we’ve worked with many clients who’ve had poor experiences with website designers + developers who either overpromise and underdeliver or lack the proper skillset to produce the quality of work they were expecting. Because we’ve seen so many unfortunate situations, we’ve compiled a list of questions you can ask your potential website provider to uncover if they’re the right fit for you and your project. We hope that asking these questions upfront will help you avoid some of the most common pitfalls when working with website providers and ultimately result in better ROI and higher satisfaction.
10 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring A Website Provider
Whether you’re just beginning to look for a website provider or already have a proposal on your desk, it's crucial to know what to look for. The following 10 questions will help you uncover whether the developer will be a good fit for your website needs and will help ensure your project's success:
1. Will I own my website after it’s built?
It is crucial to ensure you have full administrative access to your website. Without ownership, you may be tied to your current provider or need to rebuild your site from scratch if the relationship doesn’t last. This is one of the most important topics to discuss with your website provider in the early stages of your project, so if you get anything out of this blog, make sure it’s this!
2. What platform will be the best fit for my business?
Choose a platform that aligns with your business needs and future growth. Platforms like WordPress offer extensive capabilities but might require a developer, whereas other options like Squarespace or Wix can be more user-friendly and require less professional assistance. However, simpler platforms can come with limitations. At Correnti Marketing, we provide WordPress because it allows our clients the customizations they want and the ability to grow in any creative direction.
3. What is their design style?
Just like photographers or other creatives, website designers tend to have their own unique styles, so review their portfolio to ensure their aesthetic matches your brand vision. While it may seem self-explanatory, we’ve often spoken with clients who just aren’t happy with how their website looks, aside from being happy with its functionality, so it’s important not to skip this step.
4. Do you handle design and development from start to finish?
Sometimes, you’ll find yourself speaking with someone who only handles website design and not the actual development, meaning the building and coding of the website. Ensure the developer provides end-to-end services, from initial design to final development. This holistic approach will save you considerable headaches if you begin working with someone who is unable to complete your project as you expected.
5. What foundation do you set for SEO? Do you offer SEO services?
SEO is vital for visibility and traffic to your website. Without this vital piece, your website may not perform to your expectations, and performance may suffer. It’s also important to make ongoing changes to your website to remain SEO optimized.
6. Are your websites responsive on all devices?
Your website must work properly on phones, tablets, and desktops. A quality website designer should be able to create a website that is responsive and looks great on all devices.
7. What ongoing maintenance services do you offer? Do you have a support team?
Inquire about website hosting, ongoing fees, and what happens if something goes wrong. Knowing what support is available is critical for long-term site health.
8. Do you charge ongoing fees? What do your ongoing fees include?
Understand the costs and services included in any ongoing fees, if any. Some companies charge high fees for services that shouldn’t be overly expensive, like plugin updates. These unfairly high fees are often one of the biggest complaints we hear from clients coming to us from other website providers.
9. What’s your training and transition process like post-launch?
When your website is complete, you will want to know how to make simple changes like swapping out an image or changing some text. Ensure your website provider will train you on how to manage the site after it launches. If they are unwilling to do this, that may be a red flag. Most importantly, you should be comfortable with managing the site after it’s handed over to you to avoid any potential issues.
10. How do you handle accessibility and security?
Laws worldwide require websites to meet basic accessibility standards, such as alt-text and specific color choices for the visually impaired. Ensure your website provider meets these standards when building websites. It’s also important to discuss security features and ongoing security services to protect your and your client’s information.
By discussing crucial factors like ownership and end-to-end services with your potential website provider, you can ensure your project is in capable hands. These questions will help you identify a qualified professional who can deliver a website that not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
Remember, a well-built website is a critical asset for your business. It can drive traffic, engage your audience, and ultimately lead to sales and client loyalty. As you approach your web development project, we recommend you approach hiring your developer with confidence and clarity of their responsibilities, required skills, and desired outcomes—like you would a new employee on your team. Bear in mind that the cheapest option will likely result in more money down the road, fixing past mistakes and bringing your website up to speed.
Downloadable Resource: The Ultimate Guide to Hiring a Website Provider: 10 Must-Ask Questions for a Successful Website
Want to be prepared for your next conversation with a website provider? Download our checklist of essential questions to empower yourself, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions during the hiring process. With this checklist in hand, you'll have the confidence to choose the right professional for your web project.
Closing Thoughts
Hiring a website provider can be a complex process. However, by asking the right questions and understanding what to look for, you can make informed decisions that lead to a successful project and a website that best serves your business’s needs.
At Correnti Marketing, we have extensive experience helping clients navigate the challenges of finding the right web design and development partners. Whether you face a current issue or aim to prevent future problems, working with our experienced team can save you time, money, and stress. We design + develop SEO-optimized websites that accurately reflect your brand and its professionalism to build trust with your target audiences. Whether you want a simple landing page or a completely built-out website, we will create a custom design to showcase your brand online.
We’re here to help you make the right decision for your web development needs. Ready to take the next step? Contact our team at hello@correntimarketing.com or 860-878-4321 to get started and experience the difference in our approach.
