11 Questions Before Hiring a Web Design Company

1. What Kinds of Websites Have You Made Before, and How Long Have You Been Doing This?

Experience Speaks Volumes

When choosing a web designer, their experience can tell you a lot. Our team has crafted a wide array of websites that cater to different needs, such as:

Real Estate Agents: Sites that help realtors showcase listings and connect with clients.
Plumbers/HVAC/Trades: Service-oriented websites that make it easy for customers to get help fast.
E-commerce:Online stores for various products that provide a seamless shopping experience.
International Companies: Websites that reach a global audience with multi-language support.
Fitness Companies: Platforms that engage users with fitness programs and community features.
Recreation Companies: Engaging websites that capture the spirit of adventure for outdoor activities, booking systems for tours and equipment rentals, and interactive event calendars.
Law Firms and Legal Services: Professional sites that convey trust, with features for booking consultations, providing legal resources, and showcasing expertise in various legal fields.
Mortgage Brokers and Financial Advisers: User-friendly platforms that offer financial tools, calculators, and educational resources to help clients make informed decisions.
Healthcare Professionals: Websites for doctors, dentists, and therapists, with appointment scheduling, patient portals, and health blogs.
Non-Profit Organizations: Impactful websites that tell a compelling story, drive donations, and recruit volunteers through intuitive navigation and clear calls-to-action.
Educational Institutions and Tutors: Websites that serve as learning hubs, with course catalogs, registration systems, and learning management systems (LMS).
Restaurants and Catering Services: Appetizing websites with menus, reservation systems, and photo galleries to showcase culinary creations.
Beauty and Wellness Salons: Elegant websites with online booking, service menus, and e-commerce functionality for selling beauty products.
Technology Firms: Cutting-edge websites that showcase software solutions, offer client support, and feature technology blogs.
Creative Professionals: Portfolios for artists, writers, and designers that highlight individual work and provide contact information for commissions or collaborations.
Event Planners: Vibrant websites with event showcases, scheduling features, and galleries to reflect the excitement of planned events.
Transportation Services: Streamlined sites for logistics, delivery services, or private transportation companies, including fare calculators and tracking systems.

No matter what your industry, we have the expertise to build a website that fits. Our work spans across many fields, showing our ability to adapt and create tailored solutions for each client.

Established and Evolving

Since starting in 2018, we have stayed on the cutting edge of digital marketing, web design, and SEO. Our journey through the rapidly changing landscape of the internet means we bring a wealth of knowledge to your project, using proven strategies that keep your business ahead of the curve. With nearly five years of growth and learning, we’re equipped to bring modern, effective design to your website.

2. Can You Show Me Some Websites You've Designed?

Discover Our Digital Canvas

We’re proud of the work we do and we’re excited to show you! On our website, you’ll find a comprehensive portfolio showcasing a variety of the websites we’ve crafted. Here’s what we offer:

A Rich Portfolio: Browse through our collection of completed projects to see the breadth of our design capabilities.
More Upon Request: If you’re interested in seeing more, we’re more than ready to send you additional examples. We understand the importance of variety and choice in finding the perfect design inspiration.

Tailored to Your Vision

Our commitment doesn’t end at showing you what we’ve done. If something catches your eye, we’re keen to sit down with you and dissect what you love about it. Here’s how we personalize your experience:

Custom Analysis: We’ll take the time to understand the elements you’re drawn to in any design, whether it’s from our portfolio or external inspiration.
Beyond Boundaries: Your vision is limitless, and so is our dedication to creating something unique for you. We don’t do cookie-cutter; we do custom.

With us, you’re not just picking a pre-made template—you’re embarking on a creative journey to craft a web presence that’s as unique as your business.

3. Will My New Website Help My Business Grow?

Building a Strong Online Foundation

Think of your website as the home base where your customers can find you, learn about what you offer, and connect with your business. Here’s what we promise:

Google Standards Compliance: We build websites that follow Google’s rules. This is super important because it helps people find you when they search online.
Patience Pays Off: Growing your business online isn’t instant—it’s more like planting a garden. It takes time and the right care to see the full benefits. We make sure to set up everything needed for growth right from the start.
Speed and Comfort: Your website will be like a fast and comfy car for your visitors. It will work quickly and look good on phones, tablets, and computers.

An Amazing Experience for Your Customers

We focus on making websites that are easy and fun to use. When your customers like visiting your website, they stay longer and are more likely to come back. Here’s what we ensure:

User-Friendly Design: We make sure that your website is easy for everyone to use. This means that people will have a good time on your site and want to use it to find what they need.

Growing Beyond Just a Website

Having a great website is the first step. What comes next is just as important:

SEO Services: We also offer advanced services to make your website more popular on Google. This means more people can find you when they look for what you offer.
Content That Connects: We help you create cool stuff for your website that speaks to your customers. This not only gets their attention but can also make Google show your website to more people.

Your website is more than just pages and pictures—it’s a growing, living part of your business. We’re here to make sure it’s planted in the right place, with the right tools to thrive.

4. How Do You Handle User Experience and Usability?

What Are User Experience (UX) and Usability?

Before we dive into how we handle these, let’s break down what they mean:

User Experience (UX): This is all about how a person feels when they visit your website. We want them to have a great time, like being greeted with a smile when walking into a store.
Usability: This refers to how easy it is for visitors to use your website. Think of it like finding what you need in a well-organized room versus a messy one.

Making Your Website a Favorite Spot

Our goal is to make your website a place people love to visit. Here’s what we focus on:

Pleasure to Browse: Like a favorite hangout spot, your website should be a place where users want to stay and explore.
Ease of Navigation: We design so that everyone can find their way around your website effortlessly, like clear signs that guide you directly to where you want to go.
Connecting Made Simple: If a visitor wants to contact you, it should be as easy as raising their hand in class. We make sure that getting in touch with you is a hassle-free experience.

Designing with the User in Mind

From the start, we consider who will be using your website and what they need:

Understanding Your Audience: We start by getting to know your users—what they like, what they need, and how they surf the web.
Testing and Feedback: Just like practicing a speech in front of friends, we test your website with real people to make sure it’s easy and fun to use.
Continuous Improvement: We keep tweaking and improving your website, ensuring it always gives your visitors the best experience possible.

Your website is your online handshake, and we’re here to make it warm and welcoming. By focusing on UX and usability, we craft websites that not only look beautiful but feel right at home for anyone who visits.

5. Can You Integrate with My Current Branding?

Why Brand Consistency Matters

Imagine if every Coca-Cola can looked different. You’d be confused, right? Consistency helps people recognize and feel comfortable with your brand, no matter where they see it. It’s essential that your website feels like a natural part of your overall brand, just like your storefront or your business cards.

Our Approach to Harmonizing Your Brand Online

Here’s how we make sure your website is a perfect fit with your brand:

Brand Analysis: We start by getting to know your brand as if it were our own. What colors do you use? What’s your style? How do you talk to your customers? We look at everything from your logo to your latest ad campaign.
Visual Continuity: Your website will match your existing branding materials so that customers know they’re in the right place. It’s like walking into a room and instantly recognizing it’s part of your house because it feels like home.
Voice & Messaging: The words on your website will sound like they came straight from you. We’ll use the same language and tone that you use in your other materials so that the conversation with your customers continues seamlessly online.

Building for Now and for the Future

A website isn’t just a project with a start and end date; it’s a dynamic part of your business that grows and evolves. Here’s how we build with growth and longevity in mind:

Scalable Solutions: We make sure your website can grow with you. Adding new services, products, or even a new company direction? No problem. Your website will adapt and evolve as your business does.
Future Proofing: Technology changes fast, and so can market trends. We build your website with the future in mind, making sure it stays up to date with the latest design trends and tech advancements.

When you work with us, you’re not just getting a website. You’re getting a digital platform that’s a true extension of your brand, ready to grow and change as you do.

6. What SEO Best Practices Do You Implement in Your Design?

SEO: The Fuel for Online Visibility

SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is like the secret recipe that makes your website easy to find on Google. It’s super important because it helps your site show up when people search for things you offer. Without good SEO, even the coolest website might be hard to find, like a hidden treasure without a map.

Building SEO Into Your Website's DNA

From the ground up, we make sure your website is designed with SEO in mind. This isn’t just an add-on or afterthought; it’s baked into the very structure of your site. Here are some SEO-friendly features we include:

Mobile Optimization: We ensure your website looks great and works well on phones, because that’s where a lot of people will be searching from.
Fast Loading Times: We keep your website speedy. A fast site is like a fast checkout line; it keeps people happy and coming back.
Clear Navigation: We organize your website so that it’s super easy for both people and search engines to find their way around.

Our SEO Services: The Long-Term Growth Plan

Take a peek at our extensive SEO services and you’ll find a world of strategies we use to help your site climb up the Google search results. Here’s why our approach is all about the long game:

Beyond Ads: While ads can give you a quick boost, we focus on making your site strong on its own. This way, you won’t have to keep paying forever just to be seen.
Sustainable Growth: Our SEO tactics aim for steady and sustainable growth. It’s not about quick fixes; it’s about building a solid foundation that keeps working even when you’re not looking.

We steer clear of the ‘advertising trap’ where you’re stuck paying heaps of money every month for ads. Instead, we gear up your website to stand on its own two feet, drawing in traffic naturally through solid SEO practices. This means even if you pause on ads, your website keeps pulling in visitors, like a shop that people can’t stop talking about and keep coming back to.

In short, we don’t just build websites that are nice to look at; we build online powerhouses designed to rank, attract, and engage.

7. Will You Work with Me Closely, and How Will We Communicate During the Website Building Process?

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

When we build a website, it’s not just our project—it’s a team effort with you at the center. Your ideas, your vision, and your needs are the top priority. It’s like we’re joining forces to create your dream website.

Your Go-To Person: The Account Manager

Imagine having a buddy who knows all about your website project and can chat whenever you need to. That’s your dedicated account manager. They’re your main point of contact, linking you to all the magic happening behind the scenes.

Staying in Touch: Our Communication Promise

We’ve got all the modern tools to keep the conversation flowing smoothly:

Regular Check-Ins: We set up meetings on Zoom or Google Meet to catch up face-to-face, even if we’re miles apart.
Phone Calls: Sometimes, a quick call can clear things up faster than ten emails.
Email Updates: We send regular emails to keep you in the loop with what’s going on with your site.
7-Day Availability: We’re here for you every day of the week. If you have a burst of inspiration on Sunday morning or a quick question on Thursday night, we’re just a message away.

Making Your Vision a Reality

We’re not just building a website; we’re bringing your vision to life. We listen to what you want, provide our expert advice, and then make it happen. We blend your insights with our expertise to create a website that’s not only effective but uniquely yours.

Your website is a big deal, and we treat it that way. By working closely with you and keeping the lines of communication wide open, we ensure that the process is collaborative, transparent, and, most importantly, enjoyable.

8. Does Your Website Design Include Making It Easy for Google to Find My Website?

Getting Noticed Online

We want your website to be like a bright beacon on the internet, easy for Google and, most importantly, your customers to find. It’s like setting up a shop in the busiest part of town instead of a hidden alley.

The Google Connection

Here’s how we make sure Google knows all about your site:

Google’s Tools: We hook your site up with Google Search Console and Google Analytics. It’s like giving Google a map to your website and a diary of everything that happens on it.
Speedy Indexing: When your website is ready, we don’t just wait for Google to stumble upon it. We actively tell Google about your site to get it indexed, which means Google knows your site is ready for visitors.

Making Your Site a Google Magnet

Our design and development are focused on SEO best practices, which include:

Clean Code: We write code for your website that’s neat and tidy, making it easier for Google to read.
Smart Content: The words on your website aren’t just to inform your customers; they’re also there to catch Google’s attention.
User Experience: Google loves websites that people find useful and enjoyable, so we make sure yours is a joy to visit.

Boosting Your Online Presence

Our SEO services go the extra mile beyond just making your site Google-friendly. They’re about turning up the volume on your website’s presence online. Here’s a taste of what we do:

Shining in Searches: We help you climb the search results so more people can find you.
Quality Traffic: More visitors are great, but the right visitors are even better. We aim to attract people who are looking for exactly what you offer.
Building Credibility: When your site ranks high in Google, people trust you more. It’s like having a prime-time ad on TV.

Keeping Up with Google’s Ever-Changing World

Google changes its rules all the time, but we’ve got your back. We keep an eye on the latest guidelines and algorithm updates to make sure your site keeps up and maintains its visibility.

Your website will not only be a place that looks good; it will also be optimized to ensure that Google—and therefore potential customers—can find it. With our design and SEO strategies working together, your online visibility is in good hands.

9. How Much Do I Need to Pay for My New Website, and What Does That Price Include?

Clarifying the Costs

Getting a new website is a significant step for your business, so understanding the costs involved is crucial. Here’s a straightforward explanation:

The Initial Design Cost

This is the upfront amount you’ll pay to have your website designed and built. This payment covers:

Complete Website Creation: We take your ideas and turn them into a fully functioning website, tailored to your specifications.
Security Certificates: Your website will be equipped with SSL and HSTS to ensure a secure connection for your visitors.
High-Quality Hosting: We host your site on a cloud platform, ensuring fast loading times and reliable access for your users.

Ongoing Monthly Maintenance Fee

To ensure your website continues to run smoothly after it goes live, there’s a monthly fee for maintenance. This fee takes care of:

Regular Updates: We keep your website up-to-date with the latest software and security patches.
Security Monitoring: Continuous monitoring is performed to protect your site from potential threats.

Detailed Breakdown of Services

The one-time setup fee includes several critical services:

Cloud Hosting: Your website will be hosted on a cloud server, which offers reliable and scalable server infrastructure.
Advanced Security: We use Cloudflare Enterprise to give your website an extra layer of protection against various online security risks.
Expert DNS Management: Ensuring your website’s address is accurately mapped within the global digital landscape, DNS management functions as a precise coordinate system, directing internet traffic to your site effectively and without error.

Transparent Pricing

We’ll discuss your specific needs to determine the most accurate pricing for your project. You’ll receive a comprehensive quote that outlines all costs, ensuring there are no unexpected charges or hidden fees.

The investment in your new website includes everything needed to create a secure, professionally designed, and user-friendly online presence for your business. It’s not just about having a sleek new site; it’s about establishing a robust digital foundation that supports your business’s growth and success online.

10. What Happens if I Need to Update My Website Later? Can I Call You to Help Me?

Post-Launch Support and Updates

Once your website is up and running, it’s natural that you’ll want to make updates or changes as your business evolves. Here’s how we handle that:

Unlimited Revisions Policy

We understand that your website needs to grow with your business. That’s why we offer unlimited revisions. Whether it’s tweaking some text, posting a new blog entry, or swapping out an image, we’ve got you covered. Just reach out, and we’ll make the necessary updates.

Continuous Collaboration

We believe in building lasting relationships with our clients. If you need changes or have questions about updating content, you can always call us for assistance. We’re here to ensure your website continues to serve your business’s needs effectively.

Exceptional Cases

There might be special instances where updates could incur additional costs. These are typically significant undertakings such as:

Complete Website Redesign: If you’re looking to give your website a total overhaul in style and structure.
New Feature Integration: In case you want to add substantial new functionality that wasn’t included in the original build.

How It Works

For most standard updates and revisions, here’s what you can expect:

Reach Out: Just send us an email or give us a call to let us know what you need.
Review: We’ll look over your request and confirm whether it’s covered under your current plan.
Update: Our team will get to work making the changes you’ve requested.
Confirm: We’ll check back with you to make sure everything looks good and works as you expected.

In summary, we’re committed to supporting your website after launch. For standard updates, you won’t see extra charges. We’re just a call or email away when you need to refresh or adjust your site, ensuring it continues to be a dynamic and up-to-date reflection of your business.

11. What Do You Need from Me to Start and Finish the Job?

Providing the Essentials

To craft a website that truly represents your brand and meets your needs, we’ll need some essential items and information from you. Here’s a rundown of what you can prepare:

Color Choices: Your preferred color scheme is important to match your brand’s aesthetic. If you have specific hex codes or examples, that’s even better.
Headshot and Images: If your website will feature photos of you or your team, high-resolution headshots will be needed. Additionally, any other images you want to include should be provided.
Logos and Branding Materials: Send us your high-resolution logo files and any branding guidelines to ensure brand consistency across your website.
Contact Information: Provide us with the necessary contact details you want on the website, like your business email address, phone number, and physical location if relevant.
Design Inspirations: Share examples of websites or design elements you admire. This helps us understand your style preferences and what you envision for your site.
Domain Information: Access to your domain registrar will be necessary for us to connect your new website to your domain when it’s ready to launch.

Collaboration for Success

Creating a website is a collaborative effort. While we’ll guide you through every step of the process, your input is invaluable for a result that truly reflects your business. Here’s what collaboration might look like:

Kick-off Meeting: We’ll start with a meeting to discuss your goals and gather initial information.
Regular Check-ins:Throughout the process, we’ll have scheduled check-ins to review progress and gather feedback.
Content Reviews: Before anything goes live, you’ll have the opportunity to review all content and provide approvals or requests for changes.

Content Creation and Costs

Apart from the visual elements and technical details, content is key:

Written Content: We’ll need the text for your website, including information about your services, company history, and any other content you want to feature.
Product or Service Information: Detailed descriptions, pricing, and images of your products or services are crucial for e-commerce or service-based sites.

Please note, that creating original content and sourcing or producing high-quality images are typically not included in the initial website design cost. However, we do offer these services:

Content Writing and Optimization: Our team can craft compelling, SEO-optimized content that reflects your brand’s voice and appeals to your target audience.
Image Creation and Selection: If you need custom images, we can arrange professional photography or select high-quality stock images that align with your brand.
SEO Optimization for Content and Images: To improve your website’s visibility on search engines, we can optimize all content and images for SEO. This includes researching keywords, optimizing meta tags, and ensuring all media is web-ready with appropriate alt tags and file sizes.

Additional Costs

These additional services will incur extra costs, but they are a worthwhile investment to ensure that your website not only looks great but also ranks well on search engines and reaches your target audience effectively.

Continued Partnership

Throughout this journey, we view our relationship as a partnership. Your initial input, ongoing feedback, and final approval are all pivotal to launching a successful website. We’ll be in regular communication, scheduling check-ins, and reviewing content together to ensure your vision becomes a reality.

Final Approval and Launch

Your final review and approval are crucial. We’ll make sure you’re happy with every aspect of your site—from the design to the content—before going live. And remember, we’re here to offer guidance and support at every step, making the process seamless and enjoyable for you.

Final Steps

Before the website goes live, we’ll need your final stamp of approval. Once everything is in place, including your content and design elements, and you’re satisfied with how it looks and works, we’ll finalize the project and launch your brand-new website.

Remember, we’re here to guide you through the process, so you don’t have to figure everything out alone. We’ll keep you informed about what’s needed and when, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.

12. What happens if I don't like the final website?

If the final website doesn’t meet your expectations, our priority is to address your concerns and make the necessary adjustments. We believe in a collaborative approach where your input is integral at every stage of the design process. To mitigate any dissatisfaction, we provide a comprehensive mock-up, which reflects about 80% of the final design, allowing you to give us your feedback and request changes before the website is fully developed.

This mock-up stage is crucial—it’s where you can see our vision for your site and ensure it aligns with your own. If there are elements you’re not fond of or if you feel the design is not headed in the right direction, this is the perfect time to let us know. We’ll take your feedback seriously and use it to refine the design.

We stand firmly behind our work and your satisfaction, which is why we offer unlimited revisions. We understand the importance of getting your website just right, and we’re committed to working with you to tweak, refine, and adjust every aspect until it perfectly aligns with your vision. There’s no cap on the number of revisions; our promise to you is that we’ll keep honing the design until you’re thrilled with the result.

Your feedback is crucial at every step of the design process, and we’re ready to listen and respond with changes, big or small, to ensure the final website is exactly what you envisioned. Our dedication is to create a website that doesn’t just meet your expectations but exceeds them, serving as a powerful and true representation of your brand. With unlimited revisions, we give you the peace of mind that your website will evolve into the ideal online presence you require, no matter how many tweaks it takes.

We understand the importance of having a website that you’re proud to share with the world, and we’re committed to making that happen. If adjustments need to be made after the site goes live, we’ll be there to ensure that your website evolves along with your business needs and preferences.

Final Thoughts

Asking the right questions when hiring a web designer isn’t just a smart move—it’s a critical step in ensuring the success of your online business strategy. A website is more than just a collection of pages and images; it’s a dynamic and interactive platform that represents your brand, communicates with your audience, and often serves as the first point of contact with potential customers.

By using the outlined questions as a guide, you’re not just gathering information; you’re investing in the future of your business. You’re ensuring that the person or team you hire aligns with your vision, understands your industry, and is capable of crafting a website that not only looks good but also performs well in today’s competitive digital landscape.

Take these questions, reach out to prospective designers, and engage in conversations that will reveal their approach, their expertise, and their dedication to your project. It’s through these discussions that you’ll find a partner who can bring your digital aspirations to life.

Remember, a well-designed website is a powerful tool. It can broaden your reach, enhance your brand’s credibility, and drive your business goals. Whether you’re looking to establish your brand, generate leads, or provide stellar customer experiences, the foundation lies in a robust, professional, and user-friendly website.

If you’re ready to take the next step and secure the cornerstone of your online presence, we are here to assist. Our team is dedicated to creating websites that not only resonate with your brand identity but also leverage the latest technologies and strategies to ensure your success.

Don’t leave your digital footprint to chance. Get in touch with us or book a one-on-one consultation to discuss how we can help build a website that is tailored to your unique needs and goals. Schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a stronger, more impactful online presence. Your vision deserves a website that not only meets but exceeds expectations—let’s make it happen together.