15 Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Professional Website Designer in Sydney
13 August, 2024
Website creation is one of the most important initial steps of a business establishment that determines its success in the coming days. In this modern digital age, every business organization has an official business website that creates its digital presence and helps to cater to more customers. It is an integral part that all kinds of businesses and individuals have regardless of the scale of the operation. When it comes to web development and designing, everyone wants to opt for the experts.
If you are also looking for the best professional website designer in Sydney, you might have to go through a wide array list as the market is filled with such web designing agencies. While it can be difficult to find the best web designer or the best agency among all; you can always find the most suitable one for your website needs by asking the right questions. It is not like an interview, but rather the first base of business communication which further leads to agreement and dealing. Here are a few things to keep in mind,
- Make sure to start the meeting after a bit of introduction and chit-chat
- Talk About budget as early as possible since you can’t go overboard
- Always remember that it is a conversation and not a pitch, so both parties talk
- Prepare yourself with a list of relevant questions that help to opt for the most suitable one
If you are willing to hire a web designer and not sure where should you start asking; here is a set of 15 relevant questions and answers that help you proceed to the best possible choice.
1. How would you know the nitty-gritty of our business?
It is an important question to ask as your website needs to reflect your brand and the business. If the designer is unaware of its key details, the website might not appear and focus on the brand. The professionals might want to talk or consult with the stakeholders as well as other team members and sometimes even the clients to make sure visitors can find everything on the web pages that they are looking for. If they just ask for a reference website, probably they are not focused on the project and will be offering something generic with copied styles.
2. Can I talk to your previous clients who had similar goals to mine?
It is a reputable agency in the market, they will be more than happy to let you talk to other clients as they are proud of their work and keep close communication with the clients. It also showcases transparency in the projects. The unreliable agencies will be more likely to ignore your demand and ask you to check the reviews which can be also fake or paid. Talk to previous clients to get a better idea of how effective the agency is.
3. How are you willing the measure the data and other results of the project?
It is a crucial question based on analytics as data-driven insights are highly important. The goal here is to generate more potential and qualified leads along with an ample amount of organic exposure and web traffic. In this case, the best answer would be the revelation of the technology and tools that the company utilizes. They should also assure you of offering real-time data that proves their transparency.
4. Do you offer website designing and marketing services both?
You need to hire an agency that is primarily dependent on their services of web designing and development without focusing on the other services. While they can provide additional services that should not be the main focus here. Also, check whether they have a team of skilled professionals for the task or not as you do not want your website to be built by marketing experts.
5. What are your approaches to User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX)?
The agency you hire must provide a user-centric approach that makes the website more interactive and appealing for niche users and potential customers. They must understand, define, and map out their target audiences first and then create a website by keeping in mind their needs. They might even want to run interviews and that’s absolutely fine unless they just offer you some already-used template.
6. How do you address SEO needs in the web designing process?
While there are off-page SEO practices, the on-page practices start quite early. Professional web designers are well aware of that and they will work on it from the beginning to make sure your website is robust, dynamic, and capable of appearing at the top with every relevant search result. If an agency only incorporates keywords before the website goes live; clearly, they have no clue of how website SEO works effectively.
7. How do you make sure that the website is accessible to all?
Accessibility is one of the most important aspects of every website and there are some standard rules that need to be followed. Professional and experienced services providers know that plenty of elements of design, color, copy, navigation, and keyboard shortcuts should comprised in the website that makes it more accessible even for users with disabilities. A company that only claims to make the website user-friendly and fails to do so is more likely a waste of investment.
8. Do you focus on the Website’s mobile-friendly attributes?
It goes without saying that most online users interact with a website from their smartphones only and therefore, all websites should be mobile-friendly which increases its accessibility. The web agency you hire should offer you a highly compatible website that works on mobiles, tablets, laptops, and every other device which are commonly used by online users for browsing.
9. How do you like to handle changes in scope?
A professional and reputable web design agency will not burden you with hidden fees. A scope question is usually related to money and you should definitely ask it. While the scope can change, the budget or expenses for those changes should remain unchanged.
10. Can I sit with your team?
It is a very common and valid question to ask as you want to work with a team of professionals and not just a bunch of freelancers since you can hire them at much less cost. Sitting with the team will help you convey your raw ideas better while getting a fair idea of their expertise. Most agencies can disagree with this request with an excuse that everyone is busy. But it is better not to proceed without any precaution.
11. What is your alternative plan in case the team falls short on some particular day?
Well, it is only common for professional agencies to have a big team where one can back up the absence of a member. The company you are looking forward to hiring must have some contingency plans that help to proceed with the project without stopping the progress. However, small firms and independent web designers cannot provide quick solutions to such problems. So, make sure to hire someone trustworthy.
12. Can updates be made after the website is built? How?
Building a website does not happen overnight and the process continues even after the website is completely built. It can even take years with updates and post developments which are required to fit within the changing trends of the market. You have a complete right to know how your website will be updated and maintained in the coming days and whether it is safe to run your business along with the development.
13. Do you utilize AI in the web designing process?
In which aspect do you use it? Innovation is one of the greatest virtues of most successful companies these days. In modern days, Artificial intelligence plays a vital role in the growth of every company and you should also know whether your agency incorporates AI in the web designing process or not. If they use AI, there is a greater chance that they are also aware of the modern trends in the evolving industries. They are not afraid to create contemporary and creative ideas with the help of AI.
14. Do you take on all kinds of projects or there is some niche that you prefer?
Web designing companies are dynamic and they can work in almost every industry with their expertise. While these agencies are great for getting all kinds of projects through a common platform; an agency that specializes in your particular niche industry will offer you more potential clients than the rest. An agency that does not specialize in anything has no stronghold.
15. Do you offer any discounts for long-term projects?
When you finally find a reliable agency, it is time for you to create a long-term relationship with them that can help you gain a discount in the coming days.
Go through a complete consultancy with the companies that you want to hire and ask the aforementioned questions to find your suitable agency.
