1. Check portfolio
This is the website designer's shop window and should see a range of different sites they have designed.
Ensure that the websites they show are still online - if the websites are no longer in existence, the portfolio is not up to date.
If they show thumbnails, check that the actual website looks like the thumbnail. If it does not, that's a possible sign that the new website design hasn't been used.
2. Do they use WordPress?
While some website designers will sigh at you asking that question, it's still a good one to ask.
Over 1 in every five new sites now use WordPress. It means that if your designer disappears off the face of the earth or you fall out with them, you're not stuck.
If your website is shop-based, then your designer should suggest something such as ZenCart or Magento. Still otherwise, unless your needs are incredibly complicated, they should be using WordPress.
3. Will pricing be transparent?
Even though WordPress is free, that doesn't mean that the website designer's time is free. That's fair enough.
The extras that are included may or may not be chargeable. This consists of the site's actual design - if it's a freely-available template, then your designer should be upfront about this. Make sure you're not caught out!
4. Will the site be search engine optimized?
Search engine optimization (SEO) isn't a universal skill.
While you shouldn't necessarily expect your website designer to be fully conversant with all the latest tips and tricks, some SEO components have been around since the internet was born.
Check that your designer has at least a basic knowledge of SEO and that they will make sure that the page titles, page descriptions and headlines on your new site are tweaked accordingly.
If they write the website copy for you, that should be reasonably well SEO'd. If you provide the document, make sure to make suggestions if it's not up to scratch.
5. How will it be for me to make changes?
If you don't want to be going back to your site designer every time you need to change words or prices.
WordPress is easy to use, and your designer should allow you to make changes on website or even add new web pages without going back to them.
If that doesn't appeal. Then the offer of a maintenance package could well be your option.
6. Who will own domain name, and where will site be hosted?
You must be the owner of your domain name, not your website designer.
Likewise, it's good practice to host your website on the internet rather than use the shared package that your website designer offers you.
You'll certainly get a better standard of hosting, which is essential for your website visitors, as well as being less reliant on someone who is not an expert in the field. You need the peace of mind that if your site is unavailable, a specialist company will take care of you fast.
7. What happens if we fall out?
While it's unthinkable at the start of the website design process, it's by no means unheard of for people to fall out with their website designers.
You should take care of this while you're still on speaking terms!
Check out who will own the design, whether there will be any exit costs, what happens with any custom code, etc.
It's much better to do this at the start.
Check out these NUUN Digital website designers and ensure that your website design gets off to a great start.