Hiring a Web Designer: Planning Questions — Part 2

11. What is the website project timeline?

Your website project timeline depends mainly on the scope of work, the content required and the time needed for reviews, testing and approval. You should ask how much time will be spent on your website and also what happens if they happen to run over schedule. The schedule may be delayed if the required content is not supplied by the agreed date.

12. How many pages will my website consist of?

Once the content for the site has been agreed by both sides, your designer/developer will be able to explain the best course of action for your project. They may decide that a one-page scrolling site would fit your needs perfectly. Or they may split the content into many pages and sections to help the user experience. Many brochure websites consist of the same standard pages; Homepage, About Us, Services, FAQs, Gallery, Contact Us, and Privacy/Terms of Conditions sections. Many websites also include a blog, giving visitors useful updates and answers to relevant questions. Its value depends on the quality and purpose of the content.

13. How involved can I be throughout the project?

In your initial meeting with your designer they should discuss at length various subjects with you. These should include the tone and style you want to portray, other websites that you have seen online that you like the look of and the general feel that you want for your end design. They should also focus on general aesthetics that you’re hoping for with regard to site components and also provide strategic information for the purpose of your website, your target audience and its content e.g. text, pictures and apps. A good designer will work with you from start to finish and make sure you are happy at every stage.

14. What happens if I am unhappy with the design?

Usually there will be an agreement at the initial briefing regarding revisions on design work. Your designer should deliver various options for colours, typefaces and general layouts and images before too much of the main design has been completed. It’s important that you review the design company’s policy regarding changes before you sign up and choose your designer.

15. What is needed from me before they can start?

You will need to provide your own approved copy (text) also any images that you have chosen or taken as early on as possible. This will allow the designer to assign a start date where they know they will be able to carry out a decent amount of work in one hit. If you are choosing to use the design company’s copywriter or graphic designer, then you will also need to have as much info to hand for the web design brief, or soon after.

16. Will my website be easy to expand, edit and add to as my company grows?

It is imperative that your website be built on a platform that is easily modified without too much disruption, or even better, modified by you. You may want to add new products or services, and this can be an expensive process if the website hasn’t been built with that in mind from the get go. A platform such as WordPress supports content editing and extensions, but its suitability depends on your requirements and how the website is built.

17. Are you able to also create a logo for my new business?

Many web designers can design a logo for you but make sure that you review their previous work before committing. Look for original work that suits the business and ask how the design process is managed. A designer with relevant experience in both web design and graphic design can help coordinate the two projects. Having all of your projects completed by the same individual creates a strong brand and sense of unity.

18. Where will the images for my website come from?

If you have personal images that you want to include on your website, this is absolutely fine, providing they are of sufficient quality, if not; you always have the millions of stock images available to you. Spend as long as you can scanning through relevant images on websites such as Shutterstock and let your designer know which ones you have chosen. Check the current image price and licence for the intended use, and agree whether those costs are included in your website proposal.

19. Will my new website reflect my current brand?

You will want to be certain that your designer understands your current corporate identity and adheres to the styling throughout each new design element. Crucial elements such as colours, typefaces and graphic styling are all very much a part of your visual branding and will need to be retained in every way possible. Consistency across all of your media should be your number one goal for a strong brand.

20. After the site goes live, how do you measure results?

Your web designer should discuss with you all stages of the web development including what happens once the site goes live. Agree which analytics service will be used, who can access it and which enquiries or sales you want to measure. Useful reporting depends on the tracking setup and available data; review it alongside your business results when planning marketing and SEO improvements.