what to ask a web design company?

Before you hire web designers, whether it's a freelancer or an agency, it's important to conduct your due diligence to ensure you get the best experience and results. This guide will let you identify the questions you should ask a web developer prior to making an hiring decision.

If there's one thing we've learned in the course of our many years of developing websites for non-profit organizations - it's that we operate in a field that doesn't have the most reputable image. It is unfortunate that this field is brimming with "agencies" and contractors who simply want your money and they're not looking to help you succeed. It's a nightmare when we witness this with any client but seeing charities being abused by it, that really annoys us!

Questions to Ask a Web Designer or an Agency! The basics

These questions can really assist you in understanding all you must be aware of in order to make the best choice you can for your website's design and launch!

1.) What has been your experience with non-profits?

Find out how long they've worked with non-profit groups, look at their portfolio and inquire what they do to stay current on the latest trends in the industry so that they can most effectively serve their non-profit clients. In the field of non-profits, it is essential to find an expert who can understand the distinct needs of the online market to attract and convert.

2.) What is the way your agency is structure?

Certain companies do employ full-time employees, while other agencies are virtual and employ only contractors. There isn't a "right" method to accomplish things, and your experience one or the other could be either good or negative.

Virtual agencies typically provide better rates, however they may have delivery issues because there are no "controls" in place to control personnel. We suggest checking references with clients who are currently using them so that you are aware of any issues that might arise from the use of a virtual agency that you're considering.

3.) What are the main products you provide?

You should ensure that the service they provide is compatible with your requirements. If they mostly work using Drupal as well as Joomla and you are looking for WordPress for your website, then you might prefer an organization with this experience.

We strongly recommend finding an organization with the complete web design and development, content, and SEO knowledge you need for a successful launch. All of these parts need to work together for the best final

4.) Are they able to count customers who are awestruck by them?

Do not just ask for recommendations Ask how many customers they have with them for a long time.

Even for a few minutes of maintenance, it is important to be aware that customers are coming back for assistance - which implies they're trusted and have enjoyed a fantastic developing experience.

5.) What criteria do they use to define an effective web development project?

Certain agencies focus solely on awards from the industry as a measure of achievement, while some use analytics and conversions, which do you choose?

Many organizations will display awards to demonstrate their value however, you should be asking questions relevant to traffic, conversions, and engagement to assess their value. Have they got case studies and statistics they could provide to showcase their success stories in web development?

6.) Which qualifications does the person possess?

You need to ensure that the person you work with is a professional who is active in their field in different ways. Are they featured in any publications? Do they have media mentions, speaking engagements, or active memberships in similar industries

7) How how long has their business been running?

Make sure you are confident about the person you select! You need to ensure that the agency you partner with is long-lasting and able to assist you, and also that they have a proven track record and financial capacity to stay in operation. Perform an instant Google search to check the way they're displayed on the internet and to verify their previous information.

8.) Do we be assigned a project manager?

It is crucial to have a point of contact in order to get answers to questions or receive updates about the project. If they provide an administrator for the project, be sure to inquire about their degree of technical expertise is.

They must be able to manage the design and technical questions. If they need to relay your queries to someone else to find the answers, it could delay responses and create confusion with the information being communicated.

9) Does stock imagery come with it?

For the majority of non-profits, it's all about telling stories! If you don't have pictures that a web developer can make use of, it is essential to identify the person who is responsible for paying for images from stock that are needed to be used on the site.

10.) Do we get all the files and take the full control of the website once it is finished?

You must ensure that once you're done with the project, all rights and files to the website will be transferred to your non-profit organization and you are granted complete access to all codes images, content and files of the site.

11.) Do you provide training for your staff members If so, what kind?

If your staff isn't knowledgeable about technology or switching to the use of a CMS that you're not familiar with , it is essential to inquire what kind of training will get.

Certain agencies provide training through screen sharing, video or written instructions (sometimes all three!) Some will provide no training. It is essential to find an organization that can help you in the way that you require it the most!

12) What type of post-launch assistance can you provide?

It is a sad fact that this is the place the area where we witness many bad situations take place. There are many agencies that provide excellent post-launch support. It is crucial to address this issue and ask for feedback from existing customers about the way they handle the support.

13.) Do your fees are hourly, or based on the project?

While some agencies might offer an upfront quote for flat rates however, they could actually charge "per an hour" for projects which could result in you with a higher cost at the final. It is essential to understand the exact scope of your project's scope at the amount they charge you.

14) Is your agency planning to include our current or new web-based content?

If you already have a website, you must identify who will be responsible for transferring the content onto the new site and if you'll need to update or add new information, who will handle this?

15) Are you able to install and set up Google Analytics for us?

Analytical data is essential to know if the revamp was successful, as well as understanding the best ways to enhance the user experience. Web developers must install the tracking code on your behalf and we suggest setting up basic event tracking such as the submission of contact forms and so on that will give you useful information to analyse