Questions to Ask a Web Designer - Choosing a Web Designer

If you have gone through the “Top 7 Things to Do Before You Start Working With a Web Designer” you might be ready to contact some web designers. It can be an overwhelming decision in choosing the right web designer. Just as with any other profession, all web designers are NOT created equal.

Choosing a Web Designer

Before you get started or sign a service agreement with a web designer make sure you ask these questions (at a minimum – please ask more if you have them).

How long does the process take?
What is expected of me during the process?
What type of communication will there be?
What are the costs I can expect to pay associated with the website?
Do you create websites in WordPress?
Are you the designer who will be the one working on my website?
Do I have complete control and ownership of my website?
Do you have experience with internet marketing?
Do you do any search engine optimization (SEO) on my site?
Do you provide any training information for me to be able to update my own site?
What support is available after the website goes live?
How much does it cost?

I’d be happy to talk with you more about any of these questions in a consultation you can schedule here.

How long does the process take?

There are many variables and each client moves at a difference pace. Depending on the package that works best for you, the range is 2-8 weeks. In your consultation we can discuss this in more detail.

What type of communication will there be?

If you sign up to work with Virtual Design you’ll receive your designers direct phone line to call and/or text. Your main email contact would be our project manager. We usually schedule two phone calls and handle back and forth over email, however you are encourage to call or text your designer at any time you need.

What are some additional costs I can expect to pay?

There are additional third party costs you can expect to pay outside of the package price. This can vary but here are some general examples:

You need a domain name which will be about $12-$15 per year.
You will need website hosting which is usually $7-$15 per month for shared hosting – we do not host websites and we believe you should own all rights and have access.
If you want email marketing set up, that is usually $20-$30 a month.
If you want to include stock images you may need to purchase those. We like 123rf.com and istockphoto.com.
Depending on the design of your site you may need a license for a specific WordPress theme.

Do you create websites in WordPress?

Yes and at this time this is the only platform we build in. We have used many different web builders and platforms before and we believe WordPress is the best choice for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Read more here.

Do you contract the website design out to a different company?

Absolutely not! This is a very common practice and oftentimes fails to deliver the results you are expecting from a professional site. We do not participate in this practice. You will always work individually with your design team.

Do I have complete control and ownership of my website?

Yes! 100%! Our biggest issue with other website designers is that they “hold a site hostage”. You should have 100% control of your site and ownership! This means your domain and hosting are registered in YOUR name. A theme license should be through your account. Regardless if you work with us or not, this is something you should consider when creating a website.

Do you have experience with internet marketing?

We have extensive experience with internet marketing and have helped clients in many different industries build successful online businesses. We have been helping clients with internet marketing since 2005. Our premium website package includes internet marketing assistance if you were looking for some more help.

Do you do any search engine optimization (SEO) on my site?

Yes we do on-site SEO with our comprehensive and premium website package. We also offer an à la carte SEO package and an SEO online blogging program.

Do you provide any training information for me to be able to update my own site?

Our basic website design clients receive training videos. Our comprehensive and premium clients receive a customized comprehensive closing packet which includes information about the site we have created, an individualized section on SEO, and more. We also schedule a closing call together to go over any questions after our clients review the closing packet/materials.

What support is available after the website goes live?

We offer a VIP client package to help our clients update their websites on a monthly basis.

How much does it cost to build a website?

Depending on the size and features of your website you can expect to pay $2500-$5500 for a professional website.