If you are at the stage of business where you are looking to employ a web designer then hold up, you need to do your research! With so many cowboys (and girls) out there it is essential that you assume the role of an interrogator, asking as many questions as possible before parting with your money. This is especially important if you are a start-up, not wanting to waste your valuable pennies on marketing efforts that may not stick.
At Mobo we have created websites, applications and software for various different types of business, both reputable brands and new businesses. Through our experiences we have heard some horror stories, with many of our clients being stung in the past due to not asking the right questions.
In a plea to prevent such occurrences we have put together a string of questions we suggest you ask your web designer.
HOW BIG IS YOUR TEAM?
While one-man bands are capable of creating and deploying stunning designs a sizeable team instils a lot more confidence, suggesting that the company has lots of stings to their digital bow. Bigger teams will boast more ideas, helping you arrive at the solution that best assists yours plans.
IS YOUR CONTENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY PROPRIETARY OR OPEN SOURCE?
What many web design agencies do is withhold certain access, a tactic used to ensure you revisit their services in the future. This is particularly important to think about when looking into your site’s CMS (Content Management System), gauging how much access you will have to the front and backend. At Mobo we like to be very transparent about such features, giving clients the option to use open source or custom-made systems.
IS THERE A MAINTENANCE CHARGE?
While many people see sites as finite the truth is many tweaks and changes will have to be made along the way, with websites needing to reflect business changes for marketing purposes. For this reason you need a heads up as to how your designer will charge for additional work, with the majority of professionals charging by the hour.
HOW DO YOU PRICE PROJECTS?
Too often do we see design agencies plucking prices out of thin air, changing payment demands throughout the design process. What we advice it that you request an itemised bill in advance, gaining a clear understanding of what it is you are paying for. This should include everything from planning, draft designs and the CMS to hosting, content and any other features and add-ons.
ESTIMATE TIMELINE
Where timeframes can be harsh on creativity there are nonetheless required, allowing you to plan the rest of your business around the launch of the new site. This is certainly the case if you are a tech-based business, needing a website to show that you have your finger on the pulse and are ready to take customer enquiries.
RECEIVE A QUOTE FOR WEB DESIGN TODAY
Contact MOBO today and speak with one of our design experts, they will be sure to answer all of the about questions.
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