How to Choose a Web Designer: 26 Essential Questions (2024 Guide)
Imagine this: A potential customer, coffee in hand, is scrolling through their phone. In just 50 milliseconds - that's faster than a blink - they'll form an opinion about your website. And here's the kicker: 75% of users admit to judging a company's credibility based on their website design alone.
In today's digital race, your website isn't just a fancy online brochure. It's your 24/7 salesperson, your brand ambassador, and often, the first handshake between you and your potential customers. But here's the million-dollar question: Is your website a welcoming front door or a confusing maze?
Choosing the right web designer is like picking the architect for your dream home. Get it right, and you'll have a digital masterpiece that converts visitors into customers. Get it wrong, and... well, let's just say you might as well be invisible online.
But don't sweat it! We've got your back. This isn't just another run-of-the-mill guide. It's your secret weapon in the quest for digital dominance. We're about to walk you through the essential questions that separate the web design wizards from the wannabes.
By the time you finish this guide, you'll be armed with:
- The insider knowledge to spot a great web designer from a mile away
- The confidence to ask the right questions (and understand the answers)
- The tools to make a decision that will supercharge your online presence
Ready to turn your website from a digital wallflower into the belle of the online ball? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a journey that could revolutionize your business. Let's dive in!
Why This Decision Matters
Selecting the wrong web designer can lead to numerous issues:
- Poor user experience and low conversion rates
- Weak search engine performance
- Difficulty in making updates
- Lack of mobile responsiveness
- Security vulnerabilities
- Accessibility problems
On the other hand, the right web designer can create a powerful online asset that drives business growth, enhances your brand, and provides a seamless user experience for your visitors.
Essential Questions to Ask Potential Web Designers
1. "How do you approach understanding our business and goals?"
🟢Best Answer: "Our process begins with in-depth stakeholder interviews, including front-line team members and, if possible, some of your actual clients. We believe this upfront research is crucial. We can't create effective web pages until we thoroughly understand the information needs of your visitors and your business objectives."
🚩Red Flag: "Just send us your brand guidelines and a list of websites you like. We'll use the copy from your current site and update anything you want to change."
Why It Matters: A web designer who prioritizes understanding your business will create a site that truly represents your brand and meets your specific needs. They should be focused on content strategy and user needs, not just aesthetics.
2. "Can you walk me through your design process?"
🟢Best Answer: "Our design process is user-centric and data-driven. We start with user research and persona development. We then create wireframes and prototypes, which we test with real users. Our designs are always created with both desktop and mobile in mind. Throughout the process, we consider SEO, accessibility, and conversion optimization. We involve you at key stages for feedback and approval."
🚩Red Flag: "We'll show you some templates, and you can pick the one you like best. Then we'll customize it with your logo and colours."
Why It Matters: A thorough design process ensures that your website will be tailored to your specific needs and audience, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.
3. "How do you approach search engine optimization (SEO)?"
🟢Best Answer: "SEO is integrated into our entire web design process. We start by analysing your current search performance to preserve existing rankings. We conduct keyword research to inform site architecture and content strategy. When creating content, we optimize for search while ensuring it remains engaging and conversion-focused. We also implement technical SEO best practices, including proper heading structure, schema markup, and optimized meta tags."
🚩Red Flag: "We'll add some keywords to your content before launch and install an SEO plugin."
Why It Matters: SEO should be a fundamental consideration throughout the design process, not an afterthought. A web designer with a strong SEO approach will help ensure your site is discoverable by your target audience.
4. "How do you ensure the website is accessible to all users, including those with disabilities?"
🟢Best Answer: "Accessibility is a priority in all our projects. We adhere to WCAG guidelines, aiming for at least AA compliance. This involves careful consideration of colour contrast, keyboard navigation, alt text for images, proper heading structure, and ARIA attributes where necessary. We also conduct accessibility audits and user testing with assistive technologies. Not only does this make the site usable for people with disabilities, but it also improves usability for all users and helps with SEO."
🚩Red Flag: "We can look into specific accessibility features if required."
Why It Matters: An accessible website is not just ethically important and legally required in many jurisdictions, but it also expands your potential audience and can improve overall user experience.
5. "What is your approach to mobile responsiveness?"
🟢Best Answer: "We design with a mobile-first approach, ensuring that the site works flawlessly on all devices. We analyse your current traffic to understand the breakdown of desktop vs. mobile users. Our designs are created and tested across multiple device sizes and orientations. We pay special attention to load times on mobile devices and optimize accordingly."
🚩Red Flag: "Our WordPress theme is responsive, so it should work on mobile."
Why It Matters: With mobile traffic often exceeding desktop for many websites, a seamless mobile experience is crucial for user satisfaction and SEO performance.
Team Composition and Project Management
6. "Can I meet the team who will be working on my project?"
🟢Best Answer: "Absolutely. We believe in transparency and building strong client relationships. We'd be happy to arrange a meeting with the key team members who will be working on your project. This typically includes the project manager, lead designer, lead developer, and content strategist."
🚩Red Flag: "Our team is currently busy with other projects, but I can share their bios with you."
Why It Matters: Meeting the team allows you to assess their expertise, communication skills, and cultural fit with your organization. It also ensures that the people you're meeting during the sales process are actually the ones who will be working on your project.
7. "How many similar projects has your team worked on together?"
🟢Best Answer: "Our core team has collaborated on over 50 projects similar to yours in the past three years. We have a stable team with low staff turnover, which means we've developed strong working relationships and efficient processes."
🚩Red Flag: "We assemble custom teams for each project based on the specific requirements."
Why It Matters: A team with a history of working together will likely have better communication, more efficient processes, and a track record of solving similar challenges.
8. "What's your project management approach?"
🟢Best Answer: "We use an Agile methodology adapted for web design projects. This involves breaking the project into sprints, with regular check-ins and deliverables. We use project management software that gives you real-time visibility into progress. Our process is flexible enough to accommodate changes but structured enough to keep the project on track and on budget."
🚩Red Flag: "We'll touch base weekly to discuss progress."
Why It Matters: A well-defined project management approach helps ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget, while also allowing for necessary flexibility.
Technical Capabilities and Integration
9. "What content management system (CMS) do you recommend and why?"
🟢Best Answer: "We typically recommend WordPress for its flexibility, robust ecosystem, and user-friendly interface. However, we're also experienced with other options like Webflow or Shopify. The final recommendation would depend on your specific needs, such as the complexity of your content structure, the need for multiple user roles, and your team's technical capabilities. We'd be happy to discuss the pros and cons of different options in the context of your project."
🚩Red Flag: "We only work with [specific CMS] because it's the best."
Why It Matters: The choice of CMS can significantly impact your ability to manage and update your site in the future. A web designer should be able to recommend a solution that best fits your specific needs, not just the one they're most comfortable with.
10. "How do you handle integrations with other systems (CRM, marketing automation, etc.)?"
🟢Best Answer: "We have extensive experience integrating websites with various third-party systems. Our process starts with a thorough analysis of your current tech stack and integration needs. We then develop a detailed integration plan, considering factors like data flow, API limitations, and security concerns. We've successfully integrated with popular CRMs like Salesforce and HubSpot, marketing automation tools like Marketo and Mailchimp, and e-commerce platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce. We also ensure proper testing of all integrations and provide documentation for future maintenance."
🚩Red Flag: "We can add any integrations you need. Just let us know what systems you use, and we'll figure it out."
Why It Matters: Proper integration is crucial for creating a cohesive digital ecosystem. A web designer with integration experience can help streamline your business processes and improve overall efficiency.
11. "How do you approach website security?"
🟢Best Answer: "Security is a top priority in all our projects. Our approach includes several layers:
- Secure coding practices to prevent common vulnerabilities like SQL injection and cross-site scripting.
- Regular updates of all software, including the CMS, themes, and plugins.
- Implementation of strong password policies and two-factor authentication.
- Use of SSL certificates for all sites.
- Regular security audits and penetration testing.
- Setup of automated backups with easy restore options.
- Employee training on security best practices. We also provide ongoing security monitoring and maintenance as part of our support packages."
🚩Red Flag: "We install a security plugin that takes care of everything."
Why It Matters: Website security is crucial for protecting your data, your customer's data, and your reputation. A comprehensive security approach helps prevent breaches and ensures quick recovery if an incident does occur.
12. "How do you ensure fast loading times?"
🟢Best Answer: "We prioritize performance optimization throughout the development process. This includes:
- Efficient coding practices and minimizing HTTP requests.
- Image optimization and lazy loading.
- Leveraging browser caching and content delivery networks (CDNs).
- Minification of CSS, JavaScript, and HTML.
- Database optimization for dynamic content. We use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix to measure and improve performance. We also set performance budgets at the beginning of the project and continuously monitor to ensure we meet these targets."
🚩Red Flag: "We use a caching plugin to speed up the site."
Why It Matters: Site speed is crucial for user experience and SEO. Google considers page speed in its ranking algorithm, and users are likely to abandon slow-loading sites.
Content Strategy and Creation
13. "What's your approach to content strategy and creation?"
🟢Best Answer: "Our content strategy process begins with a comprehensive audit of your existing content and an analysis of your target audience's needs and behaviours. We then develop a content plan that aligns with your business goals and SEO strategy. This includes:
- Defining key messages and tone of voice
- Creating a content calendar
- Developing a mix of content types (blog posts, case studies, videos, infographics, etc.)
- Establishing a workflow for content creation, review, and approval
While we can create content in-house, we're also happy to work with your team or existing content creators. Our goal is to ensure that your website not only looks great but also effectively communicates your value proposition and engages your target audience."
🚩Red Flag: "We'll just take the content from your old site and make it fit the new design."
Why It Matters: Content is the heart of your website. A strong content strategy ensures that your site effectively communicates your message and provides value to your visitors, which is crucial for engagement and conversions.
14. "How do you optimize for conversions?"
🟢Best Answer: "Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) is integrated into our design process from the start. We begin by defining clear conversion goals for each page. Our approach includes:
- Designing clear and compelling calls-to-action (CTAs)
- Implementing persuasive copywriting techniques
- Using heatmaps and user session recordings to understand user behaviour
- Conducting A/B tests on key elements like headlines, CTAs, and form designs
- Optimizing page load times to reduce bounce rates
- Ensuring a smooth user journey towards conversion goals
Post-launch, we continue to monitor conversion rates and make data-driven improvements. We use tools like Google Analytics and Hotjar to gather insights and inform our optimization efforts."
🚩Red Flag: "We place contact forms and phone numbers prominently on the site."
Why It Matters: A beautiful website is of little value if it doesn't help you achieve your business goals. A focus on conversion optimization ensures that your website is not just a brochure, but a powerful sales and lead generation tool.
Post-Launch Support and Maintenance
15. "What kind of support and maintenance do you offer after the site launch?"
🟢Best Answer: "We view the launch as the beginning of our partnership, not the end. Our post-launch support includes:
- 24/7 monitoring for uptime and security issues
- Regular software updates (CMS, plugins, themes)
- Daily off-site backups with easy restore options
- Monthly performance reports and recommendations
- Ongoing SEO monitoring and optimization
- A dedicated support team for quick resolution of any issues
We offer various support packages to fit different needs and budgets. All packages include a guaranteed response time for support requests. We also provide training for your team on how to manage and update content on the new site."
🚩Red Flag: "We offer 30 days of support after launch. After that, you can contact us if you need help, and we'll bill hourly."
Why It Matters: Websites require ongoing maintenance to stay secure, up-to-date, and perform optimally. A comprehensive support package ensures your site continues to serve your business well long after the initial launch.
16. "How do you handle future updates and redesigns?"
🟢Best Answer: "We design with the future in mind, using modular approaches that make it easy to update and expand your site as your business grows. Our process includes:
- Thorough documentation of the site structure and custom features
- Use of version control systems for all code
- Implementation of a staging environment for testing updates
- Regular check-ins to discuss your evolving business needs
When it comes time for more significant updates or redesigns, we start with a comprehensive audit of your current site's performance and your new business goals. We then follow a similar process to our initial design, ensuring we maintain what's working well while implementing improvements."
🚩Red Flag: "We can make updates as needed. For redesigns, we'd start from scratch with a new project."
Why It Matters: Your business and the digital landscape are constantly evolving. Choosing a web designer with a clear plan for future updates ensures your website can grow and change with your business.
17. "How do you measure and report on the website's performance?"
🟢Best Answer: "We believe in data-driven decision-making. Our performance measurement and reporting process includes:
- Setting up comprehensive Google Analytics tracking, including goal tracking and event tracking
- Implementing additional tools as needed (e.g., heatmaps, user recordings)
- Creating custom dashboards for easy monitoring of key metrics
- Providing monthly performance reports with analysis and recommendations
- Quarterly strategy sessions to review performance and plan improvements
We focus on metrics that align with your business goals, which might include traffic growth, engagement metrics, conversion rates, or specific business KPIs. We're also happy to integrate with your existing reporting tools and processes."
🚩Red Flag: "We can set up Google Analytics for you to track visits."
Why It Matters: Ongoing measurement and analysis are crucial for understanding your website's impact on your business and identifying areas for improvement. A web designer who prioritizes performance tracking will help ensure your website continues to deliver value over time.
Business Practices and Pricing
18. "What's your pricing structure, and what's included in your quotes?"
🟢Best Answer: "We believe in transparent, value-based pricing. Our quotes are comprehensive and include:
- All design and development work
- Content creation or migration (as agreed)
- Project management
- Testing and quality assurance
- Training for your team
- 30-day post-launch support
We typically work on a fixed-price basis for the entire project, broken down into milestones. This approach provides you with budget certainty while allowing for flexibility as the project evolves. We also offer optional ongoing support and maintenance packages. For more information on website costings, you can check out our guide to 'How much does a website cost?'
Our pricing is based on the value we deliver, not just the hours we work. We're happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain how each element contributes to your project's success."
🚩Red Flag: "We charge an hourly rate. We'll give you an estimate, but the final cost will depend on how long the project takes."
Why It Matters: Clear, comprehensive pricing helps you budget effectively and avoid surprise costs. A value-based approach ensures you're investing in outcomes, not just paying for time.
19. "How do you handle changes in project scope?"
🟢Best Answer: "We understand that needs can evolve during a project. Our process for handling scope changes includes:
- Clear documentation of the original project scope
- A formal change request process
- Impact analysis for each proposed change (on timeline, budget, and other features)
- Written approval from you before implementing any changes
Minor changes that don't significantly impact the project are often absorbed at no extra cost. For larger changes, we provide a clear estimate of the additional time and cost involved. We then mutually agree on how to proceed.
Our goal is to be flexible while ensuring that scope changes don't derail the project or lead to unexpected costs."
🚩Red Flag: "We're flexible and can make changes as we go along."
Why It Matters: A clear process for handling scope changes helps prevent project overruns and ensures that any additional costs are agreed upon in advance.
20. "What's your policy on intellectual property rights?"
🟢Best Answer: "Upon final payment, you own all the custom work we create for your project. This includes designs, code, and content (unless otherwise specified, such as for stock images). We provide you with all source files and documentation.
For efficiency, we may use some proprietary tools or code libraries that we've developed over time. In these cases, we retain ownership of these elements but grant you a perpetual, royalty-free license to use them as part of your website.
We're happy to sign any reasonable non-disclosure agreements to protect your confidential information during the project."
🚩Red Flag: "We retain ownership of all work we produce, but you can use it for your website."
Why It Matters: Clear ownership of your website's components ensures you have full control over your digital presence and can make changes or move to a new provider if needed in the future.
Company Values and Culture
21. "How do you stay updated with the latest web design trends and technologies?"
🟢Best Answer: "Continuous learning is a core value in our company. We stay updated through:
- Regular team training sessions
- Attendance at industry conferences and workshops
- Subscriptions to leading web design and development publications
- Active participation in relevant online communities
- Ongoing experimentation with new technologies in internal projects
We also have a culture of knowledge sharing within our team. When someone learns something new, they share it with the rest of the team. This ensures that our entire team, and consequently our clients, benefit from the latest knowledge and best practices."
🚩Red Flag: "We've been doing this for years, so we know what works."
Why It Matters: The web design field evolves rapidly. A company committed to ongoing learning will provide you with a more current, effective solution.
22. "What's your approach to sustainability and accessibility in web design?"
🟢Best Answer: "We believe in creating websites that are both sustainable and accessible. Our approach includes:
Sustainability:
- Optimizing for energy efficiency (e.g., minimizing server requests)
- Using eco-friendly hosting providers where possible
- Designing for longevity to reduce the need for frequent rebuilds
Accessibility:
- Following WCAG guidelines (aiming for at least AA compliance)
- Regular accessibility audits
- Testing with various assistive technologies
We see these not as constraints, but as opportunities to create better websites for all users. We're happy to discuss how we can align our approach with your company's sustainability and inclusivity goals."
🚩Red Flag: "We can add some accessibility features if required by law."
Why It Matters: Sustainability and accessibility are increasingly important considerations, both ethically and for compliance reasons. A web designer who prioritizes these areas will help future-proof your website.
Portfolio and References
23. "Can you show me examples of websites you've created for businesses similar to mine?"
🟢Best Answer: "Absolutely. We have a diverse portfolio that includes several projects in your industry. I'd be happy to walk you through these examples, explaining our approach, the challenges we faced, and the results we achieved. We can also provide case studies that detail the impact of our work on key metrics like traffic, engagement, and conversions. Additionally, we can show you examples of specific features or functionalities that might be relevant to your project."
🚩Red Flag: "Here's a link to our portfolio page. Take a look when you have time."
Why It Matters: Seeing relevant examples helps you assess whether the designer can meet your specific needs and understand your industry. It also gives you ideas for your own project.
24. "Can you provide references from past clients?"
🟢Best Answer: "Of course. We're proud of our work and the relationships we've built with our clients. We can provide you with contact information for several past clients who have agreed to serve as references. These will include clients with projects similar to yours in terms of size, industry, or specific requirements. We encourage you to ask them about their experience working with us, the quality of our work, our communication style, and how well we met their expectations and deadlines."
🚩Red Flag: "We have testimonials on our website you can read."
Why It Matters: Speaking directly with past clients gives you unfiltered insights into what it's like to work with a web designer and can reveal strengths or potential issues that might not be apparent otherwise.
Working Relationship
25. "How do you prefer to communicate during the project?"
🟢Best Answer: "We believe clear, consistent communication is key to project success. Our standard communication practices include:
- A kick-off meeting to align on goals and expectations
- Weekly progress updates via email or your preferred method
- Regular video calls for more in-depth discussions and presentations
- A project management tool where you can see real-time progress and leave comments
- A dedicated project manager as your main point of contact
We're also flexible and can adapt our communication style to your preferences. Our goal is to keep you informed and involved throughout the process without overwhelming you with unnecessary details."
🚩Red Flag: "We'll be in touch when we need something from you."
Why It Matters: Good communication is crucial for keeping the project on track and ensuring the final product meets your expectations. A web designer with a clear communication plan will help prevent misunderstandings and delays.
26. "What do you need from me to make this project successful?"
🟢Best Answer: "Your involvement is crucial to the project's success. Here's what we typically need from our clients:
- Clear communication of your goals, preferences, and any constraints
- Timely feedback on designs and other deliverables
- Prompt provision of necessary content (if you're supplying it) or availability for content interviews
- A designated point person on your team for decision-making
- Openness to our professional recommendations, even if they challenge initial assumptions
We see this as a collaborative process and value your insights into your business and industry. We'll provide guidance on how to give effective feedback and will work with you to establish a realistic timeline that accounts for your availability."
🚩Red Flag: "Just give us your logo and some basic info, and we'll take care of the rest."
Why It Matters: A successful website is a result of collaboration between you and the web designer. Understanding your role in the process helps ensure a smooth project and a satisfactory outcome.
This is an important decision
Choosing the right web designer is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your online presence and business success. By asking these comprehensive questions, you'll gain valuable insights into each potential partner's capabilities, processes, and values.
Remember, the best web designer for your project is one who:
- Understand your business goals and target audience
- Has a proven track record in your industry
- Demonstrates expertise in design, development, and digital marketing
- Communicates clearly and values collaboration
- Prioritises ongoing performance and continuous improvement
- Aligns with your company values
So, What's Next? (Besides a Strong Cup of Coffee ☕)
If you've made it this far, congratulations! You've just navigated the labyrinth of web design considerations. Your brain might feel like it's been through a digital obstacle course, but trust us, it's worth it. Now, let's talk about what to do with all this newfound knowledge (besides impressing your friends at parties).
Why BubbleHub Media?
Choosing a web design partner can feel like trying to pick the perfect avocado - it's not always easy to tell what you're getting. At BubbleHub Media, we aim to be the perfectly ripe avocado of the digital world. Here's why:
- We're Your Digital Swiss Army Knife: Need web design? Check. SEO? Got it. PPC? Absolutely. Photography? You bet. We're your one-stop-shop for all things digital, minus the cheesy infomercial vibe.
- We Speak Both Human and Tech: We can discuss the intricacies of CSS Grid and then explain it in terms that won't make your eyes glaze over. It's like being bilingual, but for the internet.
- Data and Creativity: Our Power Couple: We believe in the marriage of data-driven decisions and creative brilliance. It's like peanut butter and jelly, but for your website.
- Transparency is Our Middle Name: Okay, it's not really. But we do believe in clear, honest communication. No smoke and mirrors here - just straightforward talk about your project.
- We're in It for the Long Haul: Launch day is just the beginning of our journey together. We're here to help your digital presence grow and evolve, like a virtual Tamagotchi (but way less needy).
If you're thinking, "These BubbleHub folks seem to know their stuff," Reach Out: Drop us a line. Carrier pigeon works too, but email is faster and doesn't leave a mess.
Remember, in the world of web design, you're not just choosing a service provider - you're choosing a digital partner. So why not choose one that knows their stuff and can explain it without putting you to sleep?
At the heart of Bubblehub Media's innovation and client success stories, you'll find Co Founder and Managing Director Dave McCormack, a seasoned professional with a rich background that spans from graphic design in the newspaper industry to the forefront of digital marketing.
