If you’re reading this, it might mean you’re in the market for a new website or branding project. Chances are, you’ve scoured the web for someone whose style seemingly matches yours, checked the designer’s portfolio, and maybe you’ve even read through their testimonials.
A good designer can make the process of creating your website a dream come true, a bad designer can make it a living nightmare. I’ve compiled the top seven questions you should ask potential designers to assist you in making your final decision about who to hire.
1. How much experience do you have?
While it’s not necessarily a bad thing if the designer you’re speaking to has only been creating websites for a year or two (everyone starts somewhere!), industry experience can be incredibly valuable. Look for designers or companies who have at least 5 or more years of experience.
2. Do you have a process in place?
Most designers who have been working in the industry for any time have a trusty process in place to help move the project along and keep the client “in the know”. If your potential designer doesn’t have a written process (or at the very least, one they can verbally explain in under a minute), run.
3. Do you have past clients I can speak with or email?
Most designers have strong, ongoing relationships with past clients, so sharing an email (with past client permission) is perfectly acceptable. This is a great way to ask questions about what it’s like to work with the designer and get a feel for their strengths and opportunities.
4. Can you show me some recent websites you’ve designed?
A reputable designer will be more than happy to share their portfolio of past designs, or even offer testimonials from the customers who received these designs. If you receive any resistance here, it’s time to look for another designer.
5. Will you supply the original graphics files?
If you don’t acquire your original graphics files, you will not be in control of your site. If your designer gets hit by a bus (or goes out of business), make sure you have the original files so that you can provide them to another designer down the road. Ask for any files produced with PhotoShop, Illustrator, or any other graphics program.
6. Can I contact you for future updates to my design?
You should always check with the designer you want to work with to see if they would be willing to work with you in the future. If you want to update a page, add a new visual element, or even redesign your website, will they be able to help you? Most designers and web design companies have hourly pricing or contracts that allow you to establish long-term relationships at a lower cost. Consider signing up for one of these plans to save a little money while keeping a reliable designer on hand.
7. Do you offer website maintenance after the initial build? What does it include?
We encourage WordPress care plans to lengthen the lifespan of the website. One of the most overlooked, yet most critical components to any successful website strategy is regular maintenance. These plans keep an eye on hackers, scan for corrupted files, and consistently update systems, plugins, themes, and frameworks.
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