This post started life as a TKO Top Ten post, but after chatting with our design team, it became apparent there were a lot more than ten questions to ask a web designer before hiring one. It’s difficult, in any field, for a non-expert to determine credentials and expertise, but it’s not impossible. By asking specific questions aimed at your internet needs you can target providers that can meet your expectations. And if you’re not certain about the answer to any question, you can always ask another web designer.

If you have a website already

Will my current site be analyzed? Will my site be reviewed and recommendations presented to me? Do we have to start from scratch?

What information do you need? Will you need my passwords and login information to take control of the website?

How long will my website be offline? Will I lose traffic to my website during the transition?

What content do you need from me? Do I provide the copy and images?

What services do you offer? Are hosting, development, SEO, copy writing, or social media administration offered?

How will the website be constructed? Will it be HTML or will you use a CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress?

What is the design based on? Is it a template or a unique design built especially for my organization?

How long will it take? Can you give me a guaranteed completion date?

What happens if I don’t like what you create? Can I refuse the work, offer suggestions, or can adjustments be made?

How will the site be tested? Will there be a beta test? Who will be the guinea pigs? How much A/B testing will there be?

Is it expandable? As my business grows, can the site keep up and change with us?

Is it mobile friendly? More than half of all internet use is mobile—will my site work on all devices from smart phones to tablets?

Will it link to my social media accounts? Will Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn connect?

Can I update the site? How do I access it, and what knowledge do I need to have to make changes?

How much will it cost? Do I need to pay a portion of the cost before you begin work?

If you’re new to cyberspace

What do you need from me? Do I provide the copy and images? Who will obtain the domain and hosting.

What services do you offer? Are hosting, development, SEO, copy writing, or social media administration offered?

How will the website be constructed? Will it be HTML or will you use a CMS (Content Management System) like WordPress?

What is the design based on? Is it a template or a unique design built especially for my organization?

How long will it take? Can you give me a guaranteed completion date?

What happens if I don’t like what you create? Can I refuse the work, offer suggestions, or can adjustments be made?

How will the site be tested? Will there be a beta test? Who will be the guinea pigs? How much A/B testing will there be?

Is it expandable? As my business grows, can the site keep up and change with us?

Who owns the site? When it’s done is it mine to do with as I please?

Is it mobile friendly? More than half of all internet use is mobile—will my site work on all devices from smart phones to tablets?

Do you offer training? This is new to our team and we will need basic instructions.

Will it link to my social media accounts? Will Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn connect?

Can I update the site? How do I access it, and what knowledge do I need to have to make changes?

Can I use Comic Sans, rainbow gradients, and unicorns? OK, we needed one more question for design balance.

How much will it cost? Are the domain and web hosting included in the price?

Determining and clarifying how a site is managed, who has accessibility, and how decisions are arrived at may be the difference between a workable website and a nightmare. Knowing what the provider knows, how they proceed, and what to expect from them can make for a pleasant experience. For more information, contact our web development team we have a plan for your design.