As a small business owner you probably already realize that your website is your digital storefront. If your website is not performing well, that means fewer people are finding you on the internet and more sales opportunities are slipping through your fingers. It is critical that your website be well designed, fast, and user-friendly.

 

You might have originally designed your website yourself because that was what was in the budget, and maybe it's high time to upgrade. Or maybe you've been running your business borrowing the tools of social media or email marketing platforms. And now you're looking to build something a little bit more stable and secure, tired or worrying about what the next algorithm change will do.

So you're considering hiring a professional web design or developer. No matter your project, you should be sure to ask questions before any work is done. It’s fine to not know everything, but it’s essential to know what you’re getting yourself into.

 

Here are a few things to ask your potential partner in web design?

 

1. What do YOU need from ME?
   
   This may be a logo, color palette, images, service or product descriptions and more. Some designers will create the branding for you, but it's typically an additional charge. If they're doing the branding, you'll likely need to fill out a brand questionnaire which will include questions about your mission, vision, values, and ideal customers. (What you thought someone could build a website without you putting in the work first?!)
    
2. Do you provide the copy? Or copywriting support?
   
   Most web designers don't include copywriting as part of their service. It will be up to you to provide the copy (which is all the written words) on your site. They may have an additional fee for copywriting, or they may have people they can refer you too. Or you may opt to hire a copywriter yourself. (You might be thinking you want to save money in your budget by writing the copy yourself. Unless you already have your messaging down pat, I would recommend against this. Website copy should be strategic: headlines are the most important, copy shouldn't be above a 7th grade reading level, people read in an "F" shaped pattern, etc.. Following those guidelines help conversion rates...which is why leaving it to the pros is a better ROI).
    
3. Do you submit my site to search engines like Google and Bing? And do you add me to the analytics account?
   
   Google doesn't just find your site, and even after submitting it, it will take time for it to index you. Make sure you designer/developer is going to do this work for you or else you're going to have to do it yourself. It's not too hard, but it can certainly take time. And most importantly, if they do set up your account, make sure they add your account as an admin. I can't tell you how many times I have worked with people who never have had access to their analytics accounts and we end up having to set up a new one, starting from scratch.
    
4. Will you integrate with my email marketing platform?
   
   Make sure your designer knows who you're using for email marketing and that they know how to integrate or embed the sign up. Your email list is actually an extension of your website. Most of the sales don't happen from the initial website visit, they happen in the email follow up afterwards. Hello continuing customer relationship!

These are just a few of the questions you'll want to ask your potential web designer, but they will help you be prepared to know what to expect during the discovery process.