Questions to Ask Your Web Design Company

When looking for a web developer to build your new site, it’s important to know the questions you should be asking them. There is a lot of work that goes into designing a website, and you need to make sure you are working with a team who understands your vision and aligns with your goals. So here is a list of questions to ask a potential web development company in Melbourne to make sure you get your money’s worth when hiring a team.

What do they need from me?

There is inevitably going to be an important connection between you and your development team, this partnership is essential to achieving your goals. The developer will be the expert in websites but you’re the expert in your business and your industry. The developer will need to know what you know in terms of how your business runs and how your customers engage with it, they will also need information on your company branding and any images you want on the site. 

Who will be working on my website?

It’s important to know the skill set of the team working on your website. Learn more about what they have already worked on and where their experience lies. If you are looking for an advanced website, a smaller team may not be able to handle all of your requests, so it’s a good idea to understand what they are capable of. 

Have they got a portfolio of work?

You should always look at other websites built by the developer. Make sure to get a clear picture of what they have created previously, have a look at the design and functionality of each website they have worked on and tell the developer what you like about them. These other websites will be a great source of inspiration. 

Who will write the content?

Usually, it will be up to you to supply the content for your website. However, it’s extremely beneficial if you can work with a web development agency that has an in-house copywriter. The more aspects of your website that the development team can handle, the less work there will be for you to do. Learn more about who will be handling the copywriting for your website by reading through some of the content they have already published. 

How much will it cost?

During your first meeting with the team, you may have been provided with a rough quote from your web developer but after having an in-depth consultation with them, you should request a set price. Make sure the price proposal details exactly what services they will be offering for you for that price, and determine if it works for you.

What can I expect from my finished website?

Your developer should be able to tell you how your new website will function and the benefits it is going to have for you. They might even be able to provide an example using a website they have previously published or a mock-up they already have.

How long will it take to complete my website?

The time it will take to complete a website does depend on what level of complexity you are looking for, and with this information, the team should be able to provide an estimate. A good developer will probably need around 6 – 8 weeks to take your website from the concept stage to the launch. It is important to get an estimate as soon as possible so you know how much time you should set aside for development.

Will I be able to make changes to my website after its launch?

There should be a way for you to make additional updates to your website even after it’s gone live. Different developers will use different content management systems, so ask which one the team works with and how easy it is to make edits in that program.

Do they offer maintenance once the site has been launched?

This is such an important question to ask because you need to know how you will be handling any issues with the site once it goes live. Determining if the development team will still be present to sort out the problem or if they plan to leave you floundering is going to be a big deciding point for your business. Sometimes there will also be an additional cost for maintenance post-go live, so ask if you could be provided with a quote for this as well.

So if you are looking for a team to handle your web development in Melbourne, be sure to ask all of these questions during your initial meeting to confirm that they will be able to manage all of your requests. Designing a website is a big undertaking, and you want to be certain you are in good hands.