How to Interview a Website Designer or Developer

Most Website Designers and Developers package a project. You should receive an estimate that includes an overview of the process, time frames, what’s required of you (e.g., content, branded assets like your logo), and what will be delivered.

This is important to understand the project is complete. Why? Because once the code is written, images are uploaded, and the site is launched, your website is an ever-evolving entity.  If not, don’t bother creating one. Over time, your website should grow in content, and your White Hat SEO strategy will shift. For the changes you (or someone on your staff) can’t  make, then knowing your developer’s hourly rate or maintenance fees to help budget for the care and feeding of your website after its debut.

 

Great website designers and developers typically have a backlog of client work. Ask where your project falls into the production line, and how it ranks with other works in process.  Once the ink has dried on the contract, most likely you’ll have homework to complete before any design work can commence.  Discuss milestones, who will do what and by when.

Are they a one-person design shop, or do they have associate developers? The right answer depends upon the scale and critical success factors of your project. Obviously, if your website designer or developer doesn’t have support (staff or subcontractors), there’s a risk, especially if your designer unexpectedly moves to a Caribbean island without wifi access.

 

Another thing to consider is that websites are dynamic and code can be fickle.  It is not uncommon that a minor change can affect how a plugin or patch of code performs. By discussing upfront how your Website designer or developer wants to hear about the problem and their process to resolve it will save you unnecessary headaches.

Not that you’ll want to become a website coder (or maybe you do), ask who owns the code after the website is launched. We’re a fan of WordPress websites because they are scalable, created by a flourishing open-source community, and it provides an easy-to-use Web Content Management System for non-technical clients to manage.  If your developer makes changes to the core code, that means that routine updates from WordPress can’t be automatically made. Don’t be held hostage by a developer who has created modifications that can’t be easily managed. Not to put too fine a point on it, you’re creating a website to make money for your business. Your online storefront should continually evolve as your business grows.

Once they turn over the keys to your new website, what happens? What kind of training will you receive? What support is included in the maintenance package? Designing and launching a site is a periodic event; upkeep and maintenance are not. Remember #2? You will probably learn a lot about all the components and moving parts that make up your website.  Now that your expertly crafted design is in place, your White Hat SEO Strategies like SEO Link Building takes center stage. You’ll also need to have Web Analytic data collection and reporting in place. If not, you’ll hear crickets since you’ve got a beautiful website without visitors and no data is figuring out how to fix it.