Potential customers look online first and you want to be in the game when they do. So you decide to hire a professional to build a website. The question is: what should you look for in a web professional? Knowing what to ask can help you choose the right business partner who can deliver what you want.

Here are some questions to get you started:

1.     Are you a web designer or developer?

Designers are concerned with the look of your website and how easy it is for customers to use. Developers create code behind the scene that determines how it will operate. If you are willing to work within an existing template, a designer might be enough. But if you want customized functionality, you will also need a developer. Some do both.

2.     What’s your process for working with customers to create a website?

Their first step should be to listen.  They should ask you what your objective is, who will be using the site and what you want customers to do on it. A skilled professional should come back with a plan and suggest ways to accomplish it. Some provide a prototype before it is built so you can try it out. Like building a house, it’s much easier to change the blueprint than to make changes after it’s built.

3.     Will you be doing the work or will you subcontract it out?

Some firms contract out to a third-party; some use overseas resources. That can impact your access and make communication difficult. Ask what their turnover rate is. Having to start over with a new contractor can disrupt the continuity of work and delay your launch.

4.     What if something goes wrong after launch or I want to update something?

It’s important to quickly resolve issues. Find out what their time service is and how they charge for it. You’ll want to update your site with new information periodically. In some cases, you can do that. In others, a web professional may be required. Ask how that will work.

5.     How will I know if my website is successful?

Your web professional should incorporate measurement into their design so your site will show up on search engines like Google. Ask how you will be able to monitor the activity on your website. Are they available to review your metrics periodically and provide suggestions to improve the site?

Successful web professionals work to meet the business goals of their clients. But with any business partner, it’s important to start off on the right foot. Knowing what to ask when you’re interviewing candidates helps you to make the right choice.

For more information our building an effective website, watch our webinar titled "Build a Website That Sells" to learn how you can build an effective website.