If you’re considering a redesign for your website, it’s important that you have an understanding of your developer’s process (this varies across agencies), and what you can expect during each stage of the project. The responses to the following questions can both inform you about the scope of the project, as well as make you aware of any red flags before you open your wallet.
1) Will this project be broken down into phases where I can review your progress? If so, what are the expected timelines of each phase?
Before beginning your project, make sure you understand what you’re getting, and when you can expect it. Projects that are broken into phases typically help to keep the client updated on progress with clear and defined timelines for each aspect of the website development.
2) Have you worked with others who have goals similar to mine? How did you help them accomplish those goals?
Working with an experienced developer makes for a smoother workflow, but it’s not always vital that the one you hire has worked on projects that are exactly like yours. That being said, the developer’s answer to this question will give you a sense of how well they’re listening to you and if they even understand your needs in the first place.
3) What is involved in your research process, and how will you get to know my business well enough to build a site that represents it?
Even if you’re providing all of the website content, your developer should conduct their own research into your business, your competitors, and the industry as a whole so that they can offer their own insight throughout the project.
4) Will my current website experience downtime during this project?
Does your developer plan on putting your website out of commission while they build the new one on the same domain, or will they have a dedicated development environment that will allow your current site to stay up while they work? Get this information up front so you don’t lose out on any potential business, or experience unexpected downtime while they work.
5) How involved do you expect me or my team to be in this project, and what level of input will I have?
Before beginning your web project, make sure you know how much will be expected on your end, and how much time you’ll need to dedicate to ensure it gets completed. Does your developer need you or someone on your team to write new website content, or will they help with that? Do they have a limit on how many revisions you can make?
6) Will you integrate my CRM with my website?
If you depend on your CRM for your lead management, make sure your developer is aware of that and has factored CRM integration into the cost of your site.
7) Will there be fees for website tools or other plugins that aren’t included in your proposal?
Does the proposal your developer presented reflect the total cost of the project, or will there be other costs associated with the website’s development? Don’t let yourself get blindsided with invoices that you didn’t see coming. (A reliable developer will always clarify any fees that fall outside of the initially presented price…but not everybody is reliable, so it doesn’t hurt to ask).
8) Once the website is launched will I be able to make changes on my own? If so, will you guide me through the process?
Will you or your staff need to make in-house changes to the site after it’s launched? Make sure your developer is aware of this so they can make it easy for you to update. We’ve found it helpful to provide our clients with a website editing tutorial document once the website is live.
9) What level of support or management do you provide after the website is launched?
Make sure you aren’t left in the weeds once your website goes live, and ask your developer about their post-launch website support. If something goes wrong, will you have to pay them to fix it? What does that cost? Is there a monthly package? All important points to understand before you’re presented with a website emergency.
10) Will I own the website after the project is completed?
Once your website is launched, it’s yours to do whatever you want with it, right? Well…not according to some web developers. Clarify website ownership up-front and choose a developer who agrees that your website is your property once its completed.
