Your website is the center of all your online marketing efforts. It is important that it is up-to-date, mobile responsive, and drives users to take action. If you are considering hiring an Atlanta web design firm, make sure you ask these important questions:
1. Do you have a portfolio of work?
Before engaging on a project with an Atlanta web design firm, you first need to be familiar with the quality of work they produce. Most agencies have a portfolio for you to browse on their website. If they do not, you should definitely ask to see some examples.
2. What other services do you offer?
Anyone can create a website. It takes skill to design a branded website that ranks well in search engines and functions well for users. Agencies should have a good amount of knowledge in design, SEO, UX, local search, etc.
3. What strategies will go into the design and development of my website?
A design without strategy is just decoration. Seasoned Atlanta web design firms should have a strategic process when creating your website. Websites should generate leads and engage customers.
4. Are you basing the website on a template?
Most Atlanta web design agencies will offer custom and templated options to users based on their budget. However, some firms charge a custom price for a templated theme that looks the same as hundreds of other websites online. If you want to go with a templated option, your web designer should still customize it to fit your brand.
5. What is the timeline for my project?
Your digital agency should be upfront about how long the web design process takes. Most successful projects take 6-8 weeks. Companies that promise 1-2 week turnarounds often sacrifice strategy.
6. Can you explain your process to me?
Every agency’s process is unique, but it is important to understand how your project will be run. You need to know what your expectations are as the client and who your point of contact is.
7. What CMS will my website be built on?
A CMS, or content management system, is necessary for you to be able to update your website. WordPress, SquareSpace, and Shopify are three common examples. Going without a CMS or a CMS made by your developer locks you in to them and makes it more difficult to change agencies if you are unhappy in the future.
8. How do you consider search engines when building a website?
Any experienced Atlanta web design firm will consider search engines when building a website. Poor planning can lead to a website that is not 100% searchable by Google. Technical issues such as site speed can also affect how a website ranks.
9. What kind of testing does your company perform before launch?
Mobile and browser testing is a necessity for any web design project. Make sure the agency you hire has these as a part of their internal process.
10. Is my website scalable?
Websites, like businesses, should be scalable. Adding pages, functionalities, etc. is a necessary piece of keeping a website up to date. Work with your Atlanta web design firm to make sure you can grow your website as you grow your business.
11. Will you train me on how to use my website?
Be sure that a website training is included within the cost of your web design project. It is important that you can handle minor changes such as text changes, updating images, adding and deleting pages, etc.
