10 Topics to Discuss Before You Hire a
Web Design Company
#1 – Website Usability
• Easy-to-use Navigation – 2 Click Rule
• Focus on Above the Fold
• Website Search Feature
• User Sitemap
• Click Heat Map Technology
• Make Website “Scanner Friendly”
– sub-headlines, bullet points, lists, etc.
#2 – Content Management System
• CMS = Content Management System • Examples include WordPress, Drupal, Joomla and
many others • Allows Users to Add & Edit Content without
Software or Specific Expertise. • Client will not have to wait on web designer to
add important news or updates. • Does the Company provide regular updates to
the CMS to patch vulnerabilities and security issues?
#3 – Website Analytics
• Analytics = Website Statistics
• Google Analytics is the most popular.
• Other alternatives include Piwik, Clicky, etc.
• Will the web designer know how to help you analyze the data to improve your website or get more website traffic?
#4 – Website Content
• Do you have to come up with all of the content (text) for the website or can the web designer assist with content creation?
• Unique Content is key. If content is copied from another website it could be considered Duplicate Content in eyes of search engines.
• Need high quality content that can sell or properly explain your products and services.
#5 – Website Hosting
• Does the web designer offer web hosting?
• Ask about website uptime.
• Independent website monitoring (third party service to verify uptime).
#6 – Customer Service
• How many hours each month can you call your web designer with questions or updates for your website?
• What is typical turn around time?
• Ask for references. Call and specifically ask about customer service responsiveness.
• User Website Training?
#7 – Mobile Website
• Does your web designer use Flash or other technology that is not mobile friendly?
• In the USA, nearly 10% of all web browsing is done on mobile or tablet devices. Is website usable on these devices?
• The percentage of mobile usage will only go up in coming years with continued popularity of data phones, iPads and related devices.
#8 – Search Engine Optimization
• Will your website be properly optimized for search engines like Google, Yahoo and Bing?
– Unique Title Tags
– Meta Tags and Descriptions
– Image and Video Alt Tags
• On-Page Search Engine Optimization is the key. Is this included in your design package?
#9 – Social Media Integration
• Will your website be capable of integrating with your Facebook Business Page, Twitter Account or LinkedIn account?
• If you don’t need this now, is it possible to easily add later if you need it?
#10 – Direct Response
• Can your customers or website visitors easily contact you through the website?
• Can your web designer help create a system for customer contact requests or sales leads to quickly get into the right person’s hands?
• Can the web designer help you implement email marketing campaigns?
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