A website is a large investment and finding the right supplier can be a daunting task. There are so many agencies out there and each one provides different levels of service and expertise, not to mention a range of content platforms, packages and pricing structures.
This can make it very hard to choose an agency that suits your business, so we’ve put together some advice on how to make the procurement process plain sailing. Below are a range of questions you should ask before getting a quote for web design and why they all matter.
Questions to start with when speaking to an agency
Who have you worked with?
This can give you a really good feel for the types of businesses they’ve helped in the past. It also allows you to uncover whether they’ve delivered the kind of work you’re looking for or if this will be a new challenge for them.
Can I see some testimonials?
Reading what other businesses think about the agency’s services is crucial. Also, make sure to check their reviews on Google so that you can see the bad (if any) as well as the good.
What proof of success do you have regarding increasing sales through SEO and marketing?
Web design and marketing agencies will monitor how their services benefit each client. This could be through Google Analytics and social media metrics or go much more in-depth, such as reports generated by platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot. This information will help you to decide whether the agency is the right match for achieving your goals.
How will you help with our marketing going forward?
It might be that you’re looking for a web agency that also offers comprehensive marketing services. Alternatively, you may do most of the marketing in-house but want to know that the web developers are using their specific skills to drive traffic to your site and increase conversions. Put simply, it’s crucial to understand the approach the agency will take before you sign a contract.
How will you provide a return on investment?
This is where you can really delve into what you get for your money. Is it solely web design and hosting or will the agency be proactive and evolve your site in line with changing algorithms, user behaviours and security updates? Can you give them a call whenever you need them or does that come with an additional cost? Don’t be afraid to dig for as much detail as you wish.
Questions to ask about the website process
How much does it cost?
It might be a case of a one-off price or there could be monthly payments and an annual renewal fee. It all depends on what exactly the web design agency offers and how it operates.
What website support packages will I get?
It’s easy to think that once your new website is live you can sit back and relax, but that’s rarely the case. You’ll most likely have questions and requests in the future, so determine whether the agency will be there to support your business on a long-term basis.
How long will it take and when can you start?
Knowing the timeframe will help you to plan the website’s launch into your marketing strategy and day-to-day operations.
Who will be my contact or project manager?
Being introduced to the individual who will be overseeing your new website helps to build a rapport and set the wheels in motion.
What will the website be built in?
There are many platforms and types of code that are used for web design. They all do the job but some are better than others, so make sure to find out what will be used as the building blocks of your own site.
What’s the content production process, will you populate the website in the cost?
Content is king and you need a lot of it for a website to perform well. We’re talking engaging copywriting, high-quality graphics and possibly other elements such as videos, blogs and downloadable resources. If you don’t plan to create all of this yourself, ask the agency if they offer a digital content package.
What’s the production process?
The design, build, testing and launching of a website involves multiple stages as part of the wider production process. Ask the agency how it all works and what they might need from you to make it run as smoothly as possible.
Questions to ask yourself
Finally, when deciding between agencies, you need to ask yourself a few questions:
Has the agency understood my brief and objective?
Will they provide a clear return on investment?
Do they understand my target audience?
Have they asked about the marketing requirements?
Do I trust them to deliver what they’re promising?
Let’s talk websites
When hiring a web design agency, you need to choose one that listens to your needs and clearly explains how they will help you to achieve objectives. This will enable you to understand how investing more in a quality website will bring a stronger return on investment than a cheap option with no clear purpose.
If you’re ready to have a chat about how Eyeweb can help, give us a ring on 01482 628830 or fill in our contact form.