The best website packages lay the foundation for strength and stability while setting the stage for growth and expansion as your business continues to grow. When it comes to selecting the best small business web design packages, knowing upfront your goals for the website are key to receiving a valuable final product. Before worrying about how it will look, focus on how you need it to work for your business.
Your business is unique, so your website design package should be too.
We’ve come up with our top 11 questions to ask your designer in order to make sure you are receiving the perfect website package for your small business.
1. What platform do you design on?
Most designers will specialize in a specific website platform (SquareSpace, WordPress, Shopify, ShowIt, etc…) Depending on your business and website goals, some platforms will be better (and more cost-effective) than others. Knowing what platform they prefer to design on can be very helpful.
2. What’s included in the website package?
It might seem like a silly question, but knowing exactly what is included in your website package is so important. How many pages? What functionality? Forms? Blog Posts or Portfolios? Copywriting? Revisions? SEO?
3. eCommerce website packages v.s non-eCommerce?
One of the biggest differences in a website package is whether or not your package includes eCommerce setup. Even if you don’t need any eCommerce functionality right now, making sure that the platform and theme your design team uses is compatible with eCommerce is very important. You never want to have to start over just to add-in eCommerce later. If you do have eCommerce, make sure you know who is responsible for product input, as well as who is setting up the tax and shipping settings.
4. What is your website design process like?
No matter how many designers you may have worked within the past. Every team is different, so having them walk you through a case study or process guide to give you the clearest idea of what their design process is like.
5. How long is your average website package project timeline?
It often shocks clients how long a website design project can take. Making sure you have a clear idea of how long the design process will take as well as any deadlines or various phases along the way will help you make sure to schedule your own time appropriately and maximize the time you have with your designer.
Knowing when your website will launch and having a hard deadline will keep both you and your designer accountable through the design process.
6. When would your website launch?
This is SO important. Most people want to ask, “When can we get started?” but the more important question is, “When will my website launch?” Knowing when your website will launch and having a hard deadline will keep both you and your designer accountable through the design process. Depending on how many clients a designer takes on at once can dictate how quickly they can get a website launched.
7. How many rounds of edits are included in your website package?
Every design team handles this a little differently. Knowing how many edits you get as well as when those edits are due is so helpful in making sure you get everything you need from your website package time with your designer.
8. Who do they recommend for Hosting?
One of the most critical investments in a website is excellent hosting. And not all hosts are the same. Some host providers may offer cheaper hosting options, but those options are often cheaper in quality as well. With privacy laws getting more important than ever, great hosting has never been more valuable. We always recommend going with WPEngine. By far the best hosting packages, best customer service, and best bang for your buck.
9. What is the website package payment process?
All teams handle payments a little differently, so knowing exactly when and for what amount your website package payments are due helps eliminate any of the awkward money conversations down the road.
10. What additional expenses might come up through the branding process?
Make sure you know what your design team charges extra for throughout the design process. Often times, they are only quoting you for their own time. Any additional fees for art licensing, stock photography, videography, plugins, motion graphics or major scope changes will cost extra. Know what those costs are and how they let you know if you are beginning to incur any of them.
11. How many web design clients do you take on at one time?
So important! Know how many projects your designer is taking on at once. This will give you a clear idea of how accessible they will be through the project, how quickly they can make edits, and how fast your site can launch. Just because a designer can start right away doesn’t mean your website will launch faster than the designer who couldn’t start for another month.
BONUS STEPS!
(They aren’t necessarily website package questions, but we still think they count.)
12. What about website technical support?
Not all design teams offer post-launch technical support. This is another reason why great hosting is so important. You want to make sure you have a specific someone to call later for any changes or design support as your business grows. Make sure to know who that someone will be before you book your project so that you are sure to have the longterm support you need.
13. What is their website design portfolio like?
Even if the website designer’s website is great, be sure to check out some of their websites in their portfolio. Do they include links to view the website outside of their portfolio? If not, look up some of the brands they list. Making sure that they can provide a truly impressive virtual experience is important. Just as important, is checking out their portfolio for websites you really like. Does their design style fit the vision you have for your website?
Your business’s success is no longer bound by your physical location.
Consider all the ways your clients use technology to engage with your brand; websites, social media, mobile devices, digital marketing, email marketing, podcasts, and beyond. The expansion of technology has blurred the lines between physical and digital – forcing businesses to rethink the way they engage their clients and emphasizing the importance of innovative virtual experiences.
By taking charge of not only how but where your clients can engage with your brand, you’ll open up your business to exponential growth opportunities, increase conversions, and elevate brand loyalty. This is why the perfect website package for your business is so important.
