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What to Ask Your Web Site Design Firm
by Sophie L. Gibson

Working with several companies over the years as their web design firm of choice, it has become clear that not many marketers or IT folks understand what questions need to be answered by firms interviewing for the job of building a company’s brand online.  
First things first. Be sure to understand that the look and feel of the brand belongs in the design/communications/marketing department and not in IT.  IT should be responsible for the functionality of the site.  The objective here is for both departments to work together in the design and development of the company’s online brand.  In fact the customer service department should also be included in the very beginning of the design interface as they interact daily with clients and know how clients want to be serviced.

Always – always review the web designer/developer’s portfolio to get a sense of not just their work but their capabilities. It’s crucial that designs not just look good, but the web designer/developer understand the company’s business objectives and strategy offline as well as online.
 
Here are some questions to get answered:

1. How many projects similar to this company’s have they worked on before and what were the challenges?
   Designers/developers who have experience with your type of project will be able to provide you with an accurate estimate and be able to foresee problems before you even know them.
   
2. What strategies do they employ to make sure a site is easy to use? Usability and accessibility are key for crucial to the success of most sites.
3. What is the track record of the designer/developer as it relates to his/her clients’ successes (better click through rates, improved sales and greater visibility).
   The designer/developer should be familiar and aware of industry related improvements in code and design.
4. Is he/her usually on target or under target with budget?
5. What can they offer that other design/development firms cannot?
6. How do sites they have developed rank in search engines?
7. That happens if I don’t like the design?
   If you are dealing with a professional then there should already be processes in place if this were to occur.  Ask about their policy if this was to occur.

The answers you get will help you hire the most qualified and the most compatible firm with your company.  Good luck hiring!