In Orlando, web designers are a dime a dozen: they range in web design prices anywhere from $99 to $100,000. How do you know who to choose to represent and capture your company online? I’ve put some helpful interview questions you should ask when shopping for a web design firm in Orlando or in your backyard:
1.) How long have you been in the web business? (many web designers do web design work on the side often times resulting in unreliability and operating within non business hours) Stability and trust is a key here.
2.) May I see your web design portfolio? Look at this carefully, make certain that this work is indeed his / hers. Note whether all sites look alike or if there is some variation to the designs thus illustrating creativity and industry specific looks and feel.
3.) How will you promote my website? This one will stump nearly all of them: Web Designers are artists, not necessarily marketers. You need a balance of marketing, design and functionality to have your web site thrive and attract and convert customers / prospects.
4.) Do you sub any of your work out? A VERY important question: if a designer is selling you a turn-key web site, it can sometimes be dangerous to sub work all over the place, deadlines get missed, consistency can be jeopardized and you may be left handing over more money due to poor upfront web design cost estimates.
5.) Do you utilize web templates? Another key question: some web designers may sell the exact same web shell over and over: thus compromising a unique look and feel for your company. Custom design is key for a business.
6.) How will my website be found in the search engines? Some web designers will proclaim that they are search engine placement firms as well: ask to see results from their existing customers under RELEVANT keyword and keyphrases. Also, make certain that they are not just buying google adwords or other pay per click models to ‘get you in the search engines’ The key word to ask: Organic listings?
7.) Do I retain the rights to my website? Have seen many folks get burned on this one: a designer creates your site, collects your money and will not hand you over the original web site on a cd: Be careful with this one: web developers will typically reserve the rights to the site until they are completely paid, BUT, there are some who will not release the site stating intellectual property rights. This is a big red flag.
8.) May I call some of your references? Don’t be afraid to do this: dig deep and gauge satisfaction levels. Also, Google the company or individual, sometimes you’d be amazed at what you find : ripoffreport, bbb, etc.
9.) Have you ever worked with anyone in my particular industry? If so, who? Important to know that your web designer gets what you do, what you sell and who you are.
10.) How would you propose we develop a call to action for my site? Ahhh, some blank stares can arise out of this one. Your web designer needs to KNOW that this web site needs to produce, this is not just an online business card. ROI is the name of the game.
Or, you could call On Target Web Solutions: With over 12 years experience in Orlando web design and search engine marketing, customers who would love to brag about us to you, a proven track record of organic search engine results, On Target has what it takes to bring your company to the next level. Call 407-830-4550 or visit our web site for more information on our design services, hosting, search engine marketing and social marketing programs.
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