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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