How to pick the right web designer in 6 steps

Finding a Great, Cost-Effective Web Designer in NZ: Key Questions to Ask

You might be looking for a good web designer to get a stylish website built with the desired flair. You can definitely achieve that, even on a reasonable budget, by working with cost-effective web designers or agencies. Now, you might be thinking, “What quality can a budget-friendly designer provide?” Even if they’re affordable, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll get poor quality. Some providers who don’t charge the earth offer excellent services. Here are some ways you can find the right provider when you’re aiming for designing a cost-effective website:

Essential Questions for Your Potential Web Design Partner

Asking the right questions is crucial before committing. Here are some key areas to explore:

1. Arrange a Meeting or Interview
   You need to be sure your business project is in safe hands. The culture and personality of the agency you’re communicating with are important too, as you’ll be working closely together. Often, important questions go unasked in initial emails. That’s why you should arrange a meeting (in person or virtual) with potential web designers. Before discussing project specifics, get a feel for the people involved and find out if they’re genuinely a good fit for your business.
2. Ask: What’s Your Approach?
   When talking with potential web design providers, always ask about their approach to achieving the project goals. This will quickly help differentiate novices from experienced professionals. Asking about the usability of your project will help them focus their thinking and help you understand their process. Always discuss the target visitors/end users and see things from their perspective. You might get the idea, and the provider might get the idea, but if the end users don’t understand the website, then all the hard work could be wasted. The best designers will understand your point of view and offer suggestions for improvement; they’ll often respond positively to questions about usability.
3. Ask: Can You Show Relevant Sample Projects?
   Ask to see sample projects they have done before that had similar goals or features to your project. If possible, talk to their previous clients about the project to find out if they were happy with the outcome. Also, ask the designer about the challenges involved in those projects, the results achieved, and how success was measured. This will give you a clearer idea about their capabilities and experience.
4. Ask: Who is on the Team?
   This question can quickly reveal if the team handling your project is in-house or outsourced. Understand who will be doing the programming, design, and potentially project management or analysis. Ensure the company or individuals involved are competent in the necessary areas (check their about page or ask directly). Knowing who you’ll be dealing with is important for smooth communication.
5. Ask: Do You Offer Post-Launch Support/Changes?
   This refers to support or changes potentially needed after the website goes live. You need to ask if they can make changes later if required, and what their process and costs are for this. Websites evolve over time, which is why this question is necessary. Their answer and process for handling post-launch requirements are important considerations.
6. Ask: How Will Success Be Measured?
   This isn’t a bad question; in fact, it’s quite important, even if it sounds technical. Listen out for discussion around metrics relevant to your website’s goals. This might include terms like time on site, bounce rate, conversion rates, page views, or Search Engine Rankings. If they don’t mention metrics relevant to your specific objectives, ask about how they propose tracking the website’s performance against your goals.