10 Questions to Ask Potential Web Designers (Part 2)
© Sweetsofa
Last post, we discussed the first few questions out of our Ten Questions to Ask Your Potential Web Designer series. Today we'll deal with the next three.
4. What kind of code will you use on my site? Ask about CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) which is a form of html that increases your SEO to Google standards. If you want to be found on the web, you want your site build out of CSS. Be careful if the designer says "flash". Flash sites look pretty but won't give you any SEO edge unless you're willing to build two sites, one in html and one in flash.
5. Do you use a CMS platform? CMS stands for Content Management System. A CMS will let you log into an admin section of your website and edit text, picture and sometimes basic functions just like a Word Document. My preferred CMS is WordPress because its user friendly, Google friendly and flexible in its functions.
6. How is the payment structured and what is the time line? Always ask about costs and how the costs break down at the very front. If you add features ask about those prices too. If the estimate is under $500 for a decent website, be concerned. Cheap websites are cheap for a reason. Also, if the cost is exceedingly high (5 digits or more) make sure you know why. Also, check on when you pay. If the web designer asks for all the money up front, run away. On the other hand don't expect a completed website before you drop a nickel. Most companies require half upfront and half at conclusion, or a payment plan. Make sure to find out how long between each payment!
(See Part 3.)