Ask These Questions or Risk Getting the Wrong Website
The economy is looking good. Wood products manufacturers have told us they’re busier now than they’ve been in years.
With all this positive business growth, you might be ready to invest in a new and improved website to help you reach new customers and pave the way toward future sales.
Before you hire a web development company, be sure you ask these questions so you know exactly what you’re getting.
1. Will your website be responsive?
Responsive sites adjust automatically to fit mobile phones, tablets and desktops. Websites that are not responsive are penalized by Google, which could harm your search rankings.
2. Will you be able to update your site yourself?
Don’t get stuck with a website that you can’t update yourself. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend money on a web designer each time you want to make a change.
3. Will your site be a template, semi-custom or custom site?
This impacts your cost and how much control you have over the look and functionality of your site. Template sites cost less, but severely limit your options for customization. Semi-custom sites offer many more features and greater design choices. Custom sites, which offer the greatest flexibility, are designed and built to your requirements.
4. Does your web developer have industry knowledge?
Working with a web developer who understands the wood products industry makes the entire process go more smoothly and ensures that you’ll get a website tailored to the specific needs of your business and your customers.
5. Is your web developer using SEO tools?
Make sure your web developer has knowledge of SEO (search engine optimization) and uses SEO best practices. This is critical to your website’s search rankings.
6. Are you dealing with a web designer or a web developer?
This distinction is important if you have specific technical requirements or need a website with customized features and functionality. Web developers have programming and coding skills that most web designers don’t have. Make sure your web professional has the technical skills necessary to execute your project.
7. Are there monthly fees after your site is launched?
Some web companies charge you for creating your website and also charge you an ongoing monthly fee afterwards. Find out exactly what that fee is for and how long you’re going to be paying it.
8. Do you have a written contract?
This is important for your protection as well as the web developer’s. Be sure the scope of work and payment terms are spelled out completely and clearly so there are no surprises or misunderstandings.
9. Is your web developer using too many technical terms?
Beware of jargon. Your web developer should be explaining technical things in plain English. Ask questions if you don’t understand. And keep asking if you need to.
Why you need a product-intensive website. Read more.
