questions to ask when choosing a web design company   
by Alyssa Gregory

Questions to Ask Yourself
Here are some basic questions most Web design companies will ask you before they begin to create your site. If you have answers to these questions prepared in advance, you will be ready to speak with the designer in more specific terms about your project.

	What is the purpose of my site (i.e. promote my business, sell products online, provide information to a specific community, promote a charity or nonprofit group)?
	Who is my target audience?
	What features do I want on my site (i.e. photos, online forms, animations, etc.)?
	Which Web sites have a look and feel I like?
	Do I have all the necessary information for the site (i.e. content, images, site map, etc.)?
	Do I have content that will need to be changed or updated on a regular basis?
	What is my budget?
	What is my timeline?

Questions for the Designer
These questions will help you make sure the designer you choose is the best fit for your project. Ask for clarification on any aspect you are unsure about and make sure you are comfortable with the answers you receive before you hire the designer for the project.

	Is the company a full-time design company? What are their office hours? You may want to avoid "hobby designers" that only work on sites in the evenings or on weekends.
	Do they have their own Web site? Is it professional, clean and organized?
	Do they charge for an initial consultation? You should not be charged for your initial contact with the designer, whether via phone, email or in person, where you discuss the scope of the project in general terms.
	How do their rates work? Do they charge hourly for each service, or will they develop an all-inclusive pricing package that incorporates all of your requirements into one fee?
	Can they develop the type of Web site you want? Do they have the necessary resources and technology?
	Do they have examples of quality work?
	Do they design template-based or unique Web sites?
	What qualifications do they have? A good Web design company should have a strong background in both graphic and Web development. In addition to being knowledgeable about many aspects of technology, it is also helpful if they have experience with all types of communication. These skills are very important when it comes to meeting with a client and setting the tone of the relationship.

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