If your website is broken, outdated, or simply isn’t performing like it should be, you may have considered hiring a new website designer. You may have asked your friends or colleagues for a referral, or you Googled to see what companies are out there making a splash on the interwebs.
You may read testimonials, reviews, and look through countless portfolios. But before you hire a website designer, there are three things you may not have considered, that you NEED to think about before signing that contract.
1. Beware the word “proprietary”
Hiring a website designer, host, or management company is kind of like getting married. You need to make sure there’s a pre-nup. Hopefully everything goes well and you don’t ever separate. But in case you do, be sure your website can go with you. Beware the word “proprietary” as it refers to a content management system, and be sure to check the fine print to make sure you own the rights to your site files and database indefinitely.
2. Peep those reviews
Designers and “agencies” are a dime a dozen. Sometimes it’s even hard to tell who’s the real deal, and which companies are really just glorified side hustles. With so many options, how can you be sure you’re hiring the right one? One word: reviews. Look for real reviews from real people. Video reviews, even. Numbers don’t lie. Search Google, Facebook, and Youtube to learn more before you sign on the dotted line.
3. Ask about ongoing maintenance and support
Unlike some business purchases, a website is something that must be maintained and secured over time. If you’re paying for it, you’ll definitely want to protect it. So while you’re busy running your business, you’ll need a designer who provides fast, ongoing support, daily website backups, security, and excellent customer service for your peace of mind. Broken sites mean lost customers. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Questions? Post your comments below. Want a free website quote? Visit indiviewmedia.com and book your call today.
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