The Right Questions to Ask Your Web Company

You need a new website and there are loads of web companies that would love to do it for you.  How do you find the right one who’ll get the work done on time and on budget?  The place to start is by asking the right questions.

#1 – What happens if you’re not satisfied at the end of the project?

Don’t be fooled by claims of money-back guarantees.  A savvy web company will assure you that it won’t come to that because you’ll get regular progress reports during the website design.  You’ll be able to make adjustments as needed, long before the completion of the project.

#2 – Who is actually doing the work?

The company you are contracting with for your website re-design may not be the ones actually performing the writing, programming and other services.  Find out exactly who will be working on your project and learn about the qualifications of each person.  If you are talking to a one-person shop, make sure there is a back up in case the original consultant can’t finish the job.

#3 – Does the web company have alliances with other vendors?

Many websites involve content management systems, shopping carts, email software and other software necessary for business operations.  Find out if the web company has any affiliations with vendors that would prevent them from presenting a range of solutions from different providers.  Make sure you clearly understand any commissions the web company may get from any software sales.

#4 – Has the web firm worked with smaller companies?

It’s quite the fashion for web companies to tout their impressive lists of Fortune 500 clients.  What matters to most of you however is that the web company understands the marketing needs of smaller firms with smaller budgets.  It’s quite helpful as well if they know your industry along with fundamental concepts behind running a successful enterprise.

#5 – Will you learn anything from the web company?

The answers you receive to this question give you a clue as to the long-term intentions of the firm.  Competent web companies won’t mind sharing what they know so that your staff better understands how to use the website and its related data.  Training, full documentation of actions and collaboration are musts.

#6 – Who is the project manager?

Run in another direction if there isn’t a clear answer to this one.  It’s this person’s job to get your new website done right on time and on budget.  Make sure they are easy to reach, recognize your needs and that they speak in a language you can understand.

#7 – How will the new website be supported after it is complete?

Lots of web companies move on to other projects after your new website is done, making them hard to reach.  Find out early the type of long-term support offered by the web company and nail down the specifics.  Again, beware of being passed along to a third party.

#8 – What is it that the web company doesn’t do well?

No single web company is the cure-all for all your business needs.  Ask the company what they don’t do well.  Their answers can be quite revealing.

#9 – What is this going to cost me?

Insist on a flat fee for the website and set up a payment schedule tied to the progress of the project.  Many companies accept 30% upfront, portions as the project achieves certain milestones and the balance paid upon completion.  Get the details in writing, including interaction and evaluation dates and insist on a reduction in payment should the project not be completed on time.