Home > Design > 4 Unusual Questions to Ask Your Web Designer

Many people are familiar with asking a prospective web designer certain questions. Things like their fee, portfolio, the type of projects they specialize in and so forth all go on the list.  But there are some underlying points that are also worth knowing and can help you build a long-term relationship that continues to benefit you as your business grows.

Although these questions may not seem to have much in the way of relevance to the project at hand, you’ll be glad you asked them, as the answers can give you an indication of whether or not you’re working with a true professional.

1. What Industry Websites, Blogs or Magazines Do You Read Regularly?

This question may not seem like something that would be remotely interesting to you – but the designer’s answer should show that they stay updated on the latest trends, tools, software and techniques that make their job possible.  In my case, I read Website Magazine, KISSmetrics blog, CrazyEgg, Copyblogger and Unbounce (and also write for many of them) so that I can stay informed on strategies that are important to my business.  If it has to do with conversion-focused design, copywriting and landing page optimization – I want to know about it.

2. Name Three Websites You Admire and Why?

These answers could run the gamut from simple “zen-like” sites to Flash-laden interactive games and nearly any answer would be correct – depending on what you’re looking for in your own site.  Here again, I prefer sites which have a focus on growth – growing their subscriber base, customer relationships, orders – anything that turns a browser into a buyer.

I admire sites that start out small with one great idea, and end up somehow changing the way we live and work.  Currently, Pinterest is the site getting all the attention, but I also stay in the loop via places like TechCrunch and Mashable for technology-related business “sprouts” that could be the next big thing.

3. How do You Plan for the Growth of the Websites You Build?

This question is vital simply because some web designers simply don’t think that far ahead – and it can be crucial to your business to be able to weed them out.  Although no one knows what kind of technologies the future holds (could any of us honestly say in 1997 that websites on cell phones would be commonplace in the future?), being able to plan with a company’s future website growth in mind will help ensure that your pages are built using strong technical and community foundations.

For instance, WordPress is one such tool that blossomed from a blogging platform to a full-blown content management system.  What used to be something “just for bloggers” has reached out into ecommerce, social networking, mobile commerce and many other facets of the web.

4. How Will Your Design Work Help Me Reach My Goals?

Your website should have several goals – whether it’s for next month, next year, and/or five years from now.  And your web designer will likely play an intrinsic role in making sure you reach those goals.  They should be able to help you brainstorm accurate goals for not just launching the website or business, but also meeting specific sales or growth targets as well – such as:

• A 30% increase in email subscribers within six months
• A reduction in a website’s “bounce rate” by 10% in 30 days
• A 25% increase in revenue from e-commerce sales during the holiday season

The right website goals have a number and a timeframe in mind – as well as a path that outlines the individual steps to help you get there within said timeframe.  While it’s entirely possible that you won’t hit all of your goals, you should at least make measurable growth in some areas, and learn from your mistakes in others.

A qualified designer can help you set up what are called “Conversion Goals” in metrics programs like Google Analytics (which is free) to help you see where prospects may be falling through the virtual cracks.

These are just a few of the many questions you can (and should) ask your web designer before you begin to work with them.  A pretty portfolio is one thing, but the ability to get results for customers can mean quite a bit more for your bottom line.

Photo Credit: daveknapik