Free Web Tips > Questions to ask a Web Designer
Example scenario

A cheap website usually has catches!
Have you experienced similar calls and propositions? ...
It's 'likely', but not impossible, that you'll end up without a proper site - or certainly one with catches.
- "Someone's called me just now and offered a website and app for £150"
- "So & So offered us a site from £250".
- "So & so suggests we spend £1500 on a site".
- ... and so on.
It's 'likely', but not impossible, that you'll end up without a proper site - or certainly one with catches.
What is a proper website?

Expect a 'proper' Website owned by you!
= A multi page professional site wholly owned by you.
Simplifying, but in our opinion, a proper site sounds as follows ...
Here's a few pointers to ensure you don't get ripped off!
Ultimately, only you can define what a proper website means to you; only you know what 'you' expect to get from your website.
However, there are some common aspects to be aware of ...
Simplifying, but in our opinion, a proper site sounds as follows ...
- You own it all - Domain Name/s + Website + Graphics.
- A proper site usually has proper e-mail addresses to go with it yourname@yourdomain.com
- and usually pleasing on the eye.
Here's a few pointers to ensure you don't get ripped off!
Ultimately, only you can define what a proper website means to you; only you know what 'you' expect to get from your website.
However, there are some common aspects to be aware of ...
Question to ask a Web Designer...
SUMMARY OF MOST IMPORTANT QUESTIONS...
These questions have often helped others like you 'to know' to ask the following ...
In order of most important ...
- Will I be the registered owner of my domain names?
(We 'always' register domains in our Client's name) - Will I own the Website Copyright including all graphics?
(Ensure you have this in writing - Website Domain Name/s + Website Copyright). - Is there a restriction to number of pages on my website?
(You should expect at least 3+ pages - though your facility should be unlimited pages). - What's the 'total cost' or 'minimum contract'?
(Decent sites usually cost: £500-£2000 1-off development + £70pa hosting fee + £10pa Domain Name Renewals) - Who will write the initial content?
(If anything, here's where quantity of pages take up your suppliers time. More pages that need content being written for, the longer it'll take and the more time that needs to be charged for). - Will you include research + content advice that gets enquiries and sales?
(If you're writing the content, you'll likely not know what's needed to get Web Enquiries & Sales) - Will I own my Web Stats account?
(e.g. If Google Analytics is to be installed, it should be YOUR OWN FREE ACCOUNT - we see many existing businesses with Web Stats belonging to their developers Google Account and only 'shared' to the business owner -- it's wrong, causes problems and is needless!).