10 questions any (good) web designer should ask you.

Taking the leap from a basic free template blog to a completely custom one that does exactly what you want and looks the way you like is scary. It is also not cheap. So when you make the decision to go custom, you want to make sure you choose someone who knows what they are doing.

So how do you know that a designer is any good?

Of course, you can look at their portfolio, ask for referrals, check their pricing, and talk with them in person. But, the true measure of a designer is how well they can create a site that will be exactly what you want and what your audience needs. They will have a solid understanding of who you are, what your business is and how to attract an audience. To do this, they need to ask questions. And these are the 10 that I believe should be asked before any design is started.

1. What is your goal with the site?
2. Is the site for information, contact building or sharing product (or a combination)?
3. What do you want visitors to do on the site (read, click, sign up)?
4. Who are your clients: individuals, businesses, tech departments etc?
5. What are your verticals (which markets are you trying to reach)?
6. What type of person will visit your site: business owners, SAHM’s, kids, web geeks, etc?
7. What is your key marketing statement (your motto) and your elevator pitch?
8. Do you want to have a blog? (this should be seriously considered)
9. What websites have you seen that you like?
10. What websites have you seen that you don’t like?

The answers to these questions are what will make the difference between an average blog design and a completely custom, perfect for your business, amazing blog design. And, any good designer is going to ask them (or at least something close to them) because they aren’t psychic. They can’t know what you need just from a short conversation. They need details and insight into your business that only you can give them. And with solid answers to these questions, they can get a really clear understanding, which will equal a much better design!

What are your thoughts?

Related posts:

1. 10 questions you should ask your web designer.
2. 5 questions to ask yourself before you hire a web designer
3. How to piss off your web designer in 5 easy steps