Before you decided to work with a developer there are some things that you should ask them, to better know if the developer is the one for you.  With millions of options out there for you to choose, you’ll want to know a few things to ensure that your making the right choice. Below are a few things that you should ask web designers to separate the real result-getter’s from the rest.

1.How many years has your company been building web sites?
Of course, this is the most explanatory question. Usually, a company that that  has  more experience in the business knows what you want and what needs to be done for a successful web site. If you already know the question to the answer or the company is well known, you should be asking them how technologically up-to-date the company is and if they are designing web. 

2.Where can I see samples of your previous work?
A company with a portfolio online can display past projects to the public, this is a valuable asset to you so that you can see the past products and quality.

3.Can the company provide you with Flash animation?
You don’t ever want to have to much flash animation on your site, but it will add an extra edge to a website.

4.What industries have you created websites for?
If the company is familiar with your industry it can be beneficial to the build of your site. They can help add ideas and information that will be helpful and keep users coming back to your site.

5.What is the largest project you have worked on and why?
A company with well known clients are more credible for their work, this is also like a portfolio of their work online.

6.Do you offer web hosting?
If they do offer web hosting, it will usually be offered at a discounted price because they designed your web site. Normally, it is a good idea to go with the company that builds the site for you because they will offer you hosting at a lower rate then what you would find on your own.

7.Do I have to host my web site with you?
If you do find another site that can offer you cheaper hosting you should be ale to. You have the right to host your site wherever you want to.

8.What do I have to provide to you?
Usually you will have to provide the text, images, and feedback. If you can not or do not want to, you can ask if the web design company can offer these services to you from their stock photos and copywriting.

9.Are they able to offer the option of an online shopping cart?
If you do plan to do an e-commerce in the future, but you are putting the plan on hold for the first couple of stages, be sure that they have the resources to provide this service.

10.How do you measure success of you website?
Some companies will measure the success by the actual site itself; others measure it by the amount of traffic the site gets. This will all depend on what you are looking for.

11.Will I own the code after completion of the project?
You paid for the codes therefore you should own it, make sure that the answer is YES.

12.Do you have a formal project process?
If the company really has everything together they will have an easy process that will be organized and easy to follow.

13.What is the payment structure?
Usually there is a down payment of roughly 33%. Normally they require another 33% during the development and the final payment is due when the site is finished or goes online.

14.How will we communicate about this project?
I hear all the time about how people gave a designer a lot of money to get the project worked on, and then they couldn’t get a hold of the developer. Make sure that you can communicate by e-mail, which is usually more convenient and more effective. However, you can address your needs also by telephone.

15.  What browsers do you test the site on?
Testing should be done at the minimum of these four browsers
 

                                  1.Microsoft Internet Explorer
                                  2.Mozilla
                                 3.FireFox
                                 4.Netscape

16.Are your codes clean and up to date with open standards?
If the code is clean, it will load faster. Also that are more portable if you ever decide to switch to another designer in the future.

17.How long will it take?
A typical small business website takes roughly a month, but it usually depends on how involved you are in the project.

Normally the designer you are looking for has a good reputation and can offer you the services that you are looking for. If you do find one or two things that you do not like about a web designer, continue to search for one you are happy with but don’t completely scratch that company out. Not all the companies that you will speak with can offer you exactly what you are looking for, weather it be for the companies rules or their software they work with.