How To Choose A Web Designer In Airlie Beach
There are a few of us around the Whitsundays. Here's how to pick the right one for your business, even if it isn't me.
The short answerPick someone who can show you local sites that actually rank, gives you a written price, puts the domain in your name, writes the words for you, and answers the phone after launch. If they can't do all five, keep looking.
I'm a web designer in Airlie Beach, so take this with that in mind. But these are the same things I'd tell a mate who asked me who to use.
1. Ask For Proof, Not Promises
Every web designer says their sites rank. Ask to see some. Better still, search for them yourself: type in what a customer would, like "plumber Cannonvale" or "boat hire Airlie Beach", and see if their clients come up.
A good designer will happily show you real sites, real results and real reviews from local businesses.
2. Local Knowledge Counts
Someone who knows the Whitsundays knows how locals and visitors search, which towns you actually service, and how the seasons change your business. That ends up in the words, the pages and how your site is set up for Google.
3. Get The Price In Writing
Ask for a fixed, written quote, and ask what it costs every year after launch. Hosting, the domain and any monthly fees add up. More on that in how much a website costs in the Whitsundays.
4. Make Sure You Own It
Your domain should be registered in your name, and you should be able to move your site if you ever want to. If you can't leave without losing your website address, that's a problem.
5. Find Out Who Writes The Words
Most owners don't want to write their own website. Some designers leave it to you anyway, and a lot of sites end up half finished because of it. Ask who writes the copy before you sign.
6. Ask What Happens After Launch
Websites need updates, backups and the odd change. Will you have someone to call? Is it a local person or a ticket queue overseas?
Red Flags
- Guaranteed number one on Google. Nobody can promise that.
- Long locked contracts that tie your website and Google profile together.
- No examples of local sites they've built.
- No reviews, or only reviews you can't check.
- The domain in their name, not yours.
Questions To Ask
- Can I see local sites you've built that rank on Google?
- Is the price fixed and in writing?
- What does it cost each year after launch?
- Will the domain be in my name?
- Who writes the words?
- Who do I call if something breaks?
If you'd like to see how I answer those, have a look at how I work as a website designer in Airlie Beach, my case studies and my reviews.
Nath J is the website designer and SEO specialist behind Ripple Effect Online, in Airlie Beach since 2001. More about me.
Put Me To The Test
Give me a call and ask me all six. I'll answer them straight.
07 4813 9009or get a quote · more articles