94% of first impressions are tied to website design, according to the latest small business website statistics.
Catherine Luchavez, Network Solutions
Your website is often the first impression a potential customer has of your business. It’s your digital handshake, your 24/7 salesperson, and the hub of your online presence.
When it’s time for an upgrade, whether for a fresh look, better functionality, or improved performance, you need to trust that your investment will deliver the best possible results. This means partnering with a digital agency that not only shares your vision but also has the expertise to bring it to life.
At Gatorworks, we understand that finding the right digital agency is the most important first step in a successful website redesign. To determine the best fit, you need to ask the right questions. Think of it as an interview for a partnership.
But what should you ask? This FAQ about website redesign will provide a comprehensive list of questions to ask a web design agency before starting a project.
Questions To Ask a Web Design Agency
You’ll probably have a lot of questions about the process, timeline, and what to expect. This FAQ about website redesign will tackle the most common questions, giving you clarity, helping you set clear expectations, and ensuring you make the best decisions.
1. What’s the timeline?
A website redesign timeline can be tricky to predict. The entire process, from discovery and planning to wireframes, design, development, edits, and approvals, takes time to get right.
While it’s difficult to give a definitive answer without knowing the project’s scope, a typical website redesign takes several months. Be cautious of any agency that promises an extremely fast turnaround (e.g., less than a month). Quality work requires a strategic process.
Ask for a realistic timeframe that accounts for thorough planning and execution without compromising quality. A good agency will provide a clear, phase-by-phase timeline so you know exactly what to expect.
Most agencies talk about full website redesign processes that take from 3 – 6 months. Of course, this takes longer if the approval process involves many stakeholders or if the number of pages on the site is 300+. While AI is speeding the process here, high-quality design, effective quality control, and meticulous planning take time.
2. What analytics tools will be included with my new website?
Every website, regardless of size, needs solid analytics tools. The most common and powerful platform is Google Analytics (GA4), which provides essential data on your website’s performance. By analyzing metrics like how many new users you’re getting each month, where your traffic is coming from, and who your visitors are, you can figure out if your new website is actually hitting its goals.
If your current website does not have any sort of analytics installed, then you should put it on your website before redesigning so you can establish a data baseline to measure against after re-launch. If you don’t know how – reach out to us, we’ll do it for free!
But what if you’re in an industry that handles sensitive information? Standard platforms like Google Analytics might not be the right fit. If your business needs to be HIPAA-compliant, we have two solutions we recommend:
- A HIPAA-compliant analytics platform: Tools such as Ghost Metrics or Heap are designed to meet strict privacy requirements, replacing Google Analytics entirely.
- A clean room solution: Services like Ours Privacy or Fresh Paint act as a middleman. They scrub all Protected Health Information (PHI) from your user data before it gets to Google Analytics. This way, you can still get all the benefits of GA4’s powerful tools while staying compliant.
When you’re talking to a potential agency, ask them what HIPAA analytics solutions for digital marketing they recommend for you. Make sure they can set it up correctly so your site performs well and stays compliant with privacy laws. This is one of the most important questions to ask a web design agency.
3. What will you do to ensure my current search engine traffic is not affected?
A website redesign is exciting, but it can seriously mess with your SEO if you’re not careful. If your launch goes wrong, you could end up with broken links, lost rankings, and a massive drop in traffic. And if you rely on search engines for leads, that’s a problem you can’t afford.
A skilled agency with SEO specialists who are involved from day one of the design and development process makes all the difference here. They’ll handle the technical details, like:
- Creating a 301 redirect map to make sure your old links point to the right new pages.
- Designing a site structure that search engines can easily understand.
- Running technical SEO audits before and after launch to catch any problems.
- Planning to run post-lauch scans searching for 404 errors.
This proactive approach ensures a smooth launch that protects (and often improves) your search rankings.
4. Is the site structure optimized for AI Search (AI Overviews / SGE)?
To stay ahead, you need to think about how AI search engines, like Google’s SGE, will find your content. AI-driven searches look for clear, direct answers from well-structured websites. When your site is optimized for these searches, you have a better chance of being featured in AI-generated summaries, which means more visibility and traffic for you. This approach not only boosts user engagement but also positions your business as a go-to source of information.
Increasingly, in the research process, users are getting the answers they need without any clicks. This zero-click search phenomenon doesn’t mean you are excluded from the conversation – it just means the conversation isn’t happening on your website, it’s happening in the search engine results page.
5. What other marketing services do you offer that might meet my needs?
When investing in a new website, it’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate your broader marketing strategy. Your website is the heart of your online marketing, but it can’t do all the work by itself. To get the most out of your investment, it’s smart to think about how it will connect with all your other marketing efforts.
Does your current logo and branding accurately reflect your business today? A website redesign is an ideal time for a brand refresh to ensure a cohesive and modern identity.
How will you drive traffic to your new site? A strategic social media plan can build a community and direct engaged users to your content.
And what about after launch? Ongoing SEO helps ensure your site ranks well in search results, while email marketing can nurture leads and keep your audience engaged.
(And don’t forget about your offline needs, like tradeshow graphics, that should align with your online presence.)
Even if you don’t need these services immediately, one of the most important questions to ask a web design agency is about their full capabilities. It’s a huge advantage to partner with a full-service agency that can support you as you grow. This way, you can reach your full online potential without the headache of managing multiple vendors.
6. How quickly can I expect replies from you?
We’ve heard our fair share of website horror stories from new clients, and a lot of them sound the same. A common complaint we hear is about how long it took their previous agency or website company to respond to their requests. Your website agency should be committed to communicating same-day or in less than 24 hours – even if it just to confirm receipt and promise a reply.
It can be incredibly frustrating to know that something on your website is broken or not working as it should, and to feel like your problem isn’t being treated with the urgency it deserves. That’s why communication and response times are key things to discuss before signing on the dotted line.
7. Will I have a dedicated account manager and/or project manager to work on my project throughout the timeline?
Imagine calling your agency and, instead of being bounced around, you’re greeted by a familiar voice who knows your name, your project’s status, and the context of your last conversation. That’s the power of a dedicated account and project manager.
Having one person to talk to is a game-changer. Think of them as your go-to person inside the agency. They’ll handle all the back-and-forth with designers, developers, and strategists for you. This means you don’t have to repeat yourself or waste time catching different people up on your project. It just makes everything smoother, clearer, and way less stressful.
8. Can I see some examples of your work?
This might seem like a no-brainer, but you should always ask to see an agency’s portfolio. A reputable agency will be proud to show off its previous work. It should be able to provide you with examples of websites they have designed, particularly those that might be similar to your vision.
Take a close look at their work. Do you like what you see? Does the design style resonate with you? If their portfolio doesn’t excite you, they might not be the right fit for your project. After all, if their work doesn’t capture your attention, how can you expect it to capture and hold your customers’ attention? A “no” to this request is a major red flag. Walk away.
This is one of the most important FAQs about website redesign, so don’t be shy about asking! Feel free to check out some of our website design work.
9. Will I be able to update my website or will I have to come to you for changes?
When you invest in a new website, you should have the power to manage it. Unfortunately, some websites are so complicated or convoluted that every small change needs to be handled by developers. That’s inconvenient, to say the least, and can quickly become expensive.
This is why Gatorworks builds new websites on user-friendly content management systems (CMS). Our primary recommendation is WordPress, the most popular and versatile CMS in the world. It gives you the flexibility to update content, add blog posts, and make other changes without needing to write a single line of code.
Of course, WordPress isn’t the only option. We’ll work with you to determine the best platform for your specific needs, whether that’s a different CMS or a custom-coded solution that offers a better functional or financial fit. But, if a team is developing in other platforms, your question should be – “How easy will it be for a non-technical person to manage content on this website?” If they hesitate or give a meandering answer, this is a bad sign.
No matter which platform we use, our job isn’t done at launch. We provide comprehensive training to ensure your team feels confident and equipped to update the site. Teach a man to fish, right?
10. Why should I use you instead of making my own site on Squarespace or Weebly?
While DIY website builders like Squarespace or Weebly have come a long way, they don’t replace the expertise of a professional team. Think about all the details that go into a launch:
- Is every page optimized with the right meta titles and descriptions?
- Is every image given proper alt text for accessibility and SEO?
- Are page redirects set up correctly to preserve your search rankings?
These are the kinds of technical details that are easy to miss but can significantly hurt your site’s visibility on search engines right from the start.
When you partner with an experienced agency, you’re investing in a team of specialists (designers, developers, and digital strategists) who understand how to build a website that not only looks professional but is also technically sound, secure, and built for long-term growth.
11. Do you do custom website design or will my site utilize a template?
This is a big one, as the answer will impact both your budget and how much you can do with your site down the road.
- Template websites are usually cheaper and faster to get up and running. They’re a solid choice if your business has pretty standard needs and you’re working with a smaller budget. The downside? They can be limiting when it comes to a one-of-a-kind design or adding special features.
- Custom websites give you total creative freedom and can grow with your business. We can build a site that’s perfectly matched to your brand and goals, creating a unique experience for your users and adding any complex functions you need.
Our team can do both, and we’re happy to help you figure out which option makes the most sense for you.
12. Who will work on my website?
Curious about who’s actually building your website? It’s one of the best questions to ask a web design agency. Knowing how many people are on the team (and how many will be dedicated to your project) can tell you a lot about an agency’s process.
If it’s just one designer and one developer, that could be a red flag. At Gatorworks, we believe in a team approach. Your project will have a dedicated project manager, designers, developers, and SEO experts all working together to ensure your website is a success.
13. How much input will I have on the website design?
You’re hiring an agency for their design skills. But, it’s your website, and your input is a key part of making the project a success. A good question to ask is how collaborative the design process will be. Find out what stages of the project you’ll be able to give feedback and what happens if you don’t like the first design concepts. It’s always best to set up clear communication and feedback channels from the get-go so the final website is something you’re truly happy with.
14. What happens if I don’t like the initial design?
Don’t be shy about asking this! It’s better to address it up front than to wait until you’re unhappy with a design. A good design team will welcome your honesty. Ask them what the process looks like if the first draft isn’t quite what you envisioned. This sets a clear expectation that you’re an active partner in the design process and gives the team a chance to adjust their approach.
Just be aware that starting from scratch can come with additional costs, so it’s good to clarify that as well.
This is a good place to ask about the overall process and inquire as to what stages you will be given input on. A well-crafted process ensures a quality outcome.
15. Can you create a logo, refresh a logo, or get unique/interesting imagery for my site? What role does interactivity play in the design process?
Another of the important questions to ask a web design agency is if they can handle more than just the website build. Can they design a new logo or give your current one a facelift? What about sourcing unique stock photos or videos? Be sure to ask what services they offer and how much each will cost right from the start. If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for your logo, branding, and website, make that clear upfront so you can find a team that can handle everything.
It’s also a great idea to ask about interactivity. When will you get to see and play with the interactive elements of your site, like any buttons, animations, or forms? Knowing what to expect and when will help you understand how your site will come to life and ensure the final product is engaging for your visitors.
16. Will you be outsourcing ANY aspect of the website project?
Outsourcing is when a company hires another company or a freelancer to do some of the work. For example, a web design agency might hire a freelance copywriter to write the text for your website. This is a common practice, and it’s not always a bad thing. It can help companies access specialized skills and keep costs down. Ask them what the pros and cons of their approach are.
However, you need to understand the potential risks. Ask the agency if they outsource any part of the project. If they do, find out who they work with and what their process is for ensuring quality. You want to make sure the agency you hire is fully responsible for the final product, even if parts of it are outsourced.
17. Will my website be mobile-friendly? How do you test this on different devices, browsers, and screen sizes?
The answer to this should always be a confident “yes.” Your website needs to provide a seamless experience, whether your visitors are using a tiny smartphone, a tablet, or a huge desktop monitor. This is called responsive design.
It also needs to work perfectly across different web browsers like Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. This is known as cross-browser compatibility.
Why is this so important?
- User Experience: People will leave your site if it’s hard to use on their device.
- Google Rankings: Google prioritizes sites that are mobile-friendly in its search results.
- Ad Performance: When it comes to Google Ads, Microsoft Ads, and other advertising types, the speed with which a site loads and the user engagement are key metrics that will decide how your ads perform.
If a web design company can’t promise a site that works beautifully on all devices and browsers, they’re not the right partner for you.
18. Will AI be used in the Design, Development, or Content Process?
AI can be a fantastic tool, but it’s important to understand how your partner plans to use it. The ideal answer should focus on how AI helps elevate the final product for you, the client, rather than just making the process quicker or cheaper for their internal team. AI tools should benefit you, the buyer.
How can AI be used in the Web Design and Development Process?
- Analyze data for better design decisions by ingesting Google Analytics.
- Perform competitive audits to ascertain similarities and differentiators from key competitors.
- Automated information handling on the back-end.
- Automate repetitive coding tasks to free up developers for more complex problem-solving.
- Generate initial ideas for content that are then refined by human experts.
The key is that AI should be used as a tool to enhance human creativity and expertise, not replace it entirely.
19. What will be done to ensure my website is Search Engine and AI Search-friendly?
A great-looking website is useless if no one can find it. That’s where Search Engine Optimization (SEO) comes in. You should ask if the agency has a dedicated SEO specialist and what their qualifications are. Many agencies say their sites follow SEO best practices, but real expertise is what gets you to the top of Google. Ask them how they’ll build your site to attract and convert your target audience through search.
But it’s not just about Google anymore. With the rise of AI search tools, your website’s design needs to cater to them, too. AI models, or Large Language Models (LLMs), love content that’s easy to scan. Think clear headings, bulleted lists, tables, and graphs. They look for well-structured information that directly answers a question. Ask the agency how they plan to lay out your content so that AI can easily pull from it to answer user queries. A good design will highlight key research, stats, and percentages, making your site a go-to source for AI-powered answers.
You can also ask if they plan to implement an LLM.txt file. This is similar to a robots.txt file but specifically tells AI models how they can or can’t interact with your site’s content. It’s a newer concept, but it shows the agency is forward-thinking and understands the evolving landscape of online search. Ensuring your site is ready for AI search is becoming essential for staying visible online.
20. What type of content management system do you use?
Knowing which Content Management System (CMS) an agency uses is crucial. Do they build on a widely-used platform like WordPress, or do they have their own custom-built system?
While a proprietary CMS built just for your company might sound great, it can lead to major headaches. What happens if you want to make a simple change? Will you have to call (and pay) them for every little update? And what if you decide to part ways with the agency? You could be left with a website you can’t even manage, essentially locking you into a long-term dependency you didn’t sign up for. It’s a classic scenario you’ll want to avoid.
21. What do you need from me to get started?
Asking this question shows the agency you’re organized, serious, and ready to kick things off. A clear understanding of the initial requirements can prevent delays and set the stage for a smooth project launch. They’ll likely need assets like your brand style guide, high-resolution logos, and maybe even a list of websites you admire. Having these items ready to go will help you hit the ground running.
22. Do you offer web hosting?
Building a great website is only half the battle. You also need a reliable place for it to live. Web hosting is the service that keeps your site up and running, accessible to anyone who visits. If your hosting is slow or your site keeps crashing, it becomes a roadblock instead of a resource, and visitors will bounce before they ever see what you offer.
That’s why it pays to ask whether the company redesigning your site can also host it. When the same team handles both, everything stays under one roof. They already know your site inside and out, so if something needs attention, there’s no finger-pointing or back-and-forth between separate vendors. You get faster support, smoother performance, and one trusted partner who can keep your site secure and running at its best. So, find out whether they offer hosting and what makes their hosting an advantage for you.
23. If I wanted to make a change beyond the scope of the project after my site goes live, would you offer maintenance or can we adjust the agreement?
Organizations evolve, and your website should be able to evolve with you. What happens if you need to make a change during the redesign process or after the site goes live? Does this process look different if it’s a simple image swap vs a larger design change?
Ask your potential web design partner how they handle changes that are outside the initial project scope. It’s important to understand their process and any associated costs upfront to avoid surprises later on.
24. If we part ways after the website is designed, what additional costs should I expect?
Imagine this nightmare scenario: you part ways with your web design company, but you’re stuck paying them forever just to keep your own site. Some companies try to claim ownership of the designs, logos, or even the website itself, even though you paid for them.
Before you sign anything, make sure you are crystal clear on ownership. Will you have to pay ongoing fees to keep the site live or use the content management system (CMS)? Make sure you will own your site, free and clear. Avoid any agency that wants to hold your hard-earned assets hostage.
25. Can you make a website that is ADA-Compliant?
ADA compliance means building your website to meet accessibility standards, like the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), so that people with disabilities can navigate, read, and use your site.
This matters for two big reasons.
- First, it ensures every visitor can access your content the way you intended, which builds trust and broadens your audience.
- Second, failing to comply can lead to legal action. Regulatory requirements are expanding, and the Department of Justice has set clear standards for web accessibility, making non-compliant websites vulnerable to lawsuits.
Automated tools and accessibility widgets can help, but they cannot make everything compliant on their own. Assets like PDFs and videos require ADA Manual Remediation, a hands-on process where specialists fix the elements that automated scans miss. So, if accessibility is a concern, figure out from the beginning whether a company can truly help you meet these standards.
Ask Gatorworks These Questions!
Have some questions for the Gatorworks team? Whether you’re a key stakeholder getting serious about a redesign or a marketing coordinator just beginning your research, we’re here to help. Let’s talk about your website redesign goals! Call us at 225-924-6109, contact us online, or fill out the form below to get started.