Web design projects take a lot of time, including research, audit, review, and team effort! On top of that, the story changes rapidly when it comes to third-party tools and CMS such as Shopify.
Whether you’re beginning from scratch or rebuilding an existing website, there are a lot of considerations at each step. How well does your material perform, and how much of it do you have? Which cutting-edge technology do you need to use? What matters most is how the project will improve how people interact with your website.
To form your online store, you, as the owner of an eCommerce company, must also decide whether to work with a Shopify web design agency or a dedicated Shopify Plus Developer.
This is a major decision because you’re giving someone else access to your money and trust. The performance of your digital marketing, earnings, and lead generation are all impacted by your store. You have to do it right.
Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Shopify Web Design Agency
1. Discuss your project requirements up front
Whether you’re beginning from scratch or rebuilding an existing website, there are a lot of considerations at each step. How well does your material perform, and how much of it do you have? Which cutting-edge technology do you need to use? What matters most is how the project will improve how people interact with your website.
To form your online store, you, as the owner of an eCommerce company, must also decide whether to work with a Shopify web design agency or a dedicated Shopify Plus Developer.
This is a major decision because you’re giving someone else access to your money and trust. The performance of your digital marketing, earnings, and lead generation are all impacted by your store. You have to do it right.
2. Ask how much time your Shopify web design agency needs for delivery
Just as important as the overall timeline is your team’s availability to work with a skilled Shopify web design agency or an independent Shopify Plus developer of your choosing.
The processes of web design and development frequently entail conferences, content collection, assessments, approvals, and correspondence. The amount of time your internal team has available to work on these challenges will affect your collaboration.
Because a web design agency will handle most of the project management, you will need to devote less time to it. Since independent Shopify developers and designers could want extra input at every stage, especially if you’re contracting out both design and development to different vendors, you might need to allot a lot more time for back and forth.
3. Check where your agency is located
Location is important – especially if you’re a retail business or want to solely set up your store for the local audience. There’s nothing more annoying than waiting days for communication and permission due to time zone differences.
Although it could seem like a good idea to hire independent Shopify Plus developers or a cheap Shopify web design agency from overseas, the frustration could wind up outweighing the savings. To find better and more relevant results when choosing a local base of operations for your web design partners, look for Shopify Experts in Your City.
Also, you must carefully consider communication availability. Are you planning to meet with them during the times that you are open for business? Problems may arise from a time zone difference of more than three hours.
4. What is their web design and development process
The technique helps to achieve deadlines and goals while streamlining work. Make sure you are aware of how the individuals you decide to deal with operate. Important deliverables ought to have a deadline so you can plan when you’ll be available for reviews and approvals.
A flexible, consistent process can produce excellent results and save time. On the other hand, a lack of process can lead to significant hold-ups and delays in launch.
5. Which specific services are included in your package
Whether you’re building a new website or doing a comprehensive overhaul, it should go without saying that you need to know exactly which services are included in your cooperation.
Are you employing a freelance Shopify Plus developer who is also an experienced designer, or do you also need to outsource to a special agency? Is it possible to speed up the process and communication by hiring a Shopify Plus developer and designer who has expertise working together?
Upon closer inspection, what technical capabilities do they offer? For example, a designer might specialize in one area of user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, or they might know very little about the other.
Working with a Shopify development agency that provides a range of services, such as web design, development, SEO, and content strategy, can cut down on the time and effort required to recruit separate freelancers for different jobs because you can have everything under one roof.
6. Determine your budget and ask for the complete service cost
Because they both have a significant impact on your organization, keep in mind to weigh the upfront costs and the long-term benefits when selecting a Shopify web design agency or freelancer.
- What is the scope of your expenditure cap?
- Is there a set spending limit, or will you be billed by the hour?
- Is there an hourly cap or does the contract cover unexpected delays, subpar work, and other process hiccups?
- Which metrics would you use to assess whether there is a need for more leads or sales?
You can consider a free WordPress website, a DIY (do-it-yourself) website builder like Squarespace, or a similar page builder option should all be considered if money is tight. Additionally, you might be able to arrange a beneficial financial alliance with an overseas contractor. Keep in mind that the other elements—like the project’s duration, the team’s location, and the availability of ongoing maintenance—still need to satisfy your requirements.
7. Ask for testimonials
Whether you discovered a potential web design partner via a suggestion or through online research and exploration, you should always take the time to evaluate their work. Our top recommendations for things to look for while evaluating a freelancer’s or web design agency’s portfolio are as follows:
- Number of projects
- Average project size
- Aesthetics
- Services and abilities
- Their services process
Conclusion
Your chosen Shopify web design agency or contractor ought to be equally invested in the project’s success. Make sure you turn in your projects on time, express all of your needs clearly and concisely, and don’t be afraid to ask these questions! Make a note of the previously discussed issues and remember to bring them up in your hiring process.
Also read: Shopify Pros and Con – Pricing, Payments and New Features
