Your new website is finally live after months of planning, designing, and developing. It’s surely an exciting step, but before you dive into your digital debut, there are a few crucial questions you should ask your website designer to ensure everything is running smoothly and to set you up for long-term success. Here are three essential questions to address once your website is completed.

1. Is the Website Optimized for Search Engines?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is critical for ensuring that your website ranks well on search engines like Google. Ask your designer if they have implemented fundamental SEO practices, such as meta tags, alt text for images, and proper URL structures. Inquire about whether they’ve integrated any tools or plugins for ongoing SEO management and how you can track and improve your site’s visibility over time. A well-optimized website will help attract organic traffic and improve your site’s discoverability.

2. How Will the Website be Maintained and Updated?

Websites require regular maintenance to stay secure, functional, and up-to-date. Ask your designer about the procedures for updating content, adding new features, and performing routine checks. This is of paramount importance if you are using a CMS like WordPress and related plugins, which push out patches and updates periodically. Understand if they provide ongoing support or if you’ll need to engage a different service for website maintenance. Additionally, inquire about the process for addressing potential issues that might arise post-launch, such as broken links or compatibility problems with new browsers.

3. Can You Provide Training or Documentation for Website Management?

Even if your website is user-friendly, it’s important to be well-informed about how to manage it effectively. Request training or documentation from your designer that covers the basics of using the content management system (CMS), such as updating text, uploading images, or managing e-commerce functions if applicable. Having this knowledge will empower you to make changes independently and keep your website fresh and relevant without relying on external help.

By asking these questions, you ensure that your new website not only looks great but also performs effectively and remains manageable in the long run. Addressing these aspects will help you maximize your investment and ensure your online presence continues to thrive.