SISARINA SPEAKS

by Melanie Spring of Sisarina (@Sisarina)

Your non-profit is ready for a new website. You're tired of wincing every time someone tells you they were just on your website but couldn't find what they needed.  Now what?

When non-profit organizations (NPOs) come to us for a website, budget is a big deal but quality of the final product is even bigger. They have two concerns outside of budget: (1) looking respectable enough to get donations but (2) not like they spent all their money on their website. Finding a web firm that can handle this is key for the success of your site.

The following questions will keep you from future headaches and costly changes:

1. PORTFOLIO: Can you email me your portfolio? All designers are not created equal. Make sure the one you choose has a similar style to the site design you are looking for, both in form and in function. They will send you a PDF or a link to their online portfolio if they have enough experience.

2. DESIGN PROCESS: What is your process like? Many designers will have an initial kickoff meeting to discuss all aspects of the website design and development. Some of this happens before the agreement is signed but the details will be finalized afterward. Many web firms will have you fill out a creative brief so they have a bigger picture of your style, colors and more.

3. DEVELOPMENT: Tell me about your Content Management System (CMS) integration experience? You will want to keep your website updated yourself as budgets typically don't allow for long term maintenance plans so making sure your web firm understands this need is key. Not all web designers have experience with web development and many hire contractors to help with this. The CMS they choose will need to be user-friendly enough to allow you to make updates so ask for a demo of a site they've built with it.

4. TIMELINE: How long will it take to design and build our new website? Most firms can complete your website in 6-12 weeks depending on the size of it. Your web firm will most likely build in a padding of time for approvals as most non-profits have multiple layers of approvals for each step of the process.

5. DEPOSIT: How much do you need up-front to start our project? No web firm should expect a full payment up-front on your project unless there is a really quick turnaround time or the cost is under a set minimum  (typically under 4 weeks and $4,000). Most firms ask for a 30-50% deposit with payments throughout or one more at the end and prior to launch. Knowing your timeline for payments and milestones will allow you to feel more comfortable with the process.

6. MAINTENANCE: How much will it cost after the website is launched? If your web firm is using a CMS, you shouldn't have a long term maintenance but just in case you need help or don't have access to do certain things, making sure you know the cost is important.

Once you have all your basic questions answered, you can get a quote, finalize cost and start working on the design questions. Making sure you're comfortable with your web firm and the final outcome will give you the confidence to give them more room to be the professional and get creative. You won't feel like you must micromanage every step of the project out of fear for the outcome. This will save you untold hours of work and worry.  Be ready to let go but have all the knowledge to do so with confidence.

Happy Website-ing.