What to expect on a Discovery Call with a Web Designer

So you finally reached out to that web designer your friend told you about, and you scheduled a call. Hurray! Pat yourself on the back. 

Now you’re trying to figure out what you need to do to prepare for the call. How can you make the most of it? What will the web designer ask you, and what should you be asking them? 

Many people feel nervous before talking with a web designer because they are not sure what to expect. They worry about presenting themselves and their business in the best light without giving away too much information.

Three things you can expect to happen during the discovery call:

• Your web designer will ask to record the call
• Your web designer is going to ask a LOT of questions
• Your web designer is going to ask some questions that you might feel uncomfortable answering

Your web designer will ask permission to record the call

I always record discovery calls, and I’m not alone with this. For me, it’s because I want to be fully present. I want to be in a conversation with you and not feel like I have to stop and take notes. I no longer do discovery calls in person because of this. 

The discovery call is a chance for you to get to know me and for us both to decide if we will be a good fit for each other. That’s not going to happen if I have my head buried in my notes!

Your web designer is going to ask a LOT of questions. 

Don’t be surprised if you do most of the talking during the discovery call. I would go so far as to say that if the web designer is doing most of the talking, you need to consider looking for a different web professional.  

Here are three typical questions web designers ask during a call and why they ask them:

1. How are you currently marketing to your clients/customers? They’re trying to figure out what is already working for you because there is no need to reinvent the wheel. This question naturally leads into talking about what you wish you could be doing and why that’s not happening yet. 
2. If you already had an amazing website, how would you know it was amazing? The reason why web designers ask this question is probably obvious. They want to know what success looks like to you. It’s also a chance to start managing expectations. Maybe you want your website to do something special or look a certain way. Usually, almost everything my clients dream about doing with their website is doable, and I love encouraging them to think big. However, sometimes they have ideas that aren’t easily achievable or impossible at this time. The sooner I can say that, the sooner we can talk about other ways to achieve what they want.
3. What part of your website do you struggle with the most? Web designers are trying to figure out what has been stopping you from doing more with your site right now. Is it because you don’t know how to do something – you lack the tech skills? Or maybe you don’t have time – you need more automation. Or something different? 

The three questions above are fairly easy to answer and make for a lively conversation. Unfortunately, the questions usually get tougher…

Your web designer is going to ask some questions that you might feel uncomfortable answering

Don’t be surprised if your web designer asks questions about how much money your business makes. There is a misconception that they are only asking you about your business so they can figure out how much to charge you. It’s no secret that web design agencies often charge large companies more, and there are many justifications for why this makes sense. However, that’s not why most web designers ask about your business during the discovery call. 

Like other web designers, I ask about the money coming in and out of your business because I want to figure out where the missed opportunities are and whether or not some aspect of the new website could solve the problem and help you make more money. 

Let’s face it. There is no point in having a new website for your business if it is not going to help you make money in some way.

It might feel uncomfortable sharing about what is or isn’t working in your business. However, the more transparent you can be, the more your web designer can help you map out a website that supports your business. 

Three things you won’t hear from a web designer during the discovery call:

• A price
• A delivery date
• A guarantee

You won’t hear an estimate for how much the website will cost during the discovery call

Very few web designers will tell you the cost of investing in their services during the discovery call unless they have a package deal that is the same for everyone. For example, many web designers have some kind of “starter site” package, which can be a smart way to get yourself up and online fast, and they typically cost less than custom packages. Keep in mind that web designers don’t always offer discovery calls for these kinds of lower-tiered packages. (My Soulful Author Website is an example.)

For custom site builds, and especially redesigns, your web designer will want to review everything you share with them during the call, look over your current website, and consider your goals for the new website before talking about the investment. If they do say anything during the discovery call, it would be framed as a range or starting point. 

For example, when asked, I usually say, “My custom web design packages start at $5000. I want to review everything we’ve talked about and then I’ll get back to you with a proposal for what I think would be best for your website.”

You won’t hear a firm deadline for when the site will be finished 

Suppose you are talking with a web designer because you have a “rush project” or a definite date by when you need to have your new website live (i.e., an upcoming appearance on a podcast). In that case, of course, the deadline will already be part of the conversation.

However, it’s highly unlikely that your web designer will commit to a deadline during the discovery call in all other cases. Many factors go into designing, building, and launching a new website. After the discovery call, your web designer will review everything you talked about, map out the project within their process and present you with a proposal. The proposal will give you an idea of how long the project will take and the suggested dates for each phase of the project.

During the initial discovery call, your web designer might talk about how long you can expect each phase of the project to take. Or, they’ll give you an overall time frame. For example, a typical website design project takes about 12 weeks (not including holidays) if you work with me.

However, keep in mind that the actual length of the project depends heavily on you, too. When I asked other web designers, they all agreed that the two most common reasons why web projects got delayed were 1. they were waiting on content from clients, or 2. they were waiting for feedback from clients.

If you’re worried that you’re already too busy and won’t have time to write content and give feedback on designs, talk to your web designer. Because this is such a common issue, many web designers have tweaked their processes and or provide additional resources to help you.

You won’t hear any guarantee that a new website will bring you more business

It probably goes without saying, but your web designer won’t guarantee that your new website will bring you more money into your business. I wish a new website alone could do that, but it usually doesn’t.  

With the help of your web designer, you might create a stunning new website. However, it won’t necessarily bring you more business if you don’t have a way to attract visitors to your website. The good news is that many web designers either offer ongoing services and or have partnered with agencies that can help you. 

One thing you probably WILL hear about during the discovery call 

Though you will be doing most of the talking during the discovery call, web designers usually like to spend a few minutes talking about their process. 

Web designers take their clients through similar stages during a web design project. The stages might be called something different but usually focus on content gathering, creating design concepts, building the site, making revisions, and launching the site. 

I often share about the first two stages during the call because I want you to start visualizing where you fit into the collaborative process, especially with regards to writing your content.

Keep in mind, many web designer agencies won’t start designing until you’ve provided the content for all your pages. Therefore it would good to find out from your web designer at what stage they will need content from you.

What you can expect from the web designer after the discovery call

Most web designers follow up within a few hours of the discovery call with a short thank you email. I do this too, and I also use it as an opportunity to let my potential new clients know whether or not I feel like we’re going to be a good fit. If not, then whenever possible, I refer them to other designers that I think would be better suited.

You can expect to see the proposal a few days after the call. Though they probably won’t commit to a date by when they’ll send the proposal, most web designers I know usually like to send it out within a week of the call.

More and more web designers include the terms of the agreement in their proposal so that if you decide to move forward, you won’t be surprised by a bunch of legalese when it’s time to sign. It makes the proposal seem overwhelmingly long, but it’s worth it in the long run.

Ideally, the proposal should answer all of your questions about the project. If not, email your web designer with your questions. No question is too small. And, if your web designer makes you feel bad for asking questions, you should move on. They are not the right person for you.

A final word – make sure whether or not you feel a connection with your web designer

Since your website is an extension of you and your business, the discovery call is a good chance for you to make sure whether you feel a good connection with your web designer.  

It probably sounds silly, but choosing your web designer is similar to how you choose your gynecologist. With your doctor, you talk about and look at some very private parts of your body. You expect your doctor to be skilled and knowledgeable, but you want to feel safe and comfortable with her, too. (I’m sure I am not the only one who has changed doctors.)

With your web designer, you’ll probably be talking about some private parts of your business and your dreams for your business. Use the discovery call to make sure you feel safe and comfortable with your web designer. If you don’t, it’s OK to find someone else.

Would YOU like to have a Discovery Call?

Join me in a call to discuss your website and my website design process. Let’s talk and see if we’re a good fit.

Not ready for a Discovery Call with a web designer?

Maybe you are too busy, don’t have the budget, or are working on a different project this quarter. Whatever the reason, if you aren’t ready for a discovery call, you can start moving in that direction. Learn 3 easy ways to start preparing before you hire a web designer.