What Questions Should You Ask 

A Potential Webmaster

Wow, what DO you ask a potential webmaster? NOT knowing can lead to money down the drain, headaches and worse, your web site being hijacked in the end ... When dealing with webmasters, communication is your greatest asset when it comes to getting what you want done ... the way you want it!

Well, here are several important questions to ask any potential webmaster ...

"Hi, I'm looking to hire someone to help me build a web site, are you available to take my call about that?" You'd be surprised how an innocent question like that opens up the door to a wonderful conversation between you and a potential webmaster.

Can I see some of the work that you've done? If they don't have any sample client sites, ask if they have anything else significant and worthy to show you that's web-related. Or, consider going elsewhere to someone who can show you some of their work. Tip: It's not wise to go with someone who can't prove they know what they're doing, if they have nothing to show for it. Even a new webmaster to the trade can whip up a few sample web sites to give prospective clients a look at their work.

What shopping cart system do you recommend your clients use? If a webmaster doesn't recommend a shopping cart system, then, recommend MyMarketingCart.com. MyMarketingCart has all the shopping cart, newsletter, digital download, affiliate program, ad tracking, eZine sending features you need on your web site. If they recommend a shopping cart system outside MyMarketingCart.com, then ask them if the shopping cart system has a "built-in" affiliate program, "built-in" autoresponders and a "built-in" database to send out eZines and eMail broadcast messages. If the shopping cart system doesn't have these items "built-in", then you don't want their shopping cart. You'll want THEM to learn about MyMarketingCart.com.

Are you familiar with merchant accounts and how to hook up a shopping cart to a payment gateway system? If they don't and you need that, direct them to ShoppingCartTraining.com. There, you'll find video tutorials I also produced that teach you how to use MyMarketingCart.com.

Do you know how to build membership subscription web sites? If they don't, please call TheMarketingMan.com to the rescue. You don't want to get thousands of dollars into a project, only to find out, the webmaster bit off more than they could chew!

How do you take payment? Check? Credit card (which ones)? PayPal? If YOU don't already have a PayPal.com account, you should get one! You can easily pay your webmaster through PayPal. And, many times, they prefer it. Why? It's online, it's quick and simple. All you need is an eMail address. Learn more about PayPal.com by checking out our tutorial LearnPayPal.com.

Do you require a down-payment to get started and how much is that? Typically, if the project is priced under $1,000, usually half of the total project price is acceptable, or even a few hundred dollars. If the project is priced over $1,000, then you can typically expect to pay $500-$1,000 down to get the project started. Then, you might ask if you can pay in increments as the work gets done. This way, you aren't stuck with a huge bill 4-6 weeks down the road, and the webmaster isn't stuck working on your site without money to pay his/her own bills. When you pay in weekly/bi-weekly installments, it's easier on your bank account and the webmaster has incentive to keep working and making you (the client) happy!

Are you working on any other (web site) projects right now? Asking a question like this forces them to respond with, "Yes, I current have X-number of projects I'm currently working on. I could start on your project in the next few weeks/months, etc." Or, "I'm just finishing up one/two/three projects right now and I'm ready for a new one. I'm glad you called." Or, "I'm currently wide open for taking on new projects. I'm glad you called! When would you like to start?" It's always nice to know "where you'll fit in" to their schedule.

Do you really think you have time for me? Should you refer me to someone else? Maybe the webmaster wants to take the project on (because they need the money), but really "shouldn't" because of their current work load and won't tell you. Hmm, best to read between the lines if (1) they don't return your initial phone calls or eMails right away or (2) they accept your money but don't start the proejct right away. In any case, it's better to back out early and either look for another "available" webmaster or wait until they're more available to work with you.