1) Strategy comes before layouts

Ask how they’ll translate your business goals into a site plan. A capable team will define primary conversions (calls, form fills, bookings), map key pages, and align content to what people in your market actually search for.

2) Mobile-first UX (not “mobile-friendly” as an afterthought)

Meridian customers will often find you on a phone—especially for service searches on-the-go. Look for clear tap targets, prominent click-to-call buttons, short forms, and fast-loading pages on cellular connections.

3) Performance standards you can measure

Don’t accept “it’ll be fast” without specifics. Ask what they do for image optimization, caching, script minimization, font loading, and database cleanup. Have them explain how they monitor and improve Core Web Vitals—including INP. (developers.google.com)

4) SEO foundations built into the build

Strong “build SEO” includes clean site architecture, proper heading hierarchy, indexable content, internal linking strategy, schema where appropriate, and a plan for local landing pages (without keyword stuffing).

5) Accessibility and ADA/WCAG alignment

Ask what standards they follow and what they test: keyboard navigation, form labels, alt text, contrast, and screen-reader behavior. A well-built site is easier for everyone to use—and accessibility work often improves UX clarity and SEO structure.

6) Maintenance and security are part of the plan

A website isn’t “done” at launch. Ask who handles updates, backups, uptime monitoring, malware protection, plugin audits, and content edits. You want a clear process and response time expectations.

Step 1: Write a one-page scope (even if it’s rough)

Include: target audience, service areas, must-have pages, required integrations (CRM, booking, payments), and your primary goal (calls, leads, online sales). This makes quotes comparable and reduces surprise fees.

Step 2: Ask for a build approach, not just a mood board

A strong proposal explains theme strategy (custom vs. starter theme), plugin philosophy, performance plan, and how content will be structured for SEO.

Step 3: Confirm who owns what

Ensure you retain ownership of your domain, hosting account (or have admin access), analytics, and the website files. Clarify theme/plugin licensing and any monthly software costs.

Step 4: Get specifics on content writing and on-page SEO

If your site needs new copy, ask whether the designer writes it, edits it, or expects you to provide it. Good content planning includes service pages tailored to your offerings, clear calls-to-action, and a local strategy for Meridian and the Treasure Valley.

Step 5: Plan the “after launch” work

Launch is the starting line. Ask about maintenance (updates, backups, security), hosting reliability, and how quickly they respond if something breaks.

• Clear service areas: Meridian, Boise, Eagle, Kuna, Nampa/Caldwell (as relevant), with natural on-page mentions where it helps users.

• Fast mobile contact paths: a sticky call button, short request form, and visible hours.

• Trust signals: licenses (if applicable), warranties, FAQs, clear processes, and easy-to-find contact information.

• Map and structured data readiness: clean NAP (name/address/phone) formatting and pages structured so search engines can understand your services.

How long does a custom WordPress website typically take?

Timelines depend on content readiness and complexity. A typical custom build often includes discovery, design, development, content population, testing, and launch. The fastest projects happen when copy, photos, and approvals are organized early.

What should I ask about SEO before hiring?

Ask how they handle site structure, on-page content, page speed, redirects, metadata, and local optimization for Meridian. Also ask what is included at launch versus what’s part of ongoing SEO support.

How do Core Web Vitals affect my site?

Core Web Vitals track real-user experience signals like loading and responsiveness. Google uses INP as the responsiveness metric, so it’s important your site responds quickly to taps/clicks—especially on mobile. (developers.google.com)

Do I really need ADA compliance work if I’m a small business?

Accessibility is a usability win for everyone. At a minimum, your site should support keyboard navigation, readable contrast, proper labels, and descriptive alt text. Ask your web team what they test and what standard they target.

What ongoing services should I budget for after launch?

Most businesses benefit from reliable hosting, routine updates, security monitoring, backups, and occasional content edits. If you’re investing in SEO, plan for ongoing content improvements and technical tuning based on analytics and search data.

Core Web Vitals: A set of Google experience metrics that reflect how users perceive loading, responsiveness, and visual stability on your pages.

INP (Interaction to Next Paint): A responsiveness metric in Core Web Vitals that measures how quickly a page reacts visually after user interactions like clicks and taps. (developers.google.com)

Custom WordPress Development: Building a WordPress site with tailored themes/components (and carefully selected plugins) so the site fits your business needs and stays maintainable.

ADA/WCAG: Accessibility concepts and guidelines that help ensure your website works for people using assistive technologies (screen readers, keyboard-only navigation) and those with visual or motor impairments.