7 Questions Colleges Should Ask About Web Partners

Colleges should ask potential web partners about their experience, custom work approach, platform expertise, understanding of accessibility compliance, and project management practices. These questions ensure a successful and tailored web solution.

What Key Experience Should Colleges Look For in a Web Partner?

Colleges should prioritize web partners with significant experience in the education sector. Web partners with an understanding of higher education needs can have a positive impact on project outcomes and efficiencies. DoodleWeb understands the unique challenges higher education institutions face today, including compliance with standards like ADA and WCAG.

“I'm happy that I am working with a supplier who knows what they are doing.”

— Ira Haberman, Marketing Director, Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre (Toronto)

How Does the Agency Approach Custom Web Development?

Custom web development is vital for colleges seeking tailored online solutions that reflect their institutional identity and effectively serve students and faculty. Ask potential partners how they approach custom work. DoodleWeb operates on a senior-engineers-only model, which ensures that experienced professionals oversee every project phase without junior staffing or offshore handoffs. This approach typically results in higher-quality outcomes and faster project delivery times, with schedules tailored to project scope.

What Platforms Do They Specialize In?

Understanding a web partner's platform expertise is essential for ensuring reliable technology solutions and scalability. Colleges should inquire about an agency’s partnerships and expertise with major platforms. DoodleWeb has experience with major content management and e-commerce platforms. The ability to handle large, complex websites reflects an understanding of challenges common in higher education web projects.

How Do They Ensure Compliance with Accessibility Standards?

Accessibility compliance is a legal requirement and crucial for colleges aiming to provide equal access to information. A strong web partner must demonstrate a thorough understanding of WCAG and ADA guidelines. Specialized agencies can help ensure that all implementations comply with WCAG 2.1 accessibility standards. Non-compliance can lead to costly litigation and damage to reputation, making this a critical area for focus during the selection process. For Young Americans Center, DoodleWeb's nonprofit website rebuild delivered 100% WCAG 2.2 AA conformance.

What is Their Project Management Strategy?

Strong project management is crucial for keeping college web projects on schedule and within budget. Colleges should ask potential partners about their project management processes, including timelines, milestones, and quality assurance checks. DoodleWeb utilizes detailed project documentation and phased milestones to support transparency and accountability throughout each stage. Regular updates and stakeholder feedback sessions keep all parties aligned and ensure projects progress effectively.

How Will They Handle Maintenance and Support After Launch?

Ongoing website maintenance and support are vital for long-term success. Colleges should inquire about how a potential web partner plans to provide continuous support through updates, security, and performance management after project delivery. DoodleWeb offers ongoing maintenance retainers, allowing for proactive site updates and performance monitoring, addressing issues as needed.

What Metrics Will They Use to Measure Success?

Colleges should understand how their web partner determines success post-launch. Look for partners that define clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and can illustrate how they measure ROI for web development investments. DoodleWeb provides guidance on defining success criteria and metrics that can be used to evaluate user engagement, lead generation, and online effectiveness in achieving institutional goals.