Don't let them dazzle you with jargon. Ask these ten questions to see if they actually know their stuff.
1. 'How does your infrastructure handle a 10,000% traffic spike in ten minutes?'
Usefulness: This separates the pros from the amateurs. A crash during a ticket drop is unforgivable.
2. 'What is your strategy for mobile-first video delivery?'
Usefulness: Most fans are on phones. If the video lags on 4G, the site is broken.
3. 'Do you have legal experts for ADA compliance?'
Usefulness: Accessibility lawsuits are real. You need to be protected.
4. 'How do you handle API limits from third-party aggregators?'
Usefulness: Shows deep technical knowledge of web design companies signing up for your project and their backend limitations.
5. 'Can you build a headless CMS for easier content updates?'
Usefulness: Your team needs to update the news fast. A headless setup is often faster and more secure.
6. 'Who owns the source code upon completion?'
Usefulness: Never rent your own house. You need full IP ownership.
7. 'What is your crisis protocol for a security breach?'
Usefulness: Hacks happen. You need to know they have a plan, not just a hope.
8. 'How do you optimize assets for varying global bandwidths?'
Usefulness: A fan in Brazil might have different internet speeds than a fan in Seoul. The site works for both.
9. 'Can I speak to a client you do not work with anymore?'
Usefulness: Bold move. It reveals their integrity and how they handle discontinued partnerships.
10. 'Do you integrate with legacy merchandise fulfillment centers?'
Usefulness: Logistics matter. The site must talk to the warehouse.
