Finding & Working with a Web Designer

Finding a web design company that can fill your needs and fit your budget is not as easy as it seems. You will need to be sure that they have the expertise to fulfill your objectives, be accessible enough to answer your questions and handle your emergencies, and be efficient enough to meet your deadlines. The following list details questions and issues to be aware of when looking for a web developer:

• Ask for examples of their work. If every website looks the same, assume yours will too. I don't know about you, but I like to think I'm different than the members of the pack and want to convey that message to my audience.
• Ask for references. Talk to current clients and ask them about the designer. Did they meet the deadlines and the budget? Are they responsive? Do they go the extra mile? How fast do they get to ordinary maintenance and other changes? Do they listen to your comments and opinions?
• How will my website be found? Does the designer have an understanding of search engine optimization basics and URL submission?
• Does this designer have relevant industry experience? You wouldn't want to hire a Honda mechanic to work on your Volvo. Same thing.
• Compare Prices. Take a look at a rate sheet and ask how the designer will charge you for development. There a three typical pricing schemes:
  • Hourly fees: A set price is charged per hour. Hours are tracked and reported. All types of development and programming are charged the same hourly rate. This type of pricing is fine if you have an existing web site and need a few changes.
  • Fixed price: This type of pricing is per page. One flat rate per page no matter what type of page it is. Watch out here for designers who use pre-made templates and just churn 'em out like processed cheese.
  • Component pricing: Each type of web development is charged a different rate. Types of programming that often have a variable of pricing include strict HTML, FLASH motion graphics, JavaScript implementation, custom graphics, etc.
• Get it in Writing. Given the variety of pricing methods it is essential that you get any website development project proposal in writing including pricing details and deadlines. Make sure that website ownership issues are addressed and that everyone agress what "done" means.
• What are the costs of website maintenance? What is included in maintenance? This question is of special importance. A common strategy of many website companies is to heavily discount website development and then charge premium prices for maintenance which leads to web costs spiraling out of control for most clients.
• Does the designer also provide web hosting? This a matter of convenience. Do you want to pay two bills or one? If your web designer can provide web hosting as well as development then they can quickly handle server-related problems and set-up of new email accounts, etc. They may also be able to handle domain name registration and digital certificates.
• What training can your designer provide? Can they train you to make simple changes to your website? Can they also help you with integrating and streamlining your other business practices with your website?
• What additional services can your designer provide? Can they provide search engine optimization, copy writing, photography, and print design services? It can be a huge convenience and time-saver to have all your design and web services with one company.
• Does this designer speak your language? Can you reach them when you need them? You need to be able to communicate easily with your designer, exchange ideas freely, generate new solutions to business problems and sometimes it needs to be done at a moment's notice. Will your designer be there when you need them?

Helpful Websites
Evaluating Content and Appeal by Ohio State University
Web Site Design Buyer's Guide by BuyerZone.com
North Carolina Web Designers Directory by MarketingTool.com

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