What to Look For in a Web Designer

What to look for in a web designer

If you are in business and don’t already have a web site, there’s no need to tell you what you already know – you need a web site. There is, however a large chasm between knowing you need a site, and getting one up and online. That’s where a good web designer comes in.

But if you’re not a technical sort, finding a good web designer, and then communicating clearly with him or her, can sometimes make you feel like you’re in a foreign land where everyone knows what’s going on but you. When it comes to knowing what to look for in a web designer, here are a few tips.

First, know what you want and know what you are willing to spend. The cost of a web site can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars. If all you want is a few pages of information that is basically a “brochure on line,” you don’t need extensive custom programming or lots of fancy capabilities. In fact, you might be able to get by with a template-based web design program that allows you to “do it yourself.”

But if you are running an online retail operation or want interactive features, or if you are ready for an “upgrade,” you will need a good web designer. Find examples of your competitor sites that you like. That goes a long way toward helping you evaluate designers based on a specific scope of work.

The best web designers offer both graphic design (the look) and programming services (the execution). These services may also be provided by ad agencies or PR firms, often at a premium price, but there are plenty of independent web designers who can give you what you need.

Don’t limit yourself to your local area unless you feel strongly about the need to sit face to face. With web design in particular, there is a wealth of talent online. One caveat: look for a designer that speaks your language. You may get a great price by going to a remote location overseas, but if you can’t communicate with the designer, even the simplest job will be difficult.

Start your search by reviewing a designer’s existing client portfolio. If you like the “look,” make sure the navigation works. Some designers are great at the graphics, but not the technology. You want a designer who is good at both.

Find a designer who has a good business style. Hiring creative people can present unique challenges. Find a designer who can write a clear proposal and who can show you a developmental timeline. If you find a talented designer who can’t deliver a coherent proposal, run in the opposite direction to someone who can.

Clarify what is and is not included. Many web designers work with professional copywriters who can create the “content” for your site. If you plan to provide your own content, make sure that is understood. If you need content, make sure you make that clear.

Ask for references and check them.

Look for a designer or a firm that has been in business for a couple of years. In today’s economy, there will be plenty of people trying to fill the holes in their resumes with freelance work. The problem is they may also be spending a lot of time looking for a new job, and if they get one, where does that leave you?

Be prepared to pay at least 50% of the cost of your web site in advance. There can be upfront costs to web design and many designers have been burned by clients who don’t pay. Designers also like to eat, so it is not unusual for a small business to expect at least part of your project cost in advance. Always refrain from paying the full cost up front.

Hire a web designer who agrees to a certain communication schedule. Creative people tend to work best without lots of impromptu interruptions, so schedule a regular update time to monitor progress on your site. If you’re the type of client who likes frequent updates, find a firm with dedicated account executives who are in place for that purpose.

Find a web designer who can clearly articulate how additions along the way are handled. Since this might be your first web site or your first time working with a particular web designer, you can expect the project to evolve as you go. Be sure you understand the impact on your cost when this happens. Understand your web designer’s policies with regard to changes.

It’s also a good idea to find a web designer who can assist you with ongoing updates. Many will be happy to remain accessible to you for updates for a monthly fee.

Finally, don’t judge a book by its cover. Internet technology is new, and you may discover that web designers are young professionals, often quite creative, and given the task at hand, that’s not a bad thing. Be open to hiring a designer that looks a little wild or is a little young. If all the other factors listed above are in place, things have a good chance of working out.

Thank you to Connie Holubar for this "What to Look For in a Web Designer" article.

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