As a business owner, you understand that a web site is a
critical part of your marketing, and a web designer is a
critical component of your internet marketing team and
strategy.
It's fortunate you don't have to know everything there is
about web site design and maintenance in order to
effectively manage your internet presence. But, you do need
to know enough to ask the right questions of a potential
web site designer so you're comfortable with your choice.
Referrals from friends and colleagues are a great way to
start the process but you still need to do your own
research to confirm that it's a good match for you.
There are two sides to outsourcing web design. The first
is understanding what you want and need in web design. You
need to think about these elements before starting your
search for a web designer.
Once you have a good idea of what you want for your web
site, you then need to research the technical, marketing
and soft skill qualifications of the web designers you are
considering. Here are the top 7 things to consider when
hiring a web designer:
1. Your first decision to make: do you prefer to work with
a freelancer or a small design firm? Both should be able
to provide you with more personalized attention than a
large firm. When working with a freelancer, you will want
to know if they have the necessary resources to cover all
of your needs. For example, will they be able to assist
you with finding hosting? Do they provide site promotion
and web site maintenance? If not, you will have to look
elsewhere for help in these areas. A small firm should
have a range of services to offer. A freelancer should
have resources she partners with so the entire process is
seamless to you.
2. Before starting to look for a designer, your second
decision is to determine how comfortable you are working
with someone virtually. When working virtually, it's
helpful to have a fast PC, a high-speed internet
connection, and at least a 17" monitor that shows true
colors. Even if you work with a local firm, you will still
need to do some work virtually as in-person meetings can
become costly and not necessarily an efficient use of time.
3. Now that you've made your first two decisions, it's time
to begin looking for a designer and reviewing their work.
Referrals from associates are a good place to start. Also,
check with associations or membership organizations you
belong to and determine if they have a resource list. As
you are surfing the internet, make notes about sites you
like and what you like about them. I use a spreadsheet to
capture information about sites I like.
4. As you search for designers to interview, you will want
to have a process for reviewing their site. Some of the
questions you will want to ask yourself about their site
are: Is it easy to navigate? Can you find almost
everything you want to know just by going through the web
site? Do the pages load quickly? Is there anything about
the site you find annoying? Write down any questions you
have about the designer's website and why she created the
design the way she did. For example, if the pages load
slowly - ask why.
5. Review the designer's website portfolio. Does it show a
variety of styles? Has she done work for different types
of businesses? It's not necessary to have a designer who
specializes in your field, as a good designer will be able
to design for any type of business.
6. Many designers provide testimonials and/or references on
their website. Contact the references and get additional
information about their experience working with the
designer. What did they like about working with her? Did
she complete the project on time? How often did she
communicate? Was she easy to work with and would they work
with her again?
7. Now it's time to talk to your short list of designers.
I recommend you start with a list of 3-5 to interview and
ask them the same questions: Will they provide a
scope/timeline document for the project and estimated cost?
Is the project quote on an hourly or project basis? Can
you review a copy of their standard contract in advance?
How many revisions and reviews are included in the project
cost? How are project changes defined and handled? What
things will they do to make your web site an effective
marketing tool?
Things you need to consider as your questions are answered:
Can the designer communicate technical aspects in a
non-technical manner? Are you comfortable with how they
respond to your questions? Do they ask you good questions,
and is it clear they listen to your response?
A website is a good investment in the marketing of your
business. Find a website designer who can become an
effective part of your marketing team.
----------------------------------------------------
Nancy D Waring, Internet Communication Strategist and owner
of OnPoint Communication Solutions, assists coaches and
other service professionals who are not internet experts
more effectively manage their online marketing so they can
spend more time on their business. For more information
about solutions to expand your business using the web, pick
up her special report at
http://www.onpointcommunicationsolutions.com
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