When you're self-employed, choosing a website designer is a crucial
decision, as a good website can bring you more business and a bad one can
drive away prospective customers. Below are some important things to
consider when selecting a website designer for your new site or site
redesign.
What Types Of Websites Designers Are Out There?
I don't think there is an "official" definition, so I'll give you MY
definition:
? A Website Designer helps you to determine the page layout, graphics,
text location and colors of your site, as well as the navigation and how
pages will cross-link to one another. He may also do the actual computer
programming and graphic art work for the site, or may hire out that work
to a programming specialist. A Website Designer is the project manager for
your site design or redesign.
? A Website Programmer takes the design from the Designer and creates the
code to make the site run. She is also responsible for all the technical
stuff that happens behind-the-scenes to make sure the site works properly
for your visitors.
? A Graphic Designer creates the graphics for the site, including your
logo and buttons. A Graphic Designer may also create the overall look and
feel of the site.
? An Internet Marketing Specialist helps you to determine how your website
fits into your overall marketing strategy, and how to get more traffic and
sales from your website.
Sometimes, if you're lucky, you can get all four of these skills from the
same person. You may find a designer who can also help you with the text
for your website but don't count on it. Be prepared to write the text
yourself, or hire a professional copywriter.
Who Is A Good Designer And How Much Do They Charge?
I don't recommend specific designers, as much of it depends on whether you
want to work locally with someone, or whether you are willing to work
remotely with them over the phone. Here are some things to think and ask
about when hiring a website designer:
? Talk to some of their current and recent clients, to see how smooth the
process was.
? Look at sites they've designed to see if you like their style. Is there
a certain feel to ALL their sites, or are they flexible in their designs?
? Ask them if they did the actual graphic and layout design of the site,
or if they just did the programming.
? Ask them if they have a structured planning process that leads you
through the design phase, and if they will document all the discussions
that you'll have together. If they have a Website Planning Guide that
you'll work through together, it's helpful.
? Ask them what they know about internet marketing and search engine
optimization. Be sure that they're creating a site for you that meets your
larger marketing and business goals.
? Ask the designer for their fees (expect to pay between $60 - $200 an
hour, depending on their skill and their location), and what is the
estimate of cost for the site you want. They may not be able to give you a
good estimate until you discuss content and features of the site.
? Ask them how they bill you. Will they invoice you monthly, or when
certain milestones are reached? Do you have to make deposits?
? Pay attention to how much they ask you about YOUR BUSINESS. They should
want to get to know you and your business intimately. How else can they
design a site that reflects you and your business, unless they spend time
to get to know you?
? Pay attention to whether they'll try to stick within your budget, or
whether they keep suggesting new add-ons that increase to the cost of your
site. Remember, designers aren't responsible for your budget, you are.
? Ask them whether they will maintain your site after the initial design,
and how much they'll charge for that. Some designers want to create new
sites but don't want to maintain them. Someone like a virtual assistant
(VA) may be able to maintain your site for a lower hourly fee, as long as
the VA is skilled in website programming. The more bells and whistles and
complicated programming in your site, the less likely that an average VA
will be able to maintain it for you.
? If you're going to maintain the site yourself, ask them if they'll
design your site in a software package that's easy for YOU to use, like
FrontPage. Many professional website designers look down their noses at
FrontPage or Macromedia Contribute, but guess what? If you want to
maintain your site yourself, then you have to use a software package
that's easy for YOU to use, regardless of the website programmer's
preferences. (And don't let a programmer tell you that they can't design a
good site in FrontPage. There's a difference between can't and won't. I've
been designing sites since 1997, and have designed over 40 sites in
FrontPage that are clean, modern, visually-appealing, and
visitor-friendly.)
? Do you LIKE the designer? Do you believe they'll act ethically? Do you
enjoy speaking with them? Do they stay focused to the task at hand, or do
they ramble and waste your time? Do you feel you "click" with their
personality and values? Do they offer you invaluable insight and advice
about your site design?
? Tell each prospective website designer what your deadline is and ask if
they can meet it. If you don't have a specific deadline, brainstorm with
the designer to create a good working deadline that you can both meet.
By doing extensive interviewing of potential website designers, you're
more likely to pick one that can do the work you want, is willing to
really listen to you, can create a site that reflects you and your
business, and keeps within your budget.
Karyn Greenstreet is a Self Employment expert and small business coach.
She shares tips, techniques and strategies with self-employed people to
boost clarity and focus, create sustainable motivation, and increase sales
and profits. Visit her website at http://www.PassionForBusiness.com
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