How To Select A Web Site Designer
Today, most businesses or organizations have an online presence, yet little consideration is given to the person or business responsible with this very important—and enormous-- job. A Web site is an investment, so before you hand this portion of your organization to anyone, or even consider undertaking the task on your own carefully consider the following points:
- All flash, no substance. Evaluate the designer’s Web site. Do you like the way it looks? Is it easy to navigate? Does the content answer most of your questions or is the site all flash and no substance?
- The look. The designer’s work samples should be available on the site. Do you like the look? Does the designer have a good range of styles to suit a variety of approaches, from whimsical to traditional, ultra-contemporary, to conservative? Visit some client Web sites that the designer has developed and review any testimonials. Are they specific about the services that the designer provided for the clients?
- Outsourcing. Learn about the designer's services. Is he/she going to outsource the work or be completely hands on? Keep in mind that if the designer is outsourcing work he/she is losing control of the site. And, you now do not who is performing the work on your site and you will not have direct communication with the individuals working on your project!
- Up-front pricing. Will the designer define all charges up front, or are there hidden costs? Beware of low starter rates, as many unexpected costs often appear down the road.
- Rates and fees. Does the designer charge a project fee or by the hour? Keep in mind that under an hourly rate you have no idea how much you will end up paying because you have no idea how fast or slow the designer works. Be sure any project-based fee defines deliverables included in the fee as well as specific services or products not included and information on those additional fees.
- Ownership. Make sure that you purchase and control your domain name. Some design companies control the domain name. If and when the client wants to go elsewhere, the company will not release the domain name. Equally beware of firms that require that their name be part of your domain name. It is unlikely that your portion of the domain name is portable. Ultimately, you will lose money, time and energy—as well as your invaluable company identity—if you choose to change designers and do not own and control the domain name.
- Content Management Systems. It’s best to work with the Web design company/designer to use a content management system (CMS) when designing the site. While there will be upfront costs incurred, it is an investment that will pay for itself as you will be able to edit and make changes to the text on the site yourself.
- Weigh price and service. Rest assured, with Web site design, as in most other things, you get what you pay for. Find the right designer for your project. The designer needs to understand your style, produce work to reflect your needs, be easy to work with, and have excellent references of credibility. The cheap solution can end up costing you much more in the long run. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish.