Your Website Designer Is an Investment - Choose Wisely

Selecting a designer is an arduous and challenging process. It's true that there is a wide variety to pick from, and making the wrong choice could have devastating consequences.

Selecting a designer is an arduous and challenging process. It's true that there is a wide variety to pick from, and making the wrong choice could have devastating consequences. So how do you know which design you should select? And once you have made your choice and you have made your decision, how much do you trust them with your creative plans?

Web designers can be found everywhere: directories, yellow pages, and freelance websites for starters. But, any web designer that is worth their salt has an exclusive website and a comprehensive portfolio for you to explore. Therefore, the first sign of how professional your potential designer can be the standard of their website. It's equally important as their portfolio which displays their capabilities and strengths. The website should be extremely well-designed. If not, take action immediately.

A Portfolio Speaks a Thousand Words

While looking through portfolios look for the quality and aesthetics. A great designer is flexible as a result, so their portfolio will contain diverse styles. It's less critical that they have worked in your specific market before. "I only want a designer that has designed websites for companies who make jewel encrusted cat collars" It's not logical or pertinent. What you should ask is "has this designer designed websites that are of the type I'm looking for... ie. E-Commerce Store, WordPress Blog etc. and if so, do I like the designs of the sites in question." This means they have the technical expertise to see your idea through to completion this may appear to be as if it's a simple task, but the world of website design is an incredibly broad area with numerous development platforms and website types. If they've never made a WordPress site prior to, they might not have the right ability. Also, their portfolio should be appealing to you and you'll see plenty of examples in it that strike you as amazing.

What Do Other People Say

Website designers understand that they're an important investment for their clients and often provide testimonials from former and current clients on their websites. This is a useful means to validate your designer's credibility, and if you require further reassurance Most designers are more than happy to provide references.

Talk it Out and Trust Your Instincts

Once you've gone through the steps above, you have decided to contact your new designer an inquiry for a quote. They will respond with the additional details you need from what they tell you as well as by taking a look at what they are saying. Assuming you're happy with the quote, are you satisfied with the timeline? Do they appear as personable and able to meet your requirements? Do they appear cold and someone who you may find difficult to talk with? Are they professional? Did they respond to your email promptly? You shouldn't even begin to formulate an estimate or design proposal without having a clear sense of your client's requirements So, your designer is bound to ask you plenty of questions. It's important to respect the questions; this indicates they're taking seriously their responsibility and are eager to give you the most accurate information. If you do not answer the questions, and giving unsubstantiated answers that aren't clear, you're hurting yourself and your chances of getting the results you desire. Armed with the answers you have provided, the best designer will present you with a plan, outlining the process, what you can expect from their service, the features their service includes and how many revisions you're entitled to, along with other important details.

Trust Implicitly?

A designer has a difficult job as the majority of users do not know what they're up to! They aren't aware of how a lot of code makes a website run and what the code could be, they don't understand the factors that go into the layout and navigation on a website but they don't have a clue about the constraints of the technology and so this makes hiring a web-designer very different from hiring someone to paint your house. In contrast, hand your designer knows exactly the person you are and what you'd like to achieve. You've provided them with sites you like, as well as what it is that you enjoy about them, and you've told them what the most important aspects of your site will be , and the areas you would like attention to be drawn the most. They have been told about your competition and what you enjoy or dislike about their style of work. You've spoken about branding, color schemes and design styles ....(oh what, you didn't? Return to the previous paragraph and read on answering questions from your designer). If you've followed the steps above, then you've provided yourself with nothing to doubt that you can trust them implicitly.

What now?

It's time to step back and let your website designer take care of what they excel at. Most designers will do their best and produce the best work if they are given the space to do so They will also give you ample opportunities to offer feedback and suggestions so the design can be altered and improved as you go, but if you have to be in charge and control too much, your designer will no longer make the creative decisions for you, which is something of a travesty soon given that that's what they hired them to do. (Would you tell your accountant how to write the tax returns for you?) Don't view your website's designer as a mere person you hire to make your website; consider them as an expert in the creation of an online presence that will help you improve your communication with your market and listen to their advice and recommendations seriously.

If you followed these steps before hiring your designer, you have already covered your bases and protected your investment. Now, all you have to do is sit back and relax and revel in the amazing process of seeing your website take shape!