 1.
Don't judge a designer's skill solely on graphic design
skills.
Instead of focusing completely on visual image, concentrate on evaluating
a designer's other skills. Evaluate the designer's portfolio by asking
these sample questions:
- Does this designer design with usability in mind? In
other words, is the site designed for form or for function?
- Does the designer have good organizational abilities?
Look for organization of the entire site as a whole, as
well as the organization of individual page layouts.
- Does the designer employ good navigation techniques?
Does the designer design sites that are easy to use?
All sites should motivate a visitor to do something, whether it is
buying a product, filling out a quote request form, signing up for
a newsletter, etc. Does the designer do a good job of visually showing
visitors how to take action?
- Instead of asking, "Does this site look good?" ask, "Would
this site make me want to buy a product its product?"
2. Talk with references.
Don't just peruse the sites in a designer's portfolio. Get in contact
with some of the designer's past clients and question them on the specifics
of their experience.
Also, be sure to ask how effective the client's website
has been. How many visitors do they get? By how much have
their sales increased? (Note not all companies choose to
have their designer market the website, choose your questions
wisely or you could get a wrong impression)
3. Experience – how long has the
person or business been designing web sites and working with
the Internet? If it is only a short time then they may not
be familiar with all the technologies available in designing
a web site and may not be around to take care of your future
needs.
Look at the design of their web site and other sites that
they have designed by going to their portfolio page. Do the
colors and text look balanced? Do all the links work, does
the site load fast and is it easy to navigate the site? Do
all the pages have a consistent look?
4. Don't necessarily go for the lowest bidder.
Remember, it's not just about getting a website; you'll need a website
that will actually perform. Price and quality usually have a direct
relationship, so you'll get what you pay for. Designers who are overly
inexpensive ordinarily lack experience, are difficult to work with,
don't understand much about online marketing, or don't truly have a
grasp of good web design techniques. A website from such a designer
won't be beneficial.
5. Look for a designer who asks good questions.
Astute designers should probe you for specific answers to such questions
as:
- What is your primary goal?
- By what standard will you measure the success of your
site?
- Who is your target audience?
- What are the primary benefits of your product or service?
- Do you have a budget?
6. Technology – if you want to use
advanced technologies on your site, such as flash, database
integration, and merchant accounts, make sure your designer
is familiar with them and how this may affect your site.
7. Free Consultation – once you have
a plan of what you want on your web site (or even if you
don’t know where to begin), contact your designer for
a free consultation before you set up a contract.
|
In
the up and coming months 
During
the summer months we decided to offer something special for
our new customers, FREE SITE SUBMISSIONS with
a new web design or redesign. Then we decided to offer it to ALL
of our customers. 
