9 Questions to Ask Your Potential Web Designer
ByFinding a great website designer is like finding a great home builder. Don't be afraid to ask around, interview a few and never make excuses for shoddy work or unreliable service.
My rule of thumb that I share with clients is to interview three designers who meet the following critieria (this can be local or someone you found online):
- you like their own website
- you like their portfolio
- their own website has the “marketing elements” in place that you want in your own website (demonstrating they understanding the marketing application of design - ezine, shopping cart links, updated blog, social networking links, etc… )
- and finally, they seem to be organized (they respond to your inquiry in a timely manner, there are no errors on their website such as broken links, typos, etc…)
- Can you build a wordpress site with integrated blog? (What you need if you want to make your own changes to your site.)
- Or would you do a regular site with an integrated wordpress blog? (You must have a blog and it is best built on wordpress or typepad.
- How much time do they need to get the project done? When is their next opening?
- What happens if you don’t meet that deadline?
- What’s your system for keeping me abreast of your project progress?
- What’s your philosophy on design revisions?
- Do you have client testimonials and references I can contact?
- Price review and does the price include…
- uploading all of your copy and images into the design
- uploading your newsletter HTML code for your email newsletter sign up box
- uploading the design to your hosting account (your hosting account MUST be in YOUR NAME)
- integrating all of your social networking links
- setting up your blog within the site
9. How much for a business card design to match my website?
Above all, you want to trust your instincts. Do they sound a little crazy, overwhelmed, too busy, and temperamental? Do they overpower you with THIER ideas for your website? Do they seem to have drama in their life? (This means drama in your project FOR SURE.) And these are signs someone is not going to be reliable long-term. Or are they steady, focused, in integrity and open to executing your ideas. Trust yout gut.
Of course it's always best to go to your designers knowing what you want (I give my clients a design brief that instructs their design team exactly what goes where, colors, look and feel and more. There's no guesswork.) After all, it's not you design team's job to figure out your business brand, message and how it should be expressed. Otherwise you end up taking months and months to do your website.
Not only will these questions help ensure you choose the right person, someone you can build a good business relationship with, but it will help you sound like you know what you're talking about.
To your success,
Karin
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