Your Website Designer Is an Investment - Choose Wisely
The process of finding a designer can be a tricky and even difficult process. Let's face it, there is plenty to pick from, and an error could result in negative consequences. How do you know which designer you should select? And once you have decided on one, how much should you trust them with your creative plans?
Website designers are everywhere, yellow pages, directories and freelance websites to name a few. However, any webmaster who is worthy of consideration will have an exclusive website and complete portfolios for you to browse through. So your first indication of how good your new potential designer is the quality of their website. It's as important as their portfolio, which showcases their abilities and strengths. It should be extremely well-designed. If not, go on.
A Portfolio Speaks a Thousand Words
When looking through a portfolio, take a look at the quality and the design. A good designer is flexible, in which case the portfolio of theirs will showcase several styles. It's not so important that they've worked in your specific market prior to. "I only want a designer that has designed websites for companies who make jewel-encrusted cat collars" It's not logical or pertinent. You should ask, "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 expertise and technical knowledge to take the project through to completion This may seem like a no-brainer, but website design is a huge field with a variety of websites and development platforms. If they've never made a WordPress website prior to, they might not have the right experience. Also, their portfolio should entice you, and you should be able to see plenty of examples it that look impressive.
What Do Other People Say
Website designers recognize that they're an important investment in your company's success and will frequently offer testimonials from former and current customers on their sites. This is an excellent means to validate your designer's credibility, and If you're in need of additional proof that they are trustworthy, the majority of designers will be glad to provide references.
Talk it Out and Trust Your Instincts
If you've followed the steps above, you have decided to write your designer of choice with an inquiry for a quote. Their reply will give you the additional details you need from what they tell you and by reading between the lines. Assuming you're happy with the quote, are you satisfied with the timing? Do they seem to be someone who's approachable and flexible to your needs? Are they cold and someone who you may find hard, to be honest with? Are they professional? Did they respond to your email promptly? You can't begin formulating quotes or a design proposal without having a clear knowledge of your client's demands So, your designer is likely to ask numerous questions. It's crucial not to ignore the questions because it's a sign that they're taking your concerns seriously and will provide you with the most relevant information. By not answering questions or giving vague responses that aren't clear, you're hurting yourself and your chances of getting what you want. With the information you've gathered, an experienced designer will provide you with a plan, explaining the process, what you can expect from their services, what the service will include as well as the number of revisions you can request and lots of additional pertinent information.
Trust Implicitly?
Designers have a difficult job since the majority of customers do not know what they're up to! They aren't aware of what code makes a website run and what the code could be. They don't comprehend the process of figuring out a website layout and navigation They don't understand the limitations of technology, and this makes hiring a web designer very different from hiring someone to paint your house. However, on the other hand, your designer is completely aware of who you are and what you're hoping to achieve. They have given them sites you like, as well as what it is you like about them, and you've told them what the most vital elements of your website will be as well as the areas where you'd like to draw attention the most. You have told them who your competition is and what you enjoy or dislike about their websites. You've spoken about branding, colour schemes and design styles ....(oh did you not? Go back to the final paragraph and read the paragraph concerning answering your designer's questions). Assuming you have taken the steps above, you've provided yourself with nothing to doubt that you can trust them without hesitation.
So what now?
It's time to step back and let your designer take care of what they excel at. The majority of designers will do their best and produce their finest work when they have the opportunity to do so They will also give you ample opportunities to provide feedback and comments to ensure that the design is modified and refined as you go, but if you are in charge and directing too much, your designer will no longer make the creative decisions on your behalf which is quite a shame because that's exactly what you hired them for. (Would you tell your accountant how to file an income tax form?) Don't view your website's design as a mere person you hire to design your website. consider them as experts in creating an online presence for your business to improve your communication with your market and to take their advice and recommendations seriously.
If you have followed the above steps prior to hiring your web designer, you've done your homework and secured your investment. Now you are able to sit back and relish the process of seeing your site come to life!
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