How To Hire A Web Designer The RIGHT Way

The process of hiring a web design vendor is much like that of hiring a new employee. You can't afford to take shortcuts or just assume they are qualified to do the work. You need to ask probing questions, get references and make sure they have the skill set and follow-through to get the job done right. This article will address things you should look out for when hiring someone to build your website. Keep these pointers in mind to avoid the most common pitfalls and hire the right vendor.

Do they have experience?

One of the most important questions you can ask a prospective web designer is, "How many years of experience do you have?" A great follow-up question would be, "Is building websites your full-time career, or a sideline?" Hobbyists are a dime-a-dozen in the field of web design and you should only work with a serious expert that has a wealth of experience.

Are they a professional?

Anybody with the right software and a book from Barnes and Noble can claim to be a web designer. It takes someone experienced to be a professional, however. Find out if the company you're talking to is accredited by the BBB. Locate their BBB Reliability Report to see how many complaints are on their record. If they have any complaints do the research necessary to determine if they been resolved satisfactorily.

Another important consideration is whether or not they use a service contract. As nice as it would be to operate merely on a handshake and a smile, that's not a good business decision when outsourcing a web development project. Due to the complex nature of the work it's important that your project be thoroughly documented and that you clearly understand the business policies and procedures of your vendor. All professional web design companies use a contract, and having such an agreement protects you as much as it does them.

Do they do quality work?

As with any service-based business there are varying degrees of quality in the field of web design and development. Your website is in most cases the first impression your prospective customers will have of your business. For this reason it is vitally important that it represent your company and brand with style. We've all seen websites that are ugly and difficult to use as well as those which are attractive and intuitive. Make sure that the caliber of work done by your web design vendor is of the best quality. Ask to see their portfolio if it's not plainly visible on their website and spend time reviewing it. Do their websites look like the work of a professional or an amateur?

Do they have your best interests in mind?

Like a good business coach, your web developer should play the role of your partner and ally. Are they most interested in helping you achieve your business goals through technology or are they just trying to sell you something that doesn't meet your needs? Are they actually taking the time and effort to understand your business? If not then they won't probably be a good fit and you should keep looking.

Do they have references?

Always ask for references & actually follow-up on them. Interview those they have done business with by asking the following questions:

How well do they communicate with their clients during and after the production process?
Are they reachable, responsive and courteous?
Do they talk over your head or are they able to explain things in a way you can understand?
Do they honor their agreement and deliver what they promise?
Do they provide service and support after the web site has been finished?

How do they prepare a quote?

Some if not most web designers prepare quotes without enough information to bid the job accurately. They ask a few general questions then put together an estimate based on a guess of how much time will be required. The problem with this method is you don't have any guarantee that the price quoted is firm. In most cases it isn't, because the bid is based on an hourly rate and a partial understanding of what the client needs. During production — when the web developer discovers what the client actually wants — more hours are required than originally estimated. The end result is a higher price tag and a frustrated client.

A much better way to quote this kind of work is to conduct a thorough needs assessment up-front and give a flat, fixed bid. Because the quote is based on the scope of work you know your exact costs going into it and there aren't any surprises.

What happens after the web site is finished?

A quality web design company should want to provide good service long after the site has been completed. Ask about their hourly rate for maintenance and if they have minimums. Will they allow you to make your own content changes? If so what training and support, if any, do they provide? What is their policy regarding phone support if you need help down the road? An effective website requires regular maintenance and content updates. Your vendor should be as enthusiastic about supporting the website as they are about building it.

In conclusion, remember that hiring a website design vendor is an important decision that should not be handled lightly. Investing time up-front will save you frustration and a considerable amount of money long-term. Considering the points and questions mentioned in this article will help you make an informed decision.

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