Choosing a web designer can seem like a daunting task.
They come in all shapes and sizes – from freelancers
working at home to glossy new media agencies, and there
is as much variation in prices and service as there
is in size.
So how do you choose the right one for your business?
Select Your Marketplace
Firstly, decide what market your would like
to select from: local , national or overseas.
If you would feel more comfortable meeting your designer,
and running through your project face to face (maybe
it’s the kind of project that needs to “evolve”)
,and your ethos is “quality of service”
rather than “Pile ‘em high, sell ‘em
cheap” then a local web designer is for you.
They can usually provide better back up, and be able
to meet face to face to discuss your project and iron
out any problems should they occur.
If you are a bit more budget conscious, then it makes
sense to select from a “wider pool”. Getting
quotes from designers across your country will usually
obtain a more competitive quote. What you lose in
face-to-face service is made up for in cost savings,
and all but the largest web projects can usually be
sorted out via telephone and email these days.
For the extremely cost conscious and value for money
orientated (some would even say “brave”!)
there is the overseas market. If you know exactly
what you are looking for and can explain your project
thoroughly and clearly in writing, then there are
huge savings to be made. But what you save in price
is invariably countered by having to do a little more
work on your side – particularly when it comes
to communication!
Finding Web Designers
To find a list of local web designers consult your
Yellow Pages (or equivalent) or do a web search for
“web designer “ “your area”.
Looking further a field, you can do a web search or
check out directories such as www.recommended-web-designers.co.uk
. For overseas designers, go to web sites such as
www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com, the latter offering
the benefit of escrow and arbitration services.
Draw up a shortlist
Draw up a shortlist of 3 or 4 designers to speak
to. You can do this by visiting their websites, getting
a feel for the type and size of business they are
and looking at their online portfolio. Then call them
– ask them questions about the type of clients
they work for, timeframes and any other technical
questions you have. Get a feel for how they communicate
– whether they are on the same wavelength as
you.
If you opted to go overseas, the websites already
mentioned have ratings systems which can help you
decide, and you can also send and receive private
messages to ask questions.
Get Quotes
Once you have your shortlist, you can get quotes.
For a straightforward website this can be a simple
fixed price – for a more complicated project
that is likely to evolve, you may just want to get
a budget price at this stage, and then pin down details
and a fixed price with your preferred bidder later.
Always specify your expected timeframe for completion
when obtaining quotes as this can affect prices.
Get References
Once you have your preferred bidder, get references.
Any established web designer will be able to provide
details of satisfied clients. Email them and ask if
they were happy with the service received, if the
job was completed on time, how unforeseen problems
were dealt with etc.
Remember to trust your instincts: If you are not
entirely happy with the references you obtain, walk
away and select another designer.
Appoint your web designer
You now have a fixed price, references, and confirmed
timescale for your project. Now appoint your designer!
Most have standard agreements –read them carefully,
and if in doubt get your legal adviser to look them
over. Make sure timescales and project milestones
are specified, as well as payment terms. Find out
how alterations to your project are dealt with –
in terms of cost and delays – and how disputes
if they arise would be settled.
Finally, when you are completely happy, sign on the
dotted line and look forward to a productive working
relationship with your web designer!
© 2005 Robin Porter.
About the author:
Robin Porter has been CEO of of London based web designer
Arpey Internet (http://www.arpey.co.uk) for over six
years.
