|
|
|
|
It goes without saying that the internet is an important part of every business in this day and age - from the local plumber to the multinational corporation. A web designer can make or break your online presence, so it is important to find one that suits your needs. We have compiled a list of the 10 essential tips to find a good web designer:
10. Shop around
It may sound strange coming from a website design business, but it is highly recommended that you shop around. When looking around for mobile phones you wouldn’t just pick the first one you see, instead you would find the phone that suits your needs at the right price. Why is a website any different? Web designers that know their service is of high quality at a price that is competitive have nothing to worry about.
9. Look at the quality of previous websites
Almost every web designer will showcase their previous work. This is often in a “portfolio” section of their website or, in the case of our website, an “our clients” section of the site. Have a look through some of the examples that they have on display. Are the websites easy to navigate? Do they look appealing and attract your attention?
8. Contact previous clients
It is also worth-while contacting previous clients. Give them a call or send through a quick email asking them about their experiences with the designer. Are they happy with the website? Were they happy with the designer? Would they recommend the designer?
7. Does the designer simply use templates?
Website templates are excellent, don’t get me wrong. But if you want a unique design for your website (one that is based on the professional image that you have worked to achieve) do you really want a designer who simply pops your logo on a template – the same template that is used by numerous other websites and possibly even your competitors (although unlikely)? Do a bit of research, make sure your not paying for a designer who simply takes a template and slaps your logo on it. If this is the sort of website you want then I recommend getting rid of the middle-man, go out there and find a template that best suits your needs.
6. Does the web designer offer support?
This is one of those questions you need to make sure you ask before going ahead with a designer, otherwise you might find yourself paying extra for ongoing support or not having any at all. Can you contact the web designer by phone? Do they have a mobile number listed or an office number? If you call them can you get through straight away?
5. Does the style of the web designer suit your business?
You want to make sure the web designer you choose has experience with the type of style you want, otherwise you will be working with a designer who is out of their comfort zone. Take Adamant Solutions for example. Our designs are conservative, clean-cut and professional. If it's a professional website you require, then we have you covered.
4. How long have they been around for?
Has the designer been around for a while? Do a bit of a Google search to see what you find – you may be surprised. If the designer has only started within the last few months then it would be recommended to proceed with caution.
3. What are the payment arrangements?
Designers have different payment structures. Does the designer require payment up-front or on completion? Perhaps you can negotiate by offering a deposit and then paying the rest upon completion. Adamant Solutions has a range of payment structures to best suit our clients. We give clients the ability to purchase online or, if they are in Australia, they can be invoiced once the website is complete. International clients require a 30% deposit, only because our insurance policy does not protect us against international fraud.
2. Is there any formal agreement?
Make sure there is a formal agreement process, in writing - whether this is in the form of an email, an electronic agreement or a signed form. A verbal agreement may leave you without a leg to stand on if the website isn’t completely on time or to your specifications.
1. Will the designer get your website online?
You may be thinking - “Of course the designer will get my website online, that’s what he is being paid for”. You may be wrong in thinking so. The design process is only step 1 in getting your website online. The following actions still need to be taken:
- A domain name needs to be registered
- Website hosting needs to be purchased and configured
- Files and databases need to be uploaded
Will your designer do everything to get your website online? Will they charge any additional fees or will it be included with the cost of the design? If you need to purchase and configure all of the above will you know how to do it?
|
|
|
|
|
