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Choosing A Web Designer: A Plan To Guide You Through The Minefield |
by:
Robin Porter |
Choosingweb designer can seem likedaunting 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 chooseright 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’skind of project that needs to “evolve”) ,and your ethos is “quality of service” rather than “Pile ‘em high, sell ‘em cheap” thenlocal 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 arebit more budget conscious, then it makes sense to select from“wider pool”. Getting quotes from designers across your country will usually obtainmore competitive quote. What you lose in face-to-face service is made up for in cost savings, and all butlargest web projects can usually be sorted out via telephone and email these days.
Forextremely cost conscious and value for money orientated (some would even say “brave”!) there isoverseas 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 dolittle more work on your side – particularly when it comes to communication!
Finding Web Designers
To findlist of local web designers consult your Yellow Pages (or equivalent) or doweb search for “web designer “ “your area”. Looking furtherfield, you can doweb 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,latter offeringbenefit of escrow and arbitration services.
Draw upshortlist
Draw upshortlist of three or four designers to speak to. You can do this by visiting their websites, gettingfeel fortype and size of business they are and looking at their online portfolio. Then call them – ask them questions abouttype of clients they work for, timeframes and any other technical questions you have. Getfeel for how they communicate – whether they are onsame wavelength as you.
If you opted to go overseas,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. Forstraightforward website this can besimple fixed price – formore complicated project that is likely to evolve, you may just want to getbudget price at this stage, and then pin down details andfixed 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 withservice received, ifjob was completed on time, how unforeseen problems were dealt with etc.
Remember to trust your instincts: If you are not entirely happy withreferences you obtain, walk away and select another designer.
Appoint your web designer
You now havefixed 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 ondotted line and look forward toproductive working relationship with your web designer!
© twozerozerofive Robin Porter.
Aboutauthor:
Robin Porter has been CEO of of London based web designer Arpey Internet (http://www.arpey.co.uk) for over six years.
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