Choosing a web designer for your company, team, or firm can sometimes be a challenge. There are many companies, design houses, and freelancers on the internet offering website design services. Choosing a quality web designer from among those choices can be a difficult proposition if you don't know what you're looking for. Here are some questions you can ask yourself when shopping for a web designer.
Does the Designer Have a Website?
This may seem like a silly question, but oddly enough some web designers do not have a website. This is usually a good indicator that you should steer clear of them and choose someone else. You should never judge a book by its cover, but in this case you should at least give some thought as to why they don't have their own website.
Does the Designer Have a Good Portfolio?
You should always look at other websites that a potential designer has created. Most web designers will have a selection of sample websites for you look over and judge their work. If a designer is just starting out in the business, their portfolio will contain limited samples, but don't discount their abilities. Quantity is not necessarily an indication of quality. If you don't see what you're looking for, have them produce a mockup. A designer will usually do this for free or a minimal charge.
Does the Designer Have a Bad Reputation?
Some bad web designers will develop a naturally bad reputation for themselves. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues about the reputation that a particular designer may or may not have. If they have a reputation for not delivering projects on time or if they are difficult to communicate with, you may want to keep shopping.
Does the Designer Create Websites that are Easy on the Eyes?
Website design can be described as an art form. Just like art, it comes in many shades of color with varying degrees of texture. But everyone has different "tastes" when it comes to art. A website should have a unique look and feel while projecting a vibrant (but not overly powerful) image for your business or organization. Adding constantly flashing graphics or using bad color combinations can be a disaster for your website. A good website designer can spot problems before they happen and isn't afraid to make suggestions to help you during the development process.
Does the Designer Make Websites that are Search Engine Friendly?
A good website designer will product your website so that it is search engine friendly. If your designer refuses to use META tags or insists on creating websites entirely constructed using Flash animation, you would be better off finding another designer. Search engines are the primary way people on the internet will find your website. If its not listed on the search engines, then you've already lost the battle before the war has even started.
Does the Designer Have a Website?
This may seem like a silly question, but oddly enough some web designers do not have a website. This is usually a good indicator that you should steer clear of them and choose someone else. You should never judge a book by its cover, but in this case you should at least give some thought as to why they don't have their own website.
Does the Designer Have a Good Portfolio?
You should always look at other websites that a potential designer has created. Most web designers will have a selection of sample websites for you look over and judge their work. If a designer is just starting out in the business, their portfolio will contain limited samples, but don't discount their abilities. Quantity is not necessarily an indication of quality. If you don't see what you're looking for, have them produce a mockup. A designer will usually do this for free or a minimal charge.
Does the Designer Have a Bad Reputation?
Some bad web designers will develop a naturally bad reputation for themselves. Ask your friends, family, or colleagues about the reputation that a particular designer may or may not have. If they have a reputation for not delivering projects on time or if they are difficult to communicate with, you may want to keep shopping.
Does the Designer Create Websites that are Easy on the Eyes?
Website design can be described as an art form. Just like art, it comes in many shades of color with varying degrees of texture. But everyone has different "tastes" when it comes to art. A website should have a unique look and feel while projecting a vibrant (but not overly powerful) image for your business or organization. Adding constantly flashing graphics or using bad color combinations can be a disaster for your website. A good website designer can spot problems before they happen and isn't afraid to make suggestions to help you during the development process.
Does the Designer Make Websites that are Search Engine Friendly?
A good website designer will product your website so that it is search engine friendly. If your designer refuses to use META tags or insists on creating websites entirely constructed using Flash animation, you would be better off finding another designer. Search engines are the primary way people on the internet will find your website. If its not listed on the search engines, then you've already lost the battle before the war has even started.