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So you need a designer. Who's right for the job?
As with filling almost any position, referrals are your safest bet.
Ask your business colleagues who built their company's site.
You can also visit the websites of companies that match the size
of your own. If you like the look and functionality of the site,
check the site to see if the designer is listed. If not, you'll
probably have to make a phone call.
Then it's time to do your homework. Find out if the designer
has his or her own site; a worthwhile one will. Take a good look
at it. Often, a website professional's own home page will give you
enough insight to save you the time and cost of a phone call. At
the very least, the site should tell you where they are located
and exactly what type of services they provide.
It's not necessary to hire someone near your office, since you
can view the site through your Internet connection as it is being
built. But if you feel most comfortable with regular face-to-face
contact, by all means choose a professional in your area.
Look at their past work. Have they worked on websites that resemble
the site you have in mind for your company?
Look at the contender's own website; if it's not top-notch, move
on. If they can't effectively market their own services through
the Web, how will they market yours?
Check references. Former clients can give you the real scoop
on what it was like to work with this particular website professional.
Get at least three, and ask them specific questions:
- Did they meet deadlines?
- Were they flexible?
- Did they set and meet realistic goals for your company?
- Would they work with this contractor or firm again?
- What team members were responsible for which parts of the
site?
Agree on costs. How do they charge for their services? By the
hour? Flat fees? Do different team members command different hourly
rates?
Get an exact estimate for how long it will take to complete the
project, and at what cost. Include the agreed-upon dates in your
contract and provisions for what will happen if these dates are
not met.
Make sure you can periodically view the progress of their work
as the site is being designed and built. You'll also want to have
final approval on each stage of the project.
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