Selecting a Website Designer

When you have decided that your company will benefit from having a web presence or needs to upgrade it's current web presence, you must do your research. Before you start looking for a designer, be sure to do your homework. Know what you want, and what you are trying to accomplish with your future site.

Web design covers a wide range of services, including; web design, content management system development, custom application development, web site maintenance, graphic design, etc. You will need to find the right designer for your needs.

Do you want to be able to update your own web site content?
Do you have a skilled web designer on staff to update your site?
Do you have a web savy person available who can do simple updates?
Do you have a monthly budget for web site maintenance?

You need to be prepared to have a hands-on role in the development of your site. Nobody knows your business like you do and your website is (or should be) an intricate part of your business. Be very involved, and ask a lot of questions. Make sure that your designer knows exactly what you are trying to achieve with your site and hopefully your web professional will be willing to brainstorm with you to develop both unique and standard approaches to marketing your site and reaching your customer base.

What to look for in a web design profesional:

Is he or she a professional and provides you with references of satisfied clients
Provides you with examples of online work
Is committed to carrying over your printed publications "style" into the web site design
Communicates in as non-technical terms as possible, fluently translates Geek to English
Able to create a web site that someone in-house or a volunteer can make regular changes to without needing assistance of the designer
Willing to work with staff and volunteers in the web site development process, listening to their wants and needs for the site and able to make suggestions to accomplish your goals
Turns over ownership of all graphics and content for the web site
Has a history of working with similiar businesses and organizations, understanding limited resources, unique needs and focus of these markets
Understands accessibilty and usability
Can integrate search engine optimization into the design of site