24 July 2009
Tips and question to consider before your first design meeting with your web design company.

Your first design meeting with your web design company is the most important meeting you will have after the initial sign-up. It's a chance for the designers to get a feel for you and your comapny, it's ethos and the message you wish to convey to visitors.

We have compiled a list of things for you to think about prior to a design meeting to help it flow smoothly and to let you get the most out of it.

1) Talk - make sure you're the one doing the most talking. As designers we need to know about you and your requirements and if we're doing all the talking then how are we learning about you?

2) Show - Take in samples of anything you like or dislike. From brochures to photos to other websites, everything you bring into the design meeting will give a feel for what you are looking for and will aid the designer in developing more effective designs for your company.

3) Wait - Don't expect to come away from your first meeting with a sample design. It's about idea gathering and a designer needs the time to go away and digest what you have said before putting together a design for you.

4) Know - Think about what you want in advance or at least have an idea for example think about the following:

* Colour schemes
* Images
* Fonts
* Logo (bring it along if you have it)
* Sites you like and dislike
* Who will be providing the content
* What do you want the website to say to visitors?