Choosing a Website Designer

24 October 2007
Choosing a website developer/designer should be treated as an important project, but minus the stress.

1. You get what you pay for.

You know this is true for everything but the mistake of "low bidder" still happens it needs repeating. If the designer is underbidding everyone you pretty much know they aren't going to offer you creative services as with an experienced professional. What are the benefits of paying for better experience? A professional will be able to save you money and labor-hours by understanding how to plan his/her work time efficiently, using the right tools and methods that works.

2. Good Notes.

A good designer knows that he/she should be taking notes at client meetings and you should ask for a summary copy of those notes for your reference. The most important notes are in the early stages of the creative process particularly from the client interviews. It's important that everyone is on the same page and referencing the written notes will ensure no one is working down a dead-end road. Good documentation also refers to contracts, proposals and invoices. A professional designer will have pre-set forms that they use for bid proposals and design contracts to ensure everyone is satisfied with the project parameters including budgets and deliverables. I should note that documentation has a more limited value for small jobs like a single logo or a small website.

3. Design Philosophy.

Every designer has a specialty whether it is in web design, flash or any other combination of skills. A good designer knows their limits and isn't afraid to say "I don't know." Sometimes designers get what I would term "greedy" and don't know when to network with other professionals for services that fall outside of their area of expertise. When you interview a designer it's a good question to ask if they have worked with other professionals to collaboratively finish a job. A designer who is willing to discuss which jobs are better suited for another designer or specialist is more likely to put priority in the satisfaction of the client over their personal ego.

Good designs are not just about using a repeatable pattern or set of steps in a design package. A good designer will have direct design thoughts and artistic approach to their job and does not have trouble relaying that to you. Be careful for designers that use template designs or solutions that are cookie-cutter patterns of other works from their portfolio. A design approach that is unique and marketing aware as well as strong communication with the client is a sign of an experienced designer.