Thursday, December 18, 2008

Leave The Web Page Design To The Professionals

By Stephen Grisham, Sr.

You're sitting across the table from some "kid" who can't be older than maybe 22. This kid's wearing jeans, and feeling like a major effort was made because the shirt is both ironed and tucked in. Is this what you imagined from your web designer?

This is not the image you expect to see in your website's designer. These kids more than likely have a weak portfolio; which if you can manage to help them and get your site for free, that is great, but otherwise you should always be looking for a profession web designer.

The world of web design is a time killer. Everyone would like there stint with a web designer to be as short as possible - so when you prepare to meet up with your first candidate, make sure you have other options. Look for all the designers who have a solid education and reputable experience. Whatever you do, do not think there is only one and you have to sign his contract.

To find the best candidate it is a beneficial idea to interview four (at the minimum) just so you get a broader spectrum. However do not just instantly get your mind turned to negative when the man comes in with blue jeans and a polo; take them for their seriousness and their personality. Are they somebody you could work with to create a successful website? If so, you may have found your designer.

Make sure that you know what languages are used in web page design, and have a working understanding of what they do so that you can talk more fluidly with your designer. If you are speaking the same language, then your point will get across faster and save you both time and money.

Make your own portfolio. Bring anything you can to show colors, fonts, logos, and any other aesthetic component you can think of for your page. Have in mind a list of features - for example, do you need a search engine? Do you need online shopping? Do you need to take credit cards online?

When you sit down to interview your designers, hand them a copy of your portfolio. See if you can have them design a simple homepage that can incorporate most if not all of the things you want to see on the site. Not only are most designers willing to do this, but it will ultimately save you time and money as you know your designers style and capability.

Lastly, you need to make sure your designer offers maintenance care. It may not sound important at first, but keeping your site up to date is just as important as creating it. No matter if it is the same designer or by the company they work for, it is an essential piece to a successful site. Normally it is not free but it will benefit you greatly. If you spend the time to prepare for a web designer and creating your own website, you will not only save your time but also your money. - 15246

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