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Identifying Goals of Site Makes Finding Designer Easier

Posted on: Monday, 15 August 2005, 03:00 CDT

A business can benefit from laving a Web presence. To develop a professional online image, you'll need to find a professional Web designer.

Before looking for a Web designer, take some time to think about what your company will require on its site. Making a checklist will clarify in your mind what your main goals of the site will be, and it will help in communicating your ideas to the Web designer that you hire.

Spend time looking at your competitors' sites; have they incorporated features that have set them apart? What are your ideas to separate your business from the competition?

What will users - your present and potential customers-be looking for at your site? Try to view your site from the standpoint of a user who may know nothing about your business. The type of content and the way in which you provide this content to the users makes a huge impact on the success of the site.

When you start to outline what you need in your site, list specific services you'll be offering to users such as membership costs, calendar of events or actual products you'll be selling from the site.

Then, for each service, detail the features, goals and requirements for use. Once all of the services and features of the site are outlined, start thinking of how the different pieces of the site should come together. A good Web site development company can provide valuable assistance to help you fill in outlines and develop flow charts for the site.

Seek designers who have experience creating the features you want included on your site, Interview several potential designers, keeping in mind that Web design companies are not one size fits all. Your Internet service provider also may offer Web design services or be able to reference you to specific design firms. Of course, Web designers certainly can found on the Internet, as well as the Yellow Pages, chamber of commerce membership lists or other local business directories.

Ask questions and learn about how projects get done and what team members you will be working with. Make sure you feel comfortable with your "company personality" and that the designers will work effectively to convey it.

Researching Web design companies is as easy as logging onto some of the sites they've designed. Engage your right and left brain. Does their design style appeal to you? Check to see if the sites are functioning without userend errors. Does the site load easily with both Internet Explorer and Netscape browsers?

Get references and ask them what goes on "behind the page," getting a feel for the company as a whole. Check references thoroughly; don't always trust testimonials on a design firm's site.

Find out what types of services this company offers besides design, and if it guarantees its'work. When you contact a designer, see how long it takes for them to get back to you. A quick response indicates they care about your business.

If you plan on using more advanced technology on your site - Flash, Shock Wave or database integration - make sure your designer is knowledgeable in those areas. Keep in mind that these features can add to the overall cost of the site, and may not even be needed by your business.

Think about what types of services you will request from this company down the road and ask for a free consultation. This is when you'll want to discuss how the company charges not only for Web site design, but to maintain the site, to make changes as your business grows and possible marketing of the site, including submitting your site to specific search engines. Before you make any payment, make sure a specific contract is in place detailing both long- and short- term fees.

Design fees vary depending on the complexity of the site, if it requires a shopping cart feature for e-commerce and many other factors. Expect to pay 30 percent to 50 percent of the price up front. You'll want to hold the final payment, however, until you're satisfied the Web site has been tested and runs properly.

How to pick a Web designer

Copyright The Boulder County Business Report Jul 22-Aug 4, 2005

Source: Boulder County Business Report

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