Web Marketing Consultant

Choosing a Web Designer - 7 "Must-Ask Questions".

Anybody can call themselves a web designer. There is no licensing requirement.  The is no certification which you MUST have to use the title of ‘Web Designer”.  Simply, you must hold yourself out as a web designer and … you are!  This applies even if you are completely unqualified.  The shame is, that so many designers are so completely unqualified … and it’s the client who gets hurt.  Wasted effort, wasted time, wasted money … wasted opportunity – these are the results of hiring the wrong person for the job.

So many of the clients we have worked with had first, worked with someone else.  In some cases the original web designer did a fair job.  But in many cases, the web designer did a terrible job … and sometimes the clients knew it and in some cases they didn’t.  There is so much going on with a website, that the whole story cannot be “seen” with your eyes alone … at least not by someone who isn’t trained to know what to look for.
So, we have developed a list of 7 Must-Ask Questions for your prospective web designer.  If they pass these questions, you’re probably in good hands.

1. Question #1 – “Can I have a list of 5 business references?”
   There is nothing like talking to their existing customers to see if the clients feel satisfied.  If other clients feel satisfied, there’s a good chance you may as well.
2. Question #2 – “How many people are in your company?”
   If it’s a 1-man show, run for the hills!  No matter how talented a person may be, the moment a big project hits his desk, or a few things get him buried for a few days … you’re screwed!  1 person simply can’t possibly guarantee they’ll always be able to help you when you need it.
3. Question #3 – “What was the first professional website you created … and when?”
   Experience is crucial.  If they have not been creating websites for at least 3 years, do not hire them.  You are paying for their training.  Again, talent and knowledge are great … but there’s nothing like getting out there and learning from your mistakes and successes.
4. Question #4 – “What education and/or training do you have in this field?”
   Many designers “kind of just had a knack” or “were really good at computers and just figured it out”.  Apparently, they were gifted from birth to be a web designer.  This is, of course, ridiculous.  While education and training are not enough, they certainly are a great start!  There is an amazing amount of information on Human Behavior, Marketing Fundamentals, Design Fundamentals, Psychology, Sociology, Informational Systems … the list goes on and on … without proper understanding of these topics … your designer “doesn’t know what he doesn’t know” … which will hurt YOU.  Besides, there are plenty of designers out there that have a great education in this area … don’t choose one who doesn’t!
5. Question #5 – “Who owns the website when you’re done?”
   Many people don’t know to ask this question.  You’ll be surprised how often it is the designer who owns the work.  Make sure you do NOT let this happen!  If you ever wish to leave their services, you leave all you have built, behind!
6. Question #6 – “Where do we get photos and graphics”?
   Again, this is HUGE!  Many designers cut corners and use materials which they do not have proper rights to use.  In the end, if there is a dispute, it is YOU, the end-user who is liable.  It’s the law and it’s well-established.  Are you prepared to litigate a lawsuit for thousands of dollars because your designer “cut corners”?
7. Question #7 – “Do you think a website is more about ART (Visual) or more about PROGRAMMING (functional)?”
   This is sort of a trick question.  But it will give you insight as to how the designer thinks.  The answer should be neither.  A website is about BUSINESS!  It is a marketing tool designed to make you money.  It is most certainly NOT ART and it is also NOT PROGRAMMING.  Both of these are elements of the final product … but they are building blocks of your business / marketing tool … nothing more, nothing less.