Ten Top Tips for Selecting Your Web Designer
Choosing a web designer isn't easy and if mistakes are made it can be an expensive business. Therefore you want to make sure that you make the right choice first time around.
When selecting your web designer think about some (or all) of the tips below before making your decision. They could save you time and money!
- Web Standards. Look for web standards logos such as W3C, GAWDS, or the UK Web Designers Association. These indicate a competent web designer who takes care over the work they do.
- Usability and Accessibility. Your website should conform to the Disability Discrimination Act. It should be usable by the sight-impaired or others that need to use assistive technologies. Is your designer aware of the DDA and do they understand usability and accessibility?
- SEO. It is important that potential customers can find you. Search engine optimisation should be built into your site. It is no use having the equivalent of a shop with great window displays and easy to find stock if it is stuck down an obscure back alley with little passing traffic.
- Browser and Browser Versions. Will your site look good to your customer no matter what the resolution settings of their computer or the web browser and browser versions they are using (IE, Firefox, Opera, Netscape, Mozilla, Safari, Lynx) and across PCs and MACs?
- Professional Service? A good designer should provide a professional service and keep on top of all the details of your project. If they are not asking about the site content, keywords, or have a clear contract available before you pay a deposit you should be wondering if they have a full grasp of what is required.
- Quality Work? Take a look at the Web Designer's own site. If there are spelling mistakes, links that do not work, or other glaring errors on their own site how can you expect them to deliver the quality of work you are seeking?
- Does the Designer have a Portfolio with Testimonials? Do the sites look unique or could they all have been made using templates?
- Free Consultation. Most designers should offer a free consultation, ideally visiting you at a convenient time. At the end of this meeting you should feel comfortable about the designer and the web design process.
- Can You Understand Them? Telephone or email for clarification on something. If they do not give sufficient feedback in language you understand or are slow in replying then the chances are this will continue after you have paid a deposit for the work.
- What Happens after Your Site is Completed? Can your designer offer further support as your business grows? Do they offer a shopping cart that can sell products? Can they help you make changes, additions or frequent updates to your site? Can they suggest ways to drive traffic to your site?
Web Dandy is a web design agency which specialises in accessible web design and development. Contact us for more information.
