3 Keys To Hiring A Web Designer
Web design has become one of the most important ways to market your business. Your visitors' first impression of your site can make or break the deal. If a visitor doesn't feel comfortable, informed, entertained, and safe on your website, then they won't hesitate to leave. The best way to prevent them from leaving (also called "bouncing") is to make sure that you know how to find the right web designer to express your unique personality or brand. There are three 3 keys in this hiring process that you should know about:
1. Communication
The level of communication between you and your web designer should be as transparent as possible. When searching for web designers to hire, be wary of those who fail to address your questions in-depth. If the designer repeatedly ignores or does not answer important questions, it could be a sign that they are either lazy or simply incompetent. Think about it this way: if they couldn't be bothered to answer specific questions in the beginning, why would they pay attention to detail for your site as the process goes on?
Furthermore, professional web design services - whether agencies or individuals - will respond as soon as they are able to. Even if they are unable to answer your question in the moment, they should at least acknowledge your question and commit to following up once they have more information. You can weed out a large percentage of potential designers by observing these two aforementioned parts of their communication: clarity and speed.
2. Mockups
A web designer is like an architect. First, they arrange the basic building blocks of your website. Then, they can add additional layers and complexity into the site as per your requests. These add-ons can include special apps like "live chat" services, image slide shows, and more. However, qualified designers will know how to create a "mockup" or "wireframe" of the site before diving into the smaller details. This mockup serves as a guideline that you can approve in order to ensure that the project is on par with your expecations. Ask your designer for a wireframe, and be concerned if they refuse to provide one.
3. Payment Terms
Payment terms can be tricky. Some designers prefer to be paid upfront, others allow payment after the completion of the project. A great middle ground is to propose "milestones." These are goals which must be met before certain payments are made. For example, the first milestone may be the wireframe. Once that is completed, you could hypothetically pay them a portion of the total project price. Consider breaking the milestones into thirds, fifths, or even more if it's a large project.
Choosing a web designer, like the one at Scotti Design, is a tough task. Obviously, you want the best quality you can find without too much upfront hassle. However, by also making sure to execute on the 3 keys mentioned above, you can enjoy a website that delights you and your audience.