5 Things You Have to Know Before Hiring a Web Designer

by Virginia Lee

 
There are 5 major things you have to know and several important questions to ask yourself  before you hire a web designer:
 
Let’s take a look at these questions.
 
Important Questions to Ask Yourself: What kind of website do I need?

Do I need a regular html website? Would a blog format be more suitable? Do I need a membership site? Will I need a forum? Take some time to think about all the features you will need on your website and where you want to go in the future. This is your foundation and treat it as though you are writing a business plan.
 
Then, when you have that information, you can approach web designers with these questions:
 
Question 1: What services do you offer?

Asking this question is vital. Some web designers only create the “look and feel” of the website and don’t offer other services to enhance it. Will the web designer be using proprietary software to create your site?
 
Question 2: Can I see examples of your work?

It is important to see what other websites the designer has created to get a feel of the design capabilities. It also gives you a good idea of what you can expect to see for your own website.
 
Question 3: Will I be able to maintain the website?

Some web designers will offer you packages of design, hosting and maintenance. Will you have to hire someone who can maintain and update your website as needed or will you be able to make changes to the pages through a Client Management System (CMS)?
 
Question 4: Will I own the code for my website? There are so many horror stories out there about web sites being held hostage by web designers. Read your contract with the web designer and make sure that you will own the code and all rights to the website.
 
Question 5: What kind of add ons can I have?

Can I have audio and video links? Can I have a shopping cart? Can I have a forum? Will the designer optimize your site for search engines? Will training be provided?
 
The better informed you are about what you will need for your website and when you have the answers to these 5 questions, you will have an easier time choosing your web designer.

Virginia Lee is the founder and owner of Leenterprises (http://www.leenterprises.com) and Resources for Virtual Assistants (http://www.resourcesforvirtualassistants.com). Virginia is passionate about learning new skills and staying on top of the latest technology while helping people achieve their goals. Can Virginia help you with your online success?