Designing a website is no easy task. This kind of project requires a whole lot of technical knowledge and if you are not tech-savvy, you might need to employ a web designer. While webmasters are equipped with the right tools and experience to create a website, they would still need your input in this process.
Finding the right web designer is your first step to setting up your site. To make sure you find the best candidate, you need to do some preparation and research beforehand. Here are some things to help you out during the consultation process:
1. Clear definition of your brand.
The design of the website, from its color palette to its graphics, should reflect your brand. If your company or business has a signature look, this should also be incorporated in the design process.
To be able to have this accurately translated online, you would need to provide a clear definition of your brand to the designer. Of course, you need to have a seamless understanding of what your brand is and how you want it to be represented on your website.
2. Decide on your budget and be open to negotiate.
Having a budget ready for this process will help make the consultation or interview a lot quicker. You should have already figured out and accounted everything to calculate the right budget for this project. However, don’t write out anything permanently yet. Depending on the type of design you require, there may be some additional costs.
Keep your mind open for negotiations and figure out if you are willing to shell out a little more money for this service. Ask probing questions to make sure you are not being overpriced. If you are not one hundred percent sold on the price quotations, it may be better to consider another service provider.
3. Explain your goals and objectives.
Your web designer should also understand the goals and objectives you want to achieve on your website. Having a clear end game or vision will help them steer your business in the right direction. Some questions you need to ask yourself to help you define your goals include:
- How do you define success?
- What is your plan for your brand?
- Where do you see your website in the next years?
4. Determine a realistic time frame for the finished site.
Here is where a lot of the consultations and client-worker relationships get difficult – the time frame for the finished product. While you may want your site to be finished as soon as possible, set realistic expectations early on to avoid setbacks.
The more complicated designs you require, the more time it will take to complete. Simple websites will take just a couple of weeks but complex structures may take months. Consider all of these when computing your budget.
After your consultation, take some time to decide whether you want to proceed with the project or consult with another provider. If you think you found the best candidate, your website project can finally start with construction. Remember to keep a clear line of communication with your website designer at all times. Effective communication during the whole process is the key to making this a success.