You're eagerly planning your new or redesigned Web site, and need to find a Web designer to turn your vision into reality. But who to choose? There are literally thousands of Web designers out there, from your own neighborhood to the other side of the world. Choosing a single Web designer that can best produce the site you need, and do it within your budget and schedule, can be a difficult choice. Fortunately, there are any number of Web designers out there that can create an effective site affordably. Below are some questions and issues that you should consider while deciding among Web designers.

1) What experience does the designer have? What sites have the designed?

One of the best ways to judge the quality of your potential designer is to see what sites they have done in the past. If they don't already have a list of sites available (such as our list), ask them. These sites may be completely different than the type of site that you need, but they are still a good way to evaluate the skills of a designer.

While looking at the past sites, decide what you think the purpose of the site is (if it isn't clearly stated on the site or otherwise obvious). How does that site meet those goals? Such an evaluation may not be perfect (the goal may have been poorly articulated by the business or organization), but it can give you an idea of how the designer can meet your needs.

2) Copyrights and ownership of graphics and layout

When anything is written or designed (such as text or graphics for a Web page), it carries an implicit copyright of the creator of that content, unless it was made under a "work for hire" agreement, whereby ownership belongs to the company/organization that hired the designer. Keep this issue in mind when talking with a designer. Do you need full ownership of all the graphics and content of your proposed site, or is it sufficient to allow the designer to keep the copyright and grant you a perpetual license to use them? If you need full ownership, be prepared to pay more, since the designer cannot recoup the cost of using those designs elsewhere if they don't have ownership of it.

3) Can the Web designer also host the site?

Once you have the Web site completed, it needs to be placed on a Web server online so that others can access it. If you already have a Web server than this won't be an issue for you; you'll just put the site on your existing server. However, if you don't have a server, you'll need to buy or lease space on one (which can be fairly affordable; basic Web hosting services start at about $15 a month) and pay on a regular basis, usually monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Some Web designers have no background or interest in Web serving, and may not be able to help you. Others can provide a "full service" solution by designing and hosting your site (and also helping with related issues, such as registering a domain name). Some designers may not be able to provide hosting services directly, but can refer you to one or more firms who can help.

4) What amount of personal contact will you need with the designer?

Web sites can be accessed by people all around the world, and they can also be designed by people all around the world. However, before selecting a Web designed in a distant locale, decide how much interaction you'll need with the designer. Do you want to be able to talk with them on the phone during regular business hours? Do you want to be able to meet with them in person? If so, that will limit your choice of designers to a local or regional area. However, if you can work by e-mail, fax, and mail, with a few phone calls, you can choose from a wider range of designers.

5) What billing and contract issues exist?

Money can become a very divisive issue in an otherwise good working relationship, so make sure anything related to it, such as billing rates and contracts, are made as clear as possible. Don't hesitate to ask a designer for an estimate of the cost of the site you need. Does the designer charge by the hour or a single sum for the project? If by the hour, how many hours will the site take, and what happens if it takes more? Does the designer require a set fee up front, such as a percentage of the total cost? What is the payment schedule?

Also, strongly consider signing a contract with the designer for the Web site. An informal verbal agreement may seem like all that's necessary, especially for small projects, but a contract will lay everything out in writing and can make all the difference if there's a difference in opinion later in the relationship. Many Web designers have their own contracts that can be used, with little or no modification, for your project.

Choosing a single Web designer from the thousands available can be a daunting task. By keeping these guidelines, among others, in mind, you can ask the right questions of prospective designers and discover which one will meet your needs.

Copyright © 1998 Jeff Foust, klx.communications. All rights reserved.

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