| If you need a website building for your business or | | | | Not crucial, but if you find a Web Designer who has a |
| product then you have two options: | | | | large portfolio of work make sure you look through it. |
| - Build it yourself | | | | Not only will this give you an indication of the designer's |
| - Hire a Web Design Agency to design and build it for | | | | skills but it will also help to inspire you about your new |
| you | | | | site design; feel free to crib ideas! |
| Most Internet Service Providers now offer both free | | | | Local & Contactable |
| web space and free web templates to new | | | | Often an overlooked criteria, being able to speak to |
| customers and in some situations you may be | | | | your designer for a catchup (at least once per week) |
| tempted to try and design your website yourself. | | | | is an almost essential part of a healthy working |
| However, in most situations, the Do It Yourself route is | | | | relationship. Many designers prefer email contact - |
| a mistake because although the tools of web design | | | | which is just as acceptable providing they come back |
| are readily available to almost anyone, the craft and | | | | quickly to any questions you raise. |
| the skills that an experienced Web Designer has | | | | Skill-set |
| developed over time are not. | | | | This is probably the most tricky aspect of all especially |
| The businesses that opt for the DIY Web Design | | | | if you are from a non-technical background. There are |
| route are frequently dissuaded from hiring a | | | | many aspects to consider but the fundamentals are: |
| professional web designer because of the often | | | | - You want a Search Engine Friendly Website that |
| technical, jargon-filled skill-sets that web designers | | | | takes into consideration the site architecture and |
| possess and claim to be able to bring to your new | | | | content so it is well received by Search Engines |
| website. | | | | - You will want the site to load quickly so the designer |
| So, if you don't know your .fla from your elbow and | | | | will want to keep most of the file sizes small |
| think that CSS belongs in your medicine cabinet along | | | | - You want an accessible website that meets the |
| with the TCP, here's a quick guide to choosing a web | | | | Disabilities Discrimination Act |
| designer: | | | | - You want your site to look good so your designer |
| Price | | | | should help you achieve a visually pleasing site that in |
| Price is important but it isn't the most important aspect | | | | line with your brand |
| of Web Design. Remember, you get what you pay | | | | Payment |
| for. The trick here is to get a quote for the work | | | | Be prepared to pay a deposit up front but be sure to |
| based on a detailed brief and to ensure the web | | | | hold a sizeable amount of the total price back until the |
| designer sticks to their quote. | | | | project is completed. This will allow you to stay in |
| A detailed brief | | | | control of the working relationship. |
| Ensure you have a good idea of what you need and | | | | There are many more things you might consider when |
| what will be delivered. Most Web Designers offer a | | | | choosing a web designer but this article should help |
| free consultation to help you narrow down your | | | | you feel more confident when setting off. We know it |
| requirements. | | | | can be a internet minefield out there! |
| A Portfolio | | | | |