Life is short. (And expensive.) Choosing your website designer.
When you’re thinking of hiring a website designer, there are several things you should consider before you sign an agreement. We’re going to highlight each of these, so that you’ll be in control of the process. Possibly the most important consideration: what type of person will you work with best? Whether you need design, search engine optimisation (SEO) or hosting and maintenance, the working relationship you have with your web designer is critical to success. You want to choose someone who is personable yet serious and shows an interest in you and your project.
A website designer or consultant who is argumentative, contrary and reclusive will frustrate you and make you wonder why you’re spending your money on this person. You want a good experience and a great product. Your designer should provide you with both of these. Your designer should be part of your extended team. SMARTERwebsites believes that no project is a good project if the client has a difficult time during the process. That’s why we offer you this checklist to use BEFORE you choose a person or firm to design your website and provide hosting services, maintenance, search engine optimisation or anything else that’s going to cost you time and money.
SIX THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU SPEND A PENNY
1. Exactly what am I getting for my money?
This is an important question. Many things could be included – design, content, graphics, search engine submission, search engine optimisation, fully managed hosting services, site maintenance. Ask for it on paper, so you can compare quotes realistically. Also know the project timeline and the availability of tracking statistics, search engine submission data and other details that will help you offer the best possible website experience to your clients. Will you have constant access to pages as they are created.
(SMARTERsystems grants Owner Access throughout the entire website creation process)
2. What about ongoing costs?
Web hosting, the renewal of domain name registration and website maintenance and updates are three typical areas you’ll pay for regularly. Make sure you know the total cost of these services – in writing! Many companies offer low up-front costs, only to lock you into big costs down the line. Find out about SSL certificates for your e-commerce website, extra bandwidth and web space allowance.
(Bandwidth web space allowance and Email is unlimited at SMARTERsystems!)
3. How easy will it be to build my brand into a Flash Template?
Be wary of template-driven website companies! Some barely know how to change the text on a template. Depending on the template, it may be difficult to incorporate your logo and colours.
(SMARTERtemplates designs templates 'from the ground up,' meaning everything gets incorporated)
4. How reliable are the services I’m paying for?
Too much down-time for your website can leave you very unhappy – and possible broke! Before you let your designer initiate a hosting plan, determine that the hosting company is reliable. You’ll depend heavily on hosting and e-mail services, so ask the right questions before you pay anything.
(SMARTERhosting boasts an enviable 100-percent hosting up-time!)
5. How much will I have to pay to make changes to my website?
If you demand a solid maintenance agreement, you’ll know exactly how much. Updates and maintenance needs are expected. Even if you don't change content frequently, you’ll eventually need some revisions or alterations. (SMARTERsystems offers a set monthly fee for this work and so much more) .........
6. Should I expect hidden costs?
No, and the way to avoid them is to see the entire cost projection on paper before you commit to any services. Then, ask the designer if there are hidden costs. Ask again, if you don’t understand the answer. If you still don’t understand the answer, find another designer.
(SMARTERsystems shows you up-front, ALL initial and future costs associated with your project!)
7. How “available” should my website designer be?
If the designer is in business part-time, availability could be an issue. If quick contact with the designer will be important to you and your business, you should hire a person or firm that does this work full-time.
(SMARTERsystems are always available)
Now that you’ve got your questions answered . . .
If all the above check out, then you’ve found a website designer you can work well with and who will be able to get your website up and running quickly and efficiently with no surprises. You will have achieved your desired results!
Marc Tracy is CEO at SMARTERsystems. We are a team of website design and SEO consultants that cater to both large and small companies as well as individuals wanting just a personal website. You need an edge on the Web, so we provide all you need to get it: Hosting Services, Website Design, Site Maintenance, Domain Name Registration, Template Design and Consulting Services. With 17 years in the website design business, SMARTERsystems has a proven track record of winning big for its clients. Find out how we can win for you!
We’d love to help you decide how to create, build and promote your website. Contact us, and we’ll be in touch quickly.
