How to Choose a Website Designer or Programmer

To this day, Web site Design, Graphical Design, as well as programming or scripting (PHP, C++, XHTML, Java, C#, C, etc.) is a very popular, yet highly competitive online job. There are many freelance or online companies, as well as official companies (LCC's, etc.) that have physical addresses; however, it can often be quite difficult to choose which company to use. Through the use of common sense, interviews, client reviews and reputation, one can choose the right designer or programmer for the job.

One thing that is quite important before choosing a designer or programmer is to determine your budget; after doing that, you must decide if your budget is low for the quality of work you're demanding, or high. If it is high, then you will certainly be able to negotiate better and have a larger range of people to choose from. Yet, if you consider your budget as low for the quality you demand, then you will have less choice in your designer, and perhaps, may end up outsourcing the work. While that can be, at times, efficient...it most often times is not. Therefore, I highly recommend staying away from outsourcing, as you do not know the quality you will be dealing with, nor the level of communication from this designer (as often English is not their first language).

After determining your budget, you must then seek out designers. You can do this through many different methods, such as forums, or simply searching for companies that are in your area (as many people prefer being able to communicate easily with their hired designers). However, once you find a few places, you should not only view their Portfolio (which is very important) but you must make sure that their

style of design fits what you're looking for. Some designers are very artistically challenged, while others can whip up a work of art in no-time. So, make sure you like the general artistic value of their designs. So, once you've done this, and feel that you like the designer's work and that they are able to communicate well and often with you, you have your designer.

Additionally, it is always safe to check feedback for this designer, as well as read reviews about them, and make sure they have a good reputation. Also, there are people out there who enjoy scamming those who are not savvy with the internet, so it is important you keep an eye out for things that appear fishy. One thing I always stay away from is anyone requiring a 100% down payment; in fact, for me, anything over 30-40% is way too much and I attempt to negotiate...unless of course you know for a fact they are reputable and will not scam you.

One thing however, that comes from personal experience from working with website/graphics design and clients, is you must be very specific in terms of what you want. Some designers will help you out and walk you through everything you may want, but you cannot expect that something will be provided. It must be negotiated prior to them providing you with an official price quote...therefore if you want it coded in XHTML vs. HTML, or want it to be table less...or want them to do the content...you must state that to them as soon as possible.

So, now that we've come to the conclusion of getting a designer, you may still wonder if you're done. Well, basically, you are. The designer is most likely very knowledgeable in both areas of design (at least, we hope you chose one that is) as well as the hosting / domain side of having a website. So, if any questions arise, you can always ask them for advice. I hope this has aided you in choosing a designer. Good luck!