Did you know that the default is that the website designer is the owner of the design and content unless you have an agreement otherwise!? Yikes. Get something in writing. Problems do happen as a result, believe me.

Take this quiz to see if you’re headed in the right direction.

Which is the most reliable place to find a web designer that can meet your needs?

1. A marketing firm
2. A web design firm
3. A graphic design firm
4. Your son who’s good with computers
5. None of the above. I’m a do-it-yourselfer.

The answer, in my book, is “b. a web design firm.” All might offer web design, but usually it’s the web design firms that have the necessary web training to meet your needs.

Unfortunately, there are web design firms that don’t use the latest technology (which is important for saving you money and headaches), so you’ll need some criteria for choosing a web designer.

Think of It Like Buying a Car

When shopping for a new car, you’ll probably start at the dealers with cars known for mechanical reliability and fuel efficiency — and then you choose the one that looks good. You wouldn’t choose based on looks alone. So, don’t do that for your website. Only some websites are built to last.

You can’t have a successful website without the right stuff under the hood. First choose a technically-skilled  web designer as your starting place.

Yeah, but…

What if you already have a graphic designer or marketing firm you trust? I can help you assess whether they have the technical skills that will serve you over the long haul. Also, a skilled web developer should be able to work with your existing graphic designers or marketing firm to make sure your brand and messaging are consistent.

You can have it all! You’ll get the best return on investment if you choose the web designer who knows the technology best. You can still have the look you want, great marketing results, and do-it-yourself access.

Contact me for more information.

What’s Your Story?

What’s your experience (good or bad) with hiring a web designer? Please leave your story or other comment below.

Choosing the right web designer from the beginning can save you a lot of money and headaches. It’s easy to choose wrong if you don’t have the inside track on web design. Here are some guidelines.

The Right Web Designer for You…

1. Is easy to work with, as proven by references.
2. Uses “standards-based” programming, because it is built to last.
3. Offers a content management system (CMS) so that you can edit your own website content.
4. Has a portfolio of websites that look professional to you, and to a web professional that looks under the hood.
5. Shows interest and understanding about your particular goals for your website.
6. Knows when to refer to others for services outside their field of expertise (such as graphic design, content writing, video production, and search engine optimization).
7. Can help you choose qualified graphic designers and experts to complete the website team.

My Picks

Here are a few reliable experts that meet my criteria:

1. Green Internet Group
2. Gravity Switch
3. Adam Sweeney Creative
4. Knectar Design

I can help you assess and find the right crew for your particular website project and help you get things moving.

Some designers are prepared for the large high-tech projects and some specialize in low-budget sites or something inbetween. My list includes the full range.

Contact me for more information. (No charge for referrals.)

If you contact any of the above developers, please tell them I sent you. Thanks.

Sample CMS Admin Panel (to edit your website)

A lot of people like the idea of having control over their own website, but the technology can be overwhelming.

There is a way to have control over your own website without knowing any special coding—and you can still have a professional look without breaking the bank.

Here’s the Trick

If you want to have control over your own website, hire a professional web developer who can offer you a “content management system” or “CMS.” That means your website is built in a way that allows you to access the parts you need to edit, including adding photos, adding pages, and more.

If there’s no CMS for your site, you’ll have to contact your web developer every time you want to change one word on your site. When you consider that, it’s easily worth the small extra expense to get the CMS.

CMS Quick Facts

1. It’s easier than using Microsoft Word, so there’s no coding to learn.
2. A CMS is not a simple thing to add after the fact, so ask for it from the start.
3. Choosing the right CMS technology for your needs is important, and a good web designer will walk you through pros and cons of your options.

Don’t Go It Alone

For clarity, I absolutely advise against creating your website from scratch, unless you are a professionally trained web developer. Even then, you need an outsider involved, for perspective.

Non-profits and small businesses often think they will save money by hiring a student or friend to build a website. It just isn’t cost-effective in reality. I’ve seen it over and over. Waste of time and money.

I also advise against setting up your own site using a template.  (Of course, if you just want a personal website or blog for yourself or your club, a do-it-yourself template site is fine.) But for anyone who needs a serious web presence (and every business or organization does), start with a professional web developer. There are low-budget options. (See related posts below.)

I’m not giving this warning for my own or my colleagues’ sake. I’m saying this to save you the headache, preserve your competitive edge, and to leave you time to run your business.

Today’s technology means your web developer can make something great for far less time than it would ever take you or an intern. You’ll save money and stress. And leave time to do your real job.

Buyer Beware

I can walk you through other good things to know before making website decisions. I don’t charge anything to give referrals to reliable web designers.