How to Hire a Web Designer

How to Hire a Web Designer HIRING THE WRONG PERSON CAN GIVE YOUA LOT OF HEADACHES AND COST YOU A LOT OF MONEY, WE'LL HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT PERSON FRÓM SQUARE ONE! KNOW WHAT YOU NEED! DESIGNER OR PROGRAMMER?: Designers are skilled in front-end web development, with the ability to create beautiful websites. Programmers are masters with back-end web development, creating function websites and applications. STEP STEP SMALL BUSINESS OR INTERNET STARTUP: Small businesses can launch a beautiful website fast with a designer, however if you require a a lot of custom work a programmer'is your best bet. WHAT TECHNOLOGY?: Launching with a popular CMS like Wordpress or Drupal is fastest and cheapest, it you're going into eCommerce checkout platforms like Shopify or WooComměrce. Scalable internet startups should look for Python or Ruby on Rails Devs. STEP 3 CONCLUSION OF THE FLOW: For the most part, local businesses should look to launch with Wordpress, designers are armed with many plugins to save you money. While most scalable internet startups will require custom work down the road, réquiring a programmer. GET MULTIPLE QUOTES MULTIPLE QUOTES: WHAT'S NEW LATELY? Make sure you're talking to actual person who will be developing your website, and not just a salesman. Matt Mullenweg, Founder of Wordpress, recently stated that Wordpress powers 18.9% of the web. Perfect choice for not only bloggers, but most local businesses as well CONTACT A CLIENT: 2012 2013 Talking to one of their clients will tell you more than their website will. 16.7% 18.9% GET THE CONTRACT RIGHT. By default, a contractor owns copyright to your website and intellectual property unless otherwise stated. Search for a "Consulting Agreement" on the web, while basic, they're balanced, free and should cover most bases. If you have concerns, contact a lawyer. IMPORTANT NOTES Disclaimer: Not a lawyer, this is not legal advice. FIXED VS HOURLY GO WITH FIXED IF... GO WITH HOURLY IF... Strict Budget Maintenance Work it's the first time you're working with him/her. You Trust Him/Her You know exactly what you want. Your requirements are a little ambigious. FINAL TIPS WHERE SHOULD YOU LOOK? REFERRALS ARE YOU BEST BET, SEARCH YOUR CITY FOR "TYOUR CITY] WEB DESIGN" OR "WEB DEVELOPMENT," AND FREELÀNCE MARKETPLACES LIKE LAUNCHASTARTUP.COM Avoid Craigslist Avoid Big Deposits Contact Clients Friendly & Responsive I can't stress this enough. This is a long-term If they're good, their current clients should be their best salespeople. Too many scams and better altérnatives. Start with an amount you're comfortable with (eg. $500). relationship, make sure it's with someone you get along with and who can pick up the phone when it's iate to help you in case of an emergency. This is a very brief list, chances are you'll still need to talk to someone you can trust. Drop us an email at [email protected] with any questions and we'd be happy to point you in the right direction. SORIANOMEDIA Bonus: Don't forget SEO! Search Engine Optimization (SEO) helps your website get found in Google. Most designers/developers do a little on-page SEO... būt the best are independent consultants. Other Tips? Comment Below!