What to look for when choosing a web designer

If you’re a business owner, choosing the right website designer will have a big impact on your website’s success. A good website can bring you more business and a bad one can drive away prospective customers. Since this decision and your website are vital to your business success take the time to select the right website designer.

Who is going to make your website stand out from the crowd?

1. Keep it local

It might seem obvious, but many buisness owners use big name national web designers and run into frustration when they are only able to communicate via phone and email. For a more personal approach choose a web designer local to you who will be on hand for meetings and will be more familiar with your local target customer base if you are looking for business in the local area.

2. Do they ask the right questions?

The right web designer should be asking all about your business. They should want to get to know you, your business, your customer base, and your objectives. There is no way for a designer to build the perfect website that reflects your business and you without getting to know you.

3. Look at their previous designs

Is there one style only to previous websites they’ve designed, or are they flexible? Ask them whether they do the layout and design or just the programming. At Honeypot websites we don’t outsource any aspect of your site – from programming to design and search engine optimisation, our team of experts work together and with you to achieve the best possible results.

4. Ask what they know about optimisation

Many designers don’t have expertise in optimisation – and what’s the point of a beautiful website no one can find? Your website needs to not only look good, but also meet your long term business and marketing goals. At Honeypot websites we have an inhouse team including Google qualified SEO specialists who will ensure your site is optimised to it’s maximum potential.

5. Read their testimonials

Take the time to see what their previous clients have to say about them – it’s a good indicator as to the service they provide, and whether working alongside them has been a positive experience for most.

6. Check the deadline

Make sure your web designer can meet the deadline for having your website finished. Brainstorm with them to put some deadlines in places you can both meet.

7. Payment terms

Make sure you’re happy with the designers fees and the stages in which you pay – will you be billed monthly, pay a deposit, or pay in stages when milestones of the site are completed?