Choosing the right web designer for your new website can feel like an arduous task. Not to fear! We've compiled a checklist that will help your web designer hiring process go as smooth as pudding. Use the link below to print out the handy one page checklist! Once you've found your web designer come back and let us know what you think in the comments below.
Download the Printable Checklist
Find Web Designers
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Discover web designers online, in business directories and by word of mouth.
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Look at the bottom of websites you like for links to their web designers.
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Narrow your list to 3-4 web designers, and follow this checklist for each one.
Experience
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Web designer has his/her own website.
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Web designer's website looks good and functions smoothly.
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Web designer's online portfolio of past work includes at least 3-4 websites.
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Your aesthetic taste is satisfied, if not blown away, by majority of the portfolio.
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Websites created by web designer function smoothly and are well organized.
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Web designer has experience designing websites for audiences similar to yours.
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Web designer has been in the business for at least a few years.
Communication
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Web designer is available by phone and email. Perhaps also chat & VOIP.
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Web designer’s hours & days of availability are suitable to you.
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Web designer has communication skills and work ethics on par with you own.
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Web designer's personality clicks well with your own.
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Web designer is helpful and is happy to answer your questions clearly.
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Web designer follows up when promised and doesn't hesitate to ask questions.
Planning
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Explain your business, industry and background to web designer.
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Explain your goals for a website, in as much detail as possible, to web designer.
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Share your budget with web designer (optional, but recommended)
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Web designer reciprocates understanding of your goals, values and budget.
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Create a list websites with design and functionality you like and provide it to
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web designer with notes explaining why you like them.
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Create a list of features your website must have and provide it to web designer.
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Create a list of features you would like to have (your optional wish list).
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Create a list of pages your website must have and provide it to web designer.
Proposal
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Web designer submits a proposal to you.
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Proposal is coherent, well organized and shows thought on web designer's part.
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Proposal explains in detail what your website will entail.
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Proposal includes at least the following details: Site map, Scope of Work,
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Deliverables, Budget, Timeline, and References.
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Proposal includes everything that is important to you. If not, request a revision.
Feedback and Revisions
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You will be sent concepts (proofs) of the web design before programming starts.
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You are allowed at least 2-3 revisions to web design.
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Web designer will present a beta version of the website for testing.
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You are allowed at least 1-2 revisions of website programming / functionality.
Maintenance
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Web designer will be available to update your website on an as needed basis.
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Web designer offers flexible web maintenance services billed on an hourly or
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retainer basis. Ask what’s included in your maintenance plan.
Budget
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Web designer's proposed cost fits your budget.
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Web designer's pricing is fair in respect to quality of work you expect to receive.
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Determine whether the web designer bills hourly or flat project rate.
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Background Check
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Each of web designer's references sing praise about web designer's services.
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If web designer's references check out and you want to be extra sure, contact
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one or two additional clients from the portfolio.
Final Points
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If the web designer doesn’t provide all of the services you may need (i.e.
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programming, photography, copywriting, etc.) ask web designer for
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recommendations.
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Get a second opinion about web designer from your colleagues (or friends).
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Take your time. Having a quality, successful website is more important than
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having a website built yesterday.
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Trust your gut and also consider your first impression of web designer.
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Read other Online Success articles to educate yourself.
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Still haven’t found the right web designer? Check out Niche Tank!
