Finding a Web-design match made in heaven

When the time comes to get a website up and running, few small- to medium-sized companies feel equipped to go it alone. While a crash course in HTML never hurt anyone, chances are slim that a web neophyte will emerge from one fully prepared to design the type of site you want to represent your company.

Lucky for you, however, there's a burgeoning field of trained professionals out there who would love nothing more than to whip your website into shape. But with so many website designers around these days, how do you know what to look for?

"The first priority is to find someone who's willing to sit down and listen to what they need to know about the industry," says Floyd Terrell, sales manager, Bay Paper Co. (www.baypaper.com), Mobile, Ala. "The first few designers we talked to all wanted to treat us like a retailer, or like we were IBM or something and going for the image."

For Terrell, important features of the site included the ability to include active data that could be adjusted by Bay Paper staff, as well as practicality. To him, it was key that his site designer understand that.

"Some of the designers we looked at initially came back to us with these gorgeous online brochures or online business cards or ungodly expensive shopping carts," he explains. "It took a while to find somebody who understood what our needs were."

Terrell also recommends using a designer who offers some flexibility in terms of payment options.

"Find someone who will work on a retainer, not a oneshot deal," he says. "That way you'll be able to get adjustments if you're not completely happy with something."

Focus on Your Needs

Responsiveness - the designer's willingness to help adapt your site to changing needs - is of utmost importance in the selection of a website designer. After that, however, it's also critical to get a sense of the designer's style. The best way to do that? Ask your website-design candidates for references and browse the sites of other companies that have used them. The overall aesthetics of the sites and the ease with which visitors can navigate them are key issues to keep in mind.

What's more, don't get swept away by the promise of razzle-dazzle features. Experts say that, unlike many sites today that are geared toward a younger audience, industrial sales pages should emphasize clarity and professionalism over fancy options.

While firsthand experience with a specific designer is the only way to guarantee that you'll be pleased with their services, following these guidelines may help ensure that you're as satisfied with your web-design process as Floyd Terrell has been.

"I would absolutely recommend using a designer," he says. "It's not likely to be cheap, but there's no doubt in my mind that it's worth the investment."

 

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