How to Choose a Web Designer
The world wide web is currently evolving, which means there are means on how to create your own e-commerce site without the need to hire a web designer. In fact, anyone can craft a website by just dragging and dropping elements to a blank canvas. So, why hire a web designer? Wouldn't it be cheaper if you just do it yourself?
Let's face it, hiring a web designer will cost you about $60 to $120 per hour. This is a very expensive investment that is why most people stick to learning how to do it, than getting someone to do it for them. But will you let a mechanic do a plumber's job? Expertise is what we need when hiring a web designer. If you want to get the task done right and just as what you would expect, hire a professional web designer.
Think about your design
The first step in choosing a web designer is to identify the various aspects of the site you want to accomplish. Bear in mind that the best web design is about how you are able to convey the information to the public. If it is full of bells and whistles, don't expect to attract customers. Your goal is to not only want them to go to your site but also come back the second time.
Interactive sites - Although static websites are popular, it's never too late to experiment with new features. Interactive sites can be a search system which lets people search any keyword to look for products in your e-commerce store or an interactive game to keep people entertained.
News site - If you are in an industry where you need to keep people updated with the latest news and events, you might want to decide on using a news site to provide information to potential customers. Using such site demonstrates your willingness to be up to date, and informed in your chosen industry.
Informational site - these are static websites that provide answers to all questions and concerns about your e-commerce store, product, or service. Keep your users informed with customer testimonials, and feedback forms to solicit new customers.
Online transactions - these are static web pages that let you do so much more before asking the customer to buy a product or service.
Who are your audiences
Now that you have your design, its time to meet the needs of your target customers. To create the best possible site, think of the people who will actually visit your e-commerce site and be a customer.
Existing customers - These customers already have a purpose to be in your site, all you need to do is nourish them.
Prospects - These are people who came across your website from a search engine, magazine, or other sources that market your particular product or service. All you have to do is sell your product and establish your credibility to turn prospects into customers.
Customers of your competitors - Sometimes, existing customers of your competitors might want to try something new. This is where your site will come in. Make it certain that your site stands out from the crowd.
Kids - Depending on your e-commerce site, you might as well identify children as one of your valuable customers. This will also affect your site design.
Professionals - If your customer base is built on professionals of a specific field, your design should meet the needs of these professionals.
Sketch the design on paper
No matter how terrible you are at drawing, a simple sketch can help the designer to make an output similar to what you actually want. This is the best way to ensure that you and your designer are on the same track. Spend time together in working on a perfect design.
Pick the right company
Now that you have your design, you understand your target customers, and you have a design sketch, its time for the most important part of the process: getting the right company for the job.
Your best bet is through word-of-mouth. Ask your friends, colleagues who have websites and what company has created it. Ask about what they like about the design and if they have a good or bad experience with the designer. You might also want to ask how much did they pay for the site design.
If you don't know anyone who has a website, look online for professional web designers.
Price
This is the most important part in picking the right firm. The rule of the thumb in pricing is that when your site offers more interactivity, the higher its cost will be. To save on the cost, split your list between what is actually needed and what is only for decoration. Think of the things your site must have and focus on it.
Most site design are offered per project, but there are also hourly rates. My advice is to go to project-based work because you might not know how quickly they work. Per-page project is also a problem because this just means that the designer is not thinking of how long a page will be completed compared to other pages.
Optional: Sign them a contract
If you are going to spend thousands of dollars for your e-commerce site? Making a contract will ensure that everything will work well. A contract protects you from intellectual property ownership, and reminds the designer of the details, the milestones, and penalties for non-delivery of the project.
Getting this all down on paper will save a lot of confusions and problems down the road.
When you've found a great design, a website designer to turn your dreams into reality, and you've been working together as a team to develop a wonderful website, let everyone know about it. It will be a credit to the company and bring you new customers, thus more sales.
Wondering why your e-commerce site is not attracting customers? Integgris offers web design to help you convert visitors into customers. Visit Integgris website to find out more about this service.