Here are some things to think about when choosing a web designer.
This is very important. Take a look at the designer's portfolio. Do you like the way their previous sites look? Designers develop a set of techniques for building websites and tend to reuse what they think works. The look of a designer�s websites may differ, but the underlying techniques are usually the same. If you like their past work, chances are, you'll like the work they do for you.
A professional designer can answer your questions. They should show knowledge in HTML, the internet, search engines, design and layout techniques, graphic design techniques, and computer software including Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Flash, Fireworks, and CorelDraw which are some of the industry standards. Given your situation they may need to know programming languages which include PHP for Unix based servers, ASP for Windows based servers, and JavaScript for client-side programs. Also look for creativity in the designer's previous designs; you want to stand out from your competition! Also, a designer must use contracts to be considered professional. Not because it helps them but because it helps the client. It allows the client to know when and how things get done. Other things to look for are: Does the designer give quotes? Does the designer have set rates or prices? Are they willing to give out contact information including their phone number and address?
You probably know, you get what you pay for. This is no different with web designers. The better the designer, the more they charge. My recommendation is, don't skimp on web design just to save a buck. Your website will more than likely make back the money you spent on it (directly or indirectly). With that in mind, just because your nephew can make you a website for free, doesn't mean it is necessarily a good idea. Another thing to remember is web designers go out of business all the time. Not because they charge too much, but because they don't charge enough. A reasonable rate ensures that a designer will be around to help you in the future, which is good because a website is just like proprietary software--the person who wrote it is the best person to make changes to it.
Knowing your website�s purpose is essential to choosing a designer. If you need a website that uses a lot of behind-the-scenes calculations and processing, you aren�t going to choose a designer that doesn't know anything about PHP, ASP, and JavaScript. Likewise, if you need a website that is going to attract new customers, you don�t want to hire your nephew that only knows the basics of html and a little bit of MSPaint.
If a web designer doesn't give you information about previous clients, turn around and walk away. If you can't find the designer's previous work or ways to get in contact with previous clients, then chances are the designer is trying to hide something--Possibly the fact that they provide poor customer service. Look for testimonials or some kind of proof that previous clients are happy with the designer's services.
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