Creating Your Web Site

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3 - The web design

On Choosing a Designer

This is really an issue of relationship. Your designer may be the the kid down the road, or a professional, full-time websmith. Both are acceptable provided that you know what you're getting. Examine their portfolio. If a designer has a particular style that you don't like, then getting them to create your preferred site will be more of a challenge. When you hire a designer, you are asking them to be the expert for you - a consultant for your marketing image and branding. They will help guide your design and look as well as provide the technical expertise. Listen to what they tell you. You may disagree, but bear in mind that they probably have more experience in this field.

This is where art meets tech. The goal is always to design a series of pages which are attractive and easy to use, but at the same time be properly constructed so that it can be viewed on the many web browsers and systems available to the public.

There is no upper limit on how much a site design can cost as the price escalates with the functionality that the site provides. The specifications drive the price.

Your designer should take care to provide a page template that is easily reused for new pages, and will also work well with search engines so that they can properly list your site.

This can be a difficult process. This is a more subtle and intuitive than steps 1 and 2. When you choose a designer you are asking them to help you with their knowledge, skill, and expertise. They will try to give you the best look they can. Help them by being clear about your desires and concepts - put these in writing. Listen to their advice. By definition they are more likely to have a sense of what is current in the world of web design.

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