How to choose a web site designer
(continue from previous article)
The second step - visit the web designer's web sites
Yes, It is important. Visit the web sites of all companies and web designers from the list created in the first step. Start with the following important items:
(I) Their own web site design.
Is it nice and attractive? Do their web pages load quick in the browser window? Do all links on the site work? Check the contacts page. Is there telephone and fax number and office address listed? Do not rely on services that offer contact via e-mail only or via web form that invites the visitor to fill in his requirement.
If the answer of one of the above questions is "No", then those designers could be skipped probably.
(II) Check the designer's portfolio.
It is must have. If there is no portfolio, or if it consists of a few images without links and the web sites can not be located, skip this web development company / designer. If a portfolio is available, check the web sites listed there. Things to notice:
(1) The web site design - is it unique and attractive. Many "web designers" use so called web templates usually available free of charge. Many "web designers" have a few templates sometimes created by themselves and just change the colors and pictures insides. So, in the portfolio, if many similar web sites can be seen, or if they are similar to other web sites, stay away from that web developer.
(2) The web sites quality. Check whether all links work, whether the sites are easy to navigate and understandable.
(3) Some designers offer to host the customers site on their own web servers. If this is the case, then check how quick are the web sites hosted there.
After the second step, only two or three webdesign companies / designers should be still in the list.
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