Wednesday October 22nd, 2008

 Hello from PrecisionEmedia.com

  The relationship you are looking for is one that is beneficial to you and your business, and one that is valued and beneficial to the designer or webmaster you hire.
So, here are a few questions to think about...

What questions should I ask before deciding upon
a web designer?

How many years have you been in visual communications?
Having a background in graphic design, or marketing design is an invaluable foundation to the skills required to present information that you'll be hanging your hat on. While most will say it's not necessary when it comes to the web, I feel that some background in the field, and/or at least some formal training would be highly desirable. Discovering what the designer likes can suggest what kind of looks they'll be presenting to you.

What's wrong with this page?
Prepare (or buy) a simple web page where an intentional mistake has been included. Updating web pages and making corrections is of paramount importance to you. Some can fix a glitch in two seconds... where others might take two hours. This translates directly to money out of your pocket. If they list 8 things they 'think' is wrong perhaps they're good... but if they don't catch the right mistake, there should be a reason why.

Here's a page, what would you do with it?
It's not out of the question to have a little test before making your final decision. It's always nice to see if their words meet the implied expectations of their actions. Make it simple and give them a day or two to present their results. They may say they can produce a good page but you want someone who can.

Who have you worked for?
This is the most important of all. They should be able to produce happy clients and customers -- not just the links to their sites, either! You're looking for LIVE references. (This is more important, by the way, than the portfolio.) Call them.

You might also want to know some more detailed specifics.
Can you code HTML from scratch?
If they say they use Frontpage 98 or any other publisher type of software "exclusively" then beware. The software is convenient for time laboring details, but knowing HTML code is imperative. However, you also need to know:

Which program do you like best?
This is important in case you wish to pick up the same program, or if you have personnel you want to train. It's also important in the event you have to switch. Sites coded in GoLive will look like geek speak to Dreamweaver users and visa versa.

How do you test your web pages?
The answer should be Mac and PC, in level 2, 3, and 4 browsers. If they don't mention AOL, then you'll potentially be in trouble. Unless you want to throw away those 25,000,000 readers.

What's your favorite new technology?
Determine if the webmaster is familiar with the cutting edge technologies. Not that you'll need them, but more as an indication that the individual is 'growing' in the field. Be aware that some new technologies don't work for all OS and all browsers. Can they code a redirection script for different versions of the same page?

Are there contracts involved?
if not, do I pursue one for the understanding of both parties?
Yes, You need and you want some form of written agreement. Call it a contract, call it a letter of agreement (LOA), call it what you will. But you'll need a written understanding -- in their words on their stationery -- which dictates the following:

The scope of the project - everything.
When it begins, and at what point does it end. Note here that web sites are NEVER done. You need milestones along the way at which point you expect certain results, and the webmaster will expect to be paid. This needs to be very clearly declared. You need to have some sort of understanding on what will be considered YOUR changes or additions, and how they will affect the amount of money to be paid.If you sign up for an ongoing relationship you need to understand what specific operations that entails, and how much they'll cost.

Are there stock or canned contracts?
Maybe. You can find literally hundreds of them on the web ready to go. However you'll need your OWN contract or LOA because yours will be very unique to your own situation. Do you need a lawyer? Probably not. __ The best way to acquire this from a prospective is to require a Request for Proposal (RFP).

Is it good to find a local web/graphic designer or does it matter when doing business?
Yes, absolutely yes. You'll find that eye to eye business is much better than email and telephone calls. And, you'll also be able to discover the individual's history of business in the local area... a task that's all but impossible in a remote locations.