Hiring a designer to work with can be a daunting task. To make things worse, web designers can have a reputation for being a bit flaky. So how do you know that the designer you’re picking is a gem? Below are a few things to know, when picking a designer (or a developer, for that matter):
- They communicate clearly and promptly. Designers and developers can sometimes disappear into their work. Like all creatives, when we really get on a roll, we don’t want to come up for air, but when you’re running a business you just can’t do that! Look for a designer or developer that answers your emails promptly. Maybe not the same hour, promptly, but within a day or two for sure. If they can’t answer your questions in that first email, they should at least let you know when you can expect an answer.
- You like the style of their previous work. As much as designers can take on any different look, in my experience, you’ll always see the designers’ thumbprint on whatever they create for you. Most of us have a signature look or feel and that’s why we get hired. If you don’t like the designer’s previous work, they’re probably not the right fit for you. (Seems a bit obvious when I put it that way, doesn’t it?!)
- They clearly communicate about money and have a contract for you to sign. Money is one of those things that a lot of people find hard to talk about. Someone you’re doing business shouldn’t find this hard to talk about. Even if it seems overwhelming to talk about the money side of your project in detail, and capture it all in a contract (which your designer should provide, by the way), it will be so much easier than working out a misunderstanding the night before launch day. A contract shouldn’t be a scary thing, it should just be a way for the two of you to make sure that you’re on the same page and agree on your expectations of each other.
Kate Moore Hermes 