how to pick a new site designer?
 

what's the best way to go about this?

what are the questions to ask?

i've pretty much shot from the hip hiring designers thus far and it's been hit or miss. i'm wanting a homerun on the first go round on my new site.

I think you should take a look at their portfolios.

Hi dyno I'm Sarah from www.zuzanadesigns.com .. I would love to help you out ... Have a look around my portfolio and feel free to ask any questions you may have. I'm online all day and look forward to hearing from you :)

you are on my top 5 list!

i've browsed your portfolio extensively, and it is impressive, but i still wonder about the proper questions to ask. this new site is a new micro-niche site, should the designer "get" the microniche to design better? if so, how do i find out if you see that? and if so, is it appropriate to ask what the design would be? i've always told my designers "i like this site", is that the best way? what if that site design doesn't really jibe with the micro-niche of this site?

also, how much of the new content should i have in the can prior to getting the design going? 10 scenes/updates? 5? 25?

Thanks, I would ask you what the micro-niche was. I may have done a design in this niche already.. It helps to have sample sites you like to show the designer, but be prepared to tell the design things you may not like as well.. Letting the designer see the content prior to the design helps as well. If I can see the content I start to invison the project and the way the content would look best for the design. Communication all along during the design process is a must .. I do design changes until the client is 100% satisfied with the project. Even if it means starting over. In the end what the client wants is what I do.. As far as content, the more you have the better .. I like to have the client send the pics they like best to work those into the design...

I also ask how many unique pages the design is, does it need flash.. What sort of script will the site be using... Do you want the site in valid css/xhtml ....

thanks for taking the time to write a thoughtful response. i will certainly be contacting you to get more information.

Hello,

Best way to judge the designer would be his portfolio. Reliability is another important factor. If you like our portfolio www.cardinalvices.com/portfolio.html I would like to take a look at the project specifications. Thank you.

first look at their portfolios, resume, and work experience. Make sure that they are capable of doing what you need both artisticlly and techniclly. Also ask them for 2-3 professional references in order to make sure they have a good track record.

one thing to consider as well is if you have long term plans for this designer make sure they have the time and not too many clients on their plate.

Sarah or Deej is the way to go..

thanks :thumbsup

this is the most important.....

i'm not sure i would go with any designers that post in this thread but cannot reply to the topic. that's a red flag that there would be communication issues going forward.

now i'm completely sure.

I think that you need to ask yourself some questions first. Do you want it pretty? Do you want it effective? Do you want it both? I assume you'll want the last, but I'd bet in 99% of cases you won't get it, so, if possible, ask the designer about results, and I mean 3rd party results. Since most multi site programs have a ranking of their sites, and most designers with some experience will have some work for multi site programs, then they should be able to prove it. From there, if you find 2, 3 or whatever designers you see they fit, then choose the style you like better. Then again, I wouldn't care less if my site looks like crap as long as it sells like hot cakes. After all, beauty won't pay my bills, money will. Of course, many beautiful sites tend to convert fine because those sites are usually made by people who know what they're doing. So in short, I'd ask this question first: "do you have what it takes? PROVE IT!" :thumbsup

you're a child

despite the childish behavior, they're quite good, maybe you'd try to work things and get the childish behavior out and manage things from a professional POV. As I said: results comes first :)

with all the good designers around, including the ones that have already done work for me, i don't feel the need to try and work things out with the adult mix person.

that's starting off on the wrong foot and i've no need to start off that way, other than that i think you provide some good suggestions.

feel free to hit me up if you still are looking

thanks

Portfolio and word of mouth is a definitely one way. I personally have an extensive and long lasting relationship with my current outsource designers and I work with them as well as the client to ensure the best quality product. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority so if you are interested and require further information then please don't hesitate to contact me. :)

you can check us out www.adultsplat.com

no, questions asked they are lame. And i woudnt start feeding and pleasing someone asking that way and playing god like.

all this thread of yours is wrong.

I suggest sticking with people that have a long track record...

the goodies are already here :winkwink:

make some kind of test, ask for examples and than decide.

First thing, check out their portfolios...