11th May 2009
Choosing a design firm
Most businesses start with less than ideal websites. Your friend knows a friend who knows a girl who knows how to make websites, and, well, you know the rest. But every business reaches a point where it needs a professional online appearance. Unfortunately, commissioning a website isn’t as simple as ordering office supplies. Web professionals and business people don’t always speak the same language, and the learning curve for an already beleaguered entrepreneur can be steep. At MasteredMinds, were web professionals and business people you can collaborate with to create an attractive and effective site–on time and on budget. We want you to make the best descison possible, so we have come up with some tips for easing your search for your next web team.
1. Do your homework
The first step in finding a designer you like is finding designs you like. We recommend that small business owners start by looking at the sites of their competitors and similar businesses. The key is to find a designer whose taste matches your own. Ask around to friends when you’re shopping for a designer, and on’t just go to Google and pick the first one.
But taste is only one consideration. Many designers specialize in creating a particular kind of site. A designer whose previous work includes only small brochure-style sites might be a poor fit for a large online store, so it’s important to consider the scope of your project as well. Check out some examples of our work.
2. Know the basics
Even for web professionals, keeping up with technology is difficult. Fortunately, as a small business owner, you don’t need to know the ins and outs of the latest trends to commission a web site, but it does help to understand a few fundamentals.
Conversations with our clients usually begin by explaining the difference between a domain name, a web host, web site, SSL certificates, CMS, and e-commerce systems.
A domain name is a site’s Web address–yoursite.com, for instance. These addresses are rented on a yearly basis from online registrars. A web host, on the other hand, provides server space–the virtual home where the site will live. Finally, there is the website itself–the collection of files that contain the actual design, text and media.
If all of that is unfamiliar, don’t worry; we are happy to recommend reliable domain registrars and hosting companies when they work with clients.
3. Be prepared to collaborate
Once you’re ready to approach a designer, your input is key. Many people don’t realize how much direction they’ll need to provide in order to give their designer a successful starting point.
The reality is that the process is a collaboration–from start to finish. In the beginning, designers typically ask for detailed descriptions of what prospective clients need from their web sites, as well as for links to other sites that the clients admire.
6. Know what you’re paying for
Once the match is made, a contract is the next step. And here clients can’t be too careful. Everything that’s meant to be included in the project–from the payment schedule to the number of revisions that a client is allowed to request–should be spelled out. While some designers are flexible about small changes, clients shouldn’t count on it.
Clients should also be prepared to put down a deposit before any work begins, in our case, this is usually 1/3 of the project cost.
8. Be decisive
Content aside, the most common cause of delays or extra costs after the contract is signed are sudden changes, additions or lack of communication. Many people don’t understand how long certain changes will take to implement, so they’re quick to call and ask for what we call the “just-dos.” Such misunderstandings are another example of the importance of establishing a good relationship between designer and client. A good relationship established before contracts are signed often helps ensure these issues are handled professionally and calmly on both ends.
The key is to do the necessary preparation when making your decisions–and then to stick by those decisions until the project is complete.
Whether you decide to go with us or not, this guide should help in choosing your design firm. If we can be of any assistance, please call us 866 . 969 . MIND (6463).
1. Do your homework
The first step in finding a designer you like is finding designs you like. We recommend that small business owners start by looking at the sites of their competitors and similar businesses. The key is to find a designer whose taste matches your own. Ask around to friends when you’re shopping for a designer, and on’t just go to Google and pick the first one.
But taste is only one consideration. Many designers specialize in creating a particular kind of site. A designer whose previous work includes only small brochure-style sites might be a poor fit for a large online store, so it’s important to consider the scope of your project as well. Check out some examples of our work.
2. Know the basics
Even for web professionals, keeping up with technology is difficult. Fortunately, as a small business owner, you don’t need to know the ins and outs of the latest trends to commission a web site, but it does help to understand a few fundamentals.
Conversations with our clients usually begin by explaining the difference between a domain name, a web host, web site, SSL certificates, CMS, and e-commerce systems.
A domain name is a site’s Web address–yoursite.com, for instance. These addresses are rented on a yearly basis from online registrars. A web host, on the other hand, provides server space–the virtual home where the site will live. Finally, there is the website itself–the collection of files that contain the actual design, text and media.
If all of that is unfamiliar, don’t worry; we are happy to recommend reliable domain registrars and hosting companies when they work with clients.
3. Be prepared to collaborate
Once you’re ready to approach a designer, your input is key. Many people don’t realize how much direction they’ll need to provide in order to give their designer a successful starting point.
The reality is that the process is a collaboration–from start to finish. In the beginning, designers typically ask for detailed descriptions of what prospective clients need from their web sites, as well as for links to other sites that the clients admire.
6. Know what you’re paying for
Once the match is made, a contract is the next step. And here clients can’t be too careful. Everything that’s meant to be included in the project–from the payment schedule to the number of revisions that a client is allowed to request–should be spelled out. While some designers are flexible about small changes, clients shouldn’t count on it.
Clients should also be prepared to put down a deposit before any work begins, in our case, this is usually 1/3 of the project cost.
8. Be decisive
Content aside, the most common cause of delays or extra costs after the contract is signed are sudden changes, additions or lack of communication. Many people don’t understand how long certain changes will take to implement, so they’re quick to call and ask for what we call the “just-dos.” Such misunderstandings are another example of the importance of establishing a good relationship between designer and client. A good relationship established before contracts are signed often helps ensure these issues are handled professionally and calmly on both ends.
The key is to do the necessary preparation when making your decisions–and then to stick by those decisions until the project is complete.
Whether you decide to go with us or not, this guide should help in choosing your design firm. If we can be of any assistance, please call us 866 . 969 . MIND (6463).
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