hiring a web designer
This isn’t a “How To” article on hiring a web designer; it’s a “How Do I?” post. I need to hire a graphic/web designer for a blog project I’m brainstorming, but I’m not sure how to go about doing that. I know a couple of designers, but I need to know what important questions to ask them before I make a decision. So… what questions should I ask prospective designers?
If anybody reading this is a blog designer and would be interested in talking to me about my upcoming project, please send me an email and include some FAQs about your business and a link to your portfolio.
Thanks for your help!
(image source)
find out if it will be a database driven site – how easily you can manipulate content without their help
The first thing I would ask is if they have any experience designing blogs, and if so, the blog platform you want to use. I would make sure they had at least *some* examples of their work online (any web designer worth their salt should have something online). You should probably might ask about pricing, timeframe, and other boring stuff as it relates to your overall project goals. Also, if you have a certain style, or theme that you’re set on using, I would ask if they would have any problem creating those types of visuals. I would also ask about pricing for additional work after the initial design is launched. Often times I’m surprised by the number of clients that assume small work should always be free. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t.
It’s important that you hire a designer who understands the project and the topics you’ll be blogging on. The design should be consistent with the topic, both in look and feel. Also, the designer should be a good copywriter. Though you’ll be doing the writing, a web designer who is savvy about copy will be that much better at giving you the best design. You might also get a few worthwhile copy ideas along the way.