When Lary asked me to write a piece about “choosing an awesome web designer for a small business,” I thought the best way to present this is ask business owners and web designers/developers that have proven, successful track records. Here is a synthesized piece that brings information and expertise to you, the small business owner.

“One major point comes to mind: As the business owner, its important to be clear on what it is you need and want from your web designer. Knowing that prior to contacting designers can help facilitate the discovery process through the use of strategic questioning.”
...Jackie Nagel, Development Coach

“My criterion is to select someone with comparable category experience. I want someone who understands my business, how it works. Most of all I want Web help that understands e-commerce...that a Web page must make money, not just be functional, fast or beautiful.”
...Bill Hoke, Marketing Consultant

Normally, a client wants to be involved in the project. A designer must see the client as a partner, creating a nurturing client/designer relationship. A designer must understand the need to educate the client about not only the Web site, but also the process of managing the project. A good designer must be aware that a business site needs to “sell” the business message (from e-commerce to simple branding). The designer must not have assumptions that the client understands technical issues — the designer must keep the language as simple as possible. A designer must accept her/his own limitations and work on meeting her/his client’s needs through hiring experts.
...Barb Chan, Web Designer

The top seven questions you should ask your web designer before letting
her/him loose on your site:
1) “Do you have your own web site?” A web site designer without a web site is like a printer without business cards!!
2) “Can you show me three examples of your work?” If they all look the same — then the chances are so will YOUR site. Don’t settle for a template design from a graphics package.
3) “Can you show me references from satisfied clients?” Follow up references to see how well your designer relates to his/her clients.
4) “How quickly will my site load?” The main page of your site should load in less than 10 seconds, and should be under 30K in size.
5) “Will everyone be able to view my site?” Some of the more recent technologies are only viewable in newer browsers. What alternatives are put into place for browsers that are less than generation 4?
6) “Will potential customers be able to find my site?” Will people be able to type your company name into a search engine (or your business type and location), and see your site in the top ten results?
7) “Can you prove this?” Ask your designer to show you “live” searches on different search engines for three of their clients.
...Guy Cook, Web Developer

I hope you find this information useful. It is our mission to present you with the best on-line options, good technical work, and attractive relationships. With the right mix and open communication, the process is simple, cost effective, and value added.

(Editor’s Note: Becky Wiles is the owner of 2Amazing Web Design. She may be reached at (360) 440-5860, becky@2amazing.com, ICQ# 6973819 or www.2amazing.com.).