How to Choose a Web Designer

Finding the right person to design your home on the web isn't easy and shouldn't be. At Tekeme Studios, we do not believe we are fit for everyone. Our style and unique work ethic may not be right for someone, but could be a perfect match for someone else. For example, because we are Christians we do not work for companies who are advertising or selling something we do not feel comfortable supporting, whereas someone else may have no problem with this. But it's more than personality, it's about relationship.

How well do you get along with the person who is creating your home on the web? Is this someone you would stay in touch with outside of a work relationship?

These things may not be important to every company, but we think they should be important to our clients. It's important for us to get to know you, to enjoy you, and to want to promote your work or business. And we want you to feel the same about us.

It may be hard to tell whether or not you would get along with a designer before you begin working with them, but a quick phone call or a chat via email can help you get to know someone and their willingness to help you get where you want to be. If you sense something isn't clicking then look at other options.

If you think you would be a good match relationship-wise, look into more specific things:

1.) Does the designer care about YOU or are they just trying to get your $$$$?

2.) Check out designs and portfolio. Does their style match your style? Can you find at least two designs that you LOVE? Are they flexible with their style, or do all of their designs look the same? A good designer can transform YOUR style into reality, instead of re-creating their own style over and over again.

3.) Does the company have the ability to program your Web site (the coding that makes your graphics actually come to life) or do they know someone you can utilize for that part of the project?

4.) Are they organized and structured (invoices, development plans, etc.) or do they just want your money without a contract? Contracts are important for both you and the designer.

5.) Speak with some of their clients to find out what it's like working with them. Find out if they are trustworthy and reliable. Do they complete tasks on time when all content/information is given? Are they easy to communicate with?

6.) Make sure you own the copyright for all graphics created for you. Read the contract/development plan carefully to make sure there will be no surprises in the future.

7.) Can the designer work within your timeline and budget? What are their payment options and plans? Is a deposit required and are you able to manage all payments on time? These are all things to consider when choosing a designer. You want to make sure you are being responsible with your budget and not being swayed to purchase something you don't need.

8.) Which programs do they use for design? No Frontpage designers. You want to make sure they are using something like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Dreamweaver.

9.)  Has the designer had formal education in design? Or is it just a hobby? This may or may not be important to you, but a professional designer will most likely have an educational background in design.

10.) Compare prices and quality to other companies. Make sure to check on the hourly rate, fixed rate, package rates, promotional rates, and the component pricing (per page rate).

These are only a few things to get you started, but this process shouldn't be something you don't put a lot of thought into. You want to be more than satisfied with your new look, but also ... you want to be satisfied with the experience so much that you are able to come back to the same designer in the future to make changes. Finding someone you know you can form a lasting relationship with is crucial. Do not make a decision until you find someone you are excited to work with!