Finding a Freelance Web Designer

Thursday 3rd November 2011

Having a Web presence has become critically important to all businesses, in a time where the vast majority of people are replacing their Yellow Pages for Google. It's safe to say that most business start-ups are going to be spending some of their hard-earned cash on Web Design or Graphic Design, whether they're creating an eCommerce empire or having a dinner menu designed. You're not going to find all of the answers below, but you will find some useful tips for finding the right web developer or designer for your project.

So, you're looking for a Freelance Web Designer to build your website. But who do you choose? The answer to this question will differ from person to person depending on several key factors; let's take a few moments to consider the following:

• What's your budget?
• How much input do you want?
• When does your project need to be completed?
• Will the website require maintenance in future?

Keep the answers to these in mind and let's explore the key points we need to consider for choosing the right Freelance Web Designer.

Budget

Choosing a Freelancer is very cost effective for your business. The important thing to consider here, is whether or not the cheap price tag will reflect in the service and product you receive.

Most Freelancers will have a Portfolio on their website, so you can easily check the quality of their work. If they don't have a portfolio - don't risk it.

How much input do you want?

Are you happy to let the Web Designer do what they do best or do you have a strong vision of how the website will look and function? Maybe you sit comfortably between the two. It's important to know how the Freelancer works before choosing them.

Ask the Freelancer what their process is for initial design to development to production and how you will be involved in each stage of the process.

When does the project need to be completed?

How much work does the Freelancer currently have on? It's likely that they're working on a month-to-month basis. This might mean that your website won't be finished until the end of next month or maybe the following month. Is this soon enough?

That being said, a website shouldn't be rushed. A rushed website will require lots of maintenance in future - which brings us on to the final point...

Will the website require maintenance in future?

Some websites require changes and upgrades as web technology changes. Using the same Freelancer Web Designer for future work is going to be cheaper than trying someone else who isn't familiar with the code.

Before signing any contracts, ask the Freelancer what their hourly rate is for any future work and have them include this in the contract.

Armed with the above information, you're ready to go find a Freelance Web Designer.

Have fun!