Thursday, August 7, 2008

Top 10 Mistakes to avoid When Hiring a Freelance Web Designer

If you've decided to hire a freelance web designer for your website development
Being rigid about the Price
While it is important to keep prices down, it should not be the overriding factor in choosing a prospective freelancer for your web design needs. You may get someone at a bargain price, but the return on investment may not be as attractive.
No written contracts about the Price
You don't want to pay an astronomical sum for a website design that is pretty ordinary. Paying thousands of dollars for a website without the 'bells and whistles' stuff can be quite disgusting. Make your budget and requirements very clear in the beginning.
Not expressing what you want
You have something specific in mind when you decide to go online and clearly explain this to your web designer.
Not considering the design factors
Obviously you want someone who has specialized in your kind of jobs. You do not want someone with a fancy portfolio if your designing needs are pretty simple.
Updating your site & maintenance
Your designer may do a good job building the site, but it will also need to be updated regularly. Confirm whether it will be easy to update the site on your own or will he be needed to do it. If updates will be done by him, then confirm whether it is included in the initial price or an additional price will be charge for updates.
Hiring the Bells and Whistles guys
Many freelancers use Flash in their projects to impress clients. While this may look good sometimes, it can also be a potential turn-off to most people and should be avoided.
Guys without SEO skills
Your website may look great and sound great, but it may not attract too much traffic. If the designer is not familiar with SEO techniques, your site will not rate very highly on search engine results.
No time-specific Targets
If you do not be specific about the time frame within which the job has to be completed then all the other legal aspects you may have thrashed out will be brought to naught. Make sure you can cancel the contract if he doesn't deliver on time.
Does he have a Contingency Plan?
There may be unforeseen events which may prevent him from completing the job on time. Ask if he has back up if someone falls sick?
No Contingency Plan of your own
All your hard work can come to naught if the web designer is not able to complete the job or cancels the contract midway, so always have someone else in mind who can do the job.

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