Arts and talents change as technology advances; especially in a field such as web design. Ever since the web 2.0 has really kicked in, finding a web designer who knows all of the latest web skills and knowledge of javascript is key to your success. Locating the perfect mixture of a creative and artistic designer with all of the scripting knowledge in most areas is by far the best choice.
Web designing is often not updated in smaller businesses as it is difficult to manage. Creating anything on the web is a difficult task unless you understand the many different languages that computers dish out. After you decide you need to add or update your website; plan ahead. Start with the face of the company, the real image. Web designing is a craft just like engineering - plans are essential, followed by the craftsmanship to put it all together.
Figuring out if you will need a database is the first step. A website with just videos, audio, text, and pictures has no need for a database. If you plan to sell from your website then you will be in need of a programmer to set this up. Take the time to look at other websites and keep note of what you like this way your designer has an idea of what he is getting into. It saves him time and you money as they run on hourly wages.
Once you have the basic plan of your website laid out it is time to find a quality web designer. Looking through the internet is your best option as there are countless advertisements of web designing services. If you want to see some of their portfolios just request the links. Keep in mind to have your budget laid out as well.
Reputation, style, and personality are some of the major things to consider when picking out your web designer. Do not just base your decision on degrees or professional experience, as there are students in the web design field who have the updated technology and are better at their craft overall than those who have been in the field professionally for years.
Acronym soup. Okay, now the tough part...what about all that jargon. Luckily you don't have to know much about it. A professional web designer will have at least the following skills: Image editing, CSS3, XHTML, and possible javascript or knowledge of a javascript library such as jquery. You will need javascript if you would like moving parts. You will need to hire someone with Flash skills, possibly actionscript too, if you are planning on having a movie or interactive graphics and sounds.
Portfolios are a great way to judge your designer. If all of their work looks the same; do not hire them, as they are likely using templates or just not creative. Templates on the other hand can be purchased for half the cost of a designer but are often unoriginal and hard to work with.
If you plan on updating your site a lot and are unfamiliar with HTML, it is best to get a content management system. CMS's are available in simple blog sites and professional areas like Drupal. When choosing a brander CMS - make sure that your designer is a good skinner and can put newer images onto your software.
The final step in the planning (once you decide on your web designer) is to create mock ups. These are just the images of your website representing what it will look like when its finished. Examine these with caution before you let the designer transform them into CSS and XHTML. Validating their code online is never a bad idea, yet sometimes it is just simpler to look at the product when finished. - 15254
Web designing is often not updated in smaller businesses as it is difficult to manage. Creating anything on the web is a difficult task unless you understand the many different languages that computers dish out. After you decide you need to add or update your website; plan ahead. Start with the face of the company, the real image. Web designing is a craft just like engineering - plans are essential, followed by the craftsmanship to put it all together.
Figuring out if you will need a database is the first step. A website with just videos, audio, text, and pictures has no need for a database. If you plan to sell from your website then you will be in need of a programmer to set this up. Take the time to look at other websites and keep note of what you like this way your designer has an idea of what he is getting into. It saves him time and you money as they run on hourly wages.
Once you have the basic plan of your website laid out it is time to find a quality web designer. Looking through the internet is your best option as there are countless advertisements of web designing services. If you want to see some of their portfolios just request the links. Keep in mind to have your budget laid out as well.
Reputation, style, and personality are some of the major things to consider when picking out your web designer. Do not just base your decision on degrees or professional experience, as there are students in the web design field who have the updated technology and are better at their craft overall than those who have been in the field professionally for years.
Acronym soup. Okay, now the tough part...what about all that jargon. Luckily you don't have to know much about it. A professional web designer will have at least the following skills: Image editing, CSS3, XHTML, and possible javascript or knowledge of a javascript library such as jquery. You will need javascript if you would like moving parts. You will need to hire someone with Flash skills, possibly actionscript too, if you are planning on having a movie or interactive graphics and sounds.
Portfolios are a great way to judge your designer. If all of their work looks the same; do not hire them, as they are likely using templates or just not creative. Templates on the other hand can be purchased for half the cost of a designer but are often unoriginal and hard to work with.
If you plan on updating your site a lot and are unfamiliar with HTML, it is best to get a content management system. CMS's are available in simple blog sites and professional areas like Drupal. When choosing a brander CMS - make sure that your designer is a good skinner and can put newer images onto your software.
The final step in the planning (once you decide on your web designer) is to create mock ups. These are just the images of your website representing what it will look like when its finished. Examine these with caution before you let the designer transform them into CSS and XHTML. Validating their code online is never a bad idea, yet sometimes it is just simpler to look at the product when finished. - 15254
About the Author:
Stephen Grisham, Sr. is a Staff Writer for InfoServe Media, a Houston Web design firm that provides custom web design. Visit today, or call 1 (800) 838-2203 for a free quote.
