1. Their portfolio has nothing that makes you think, “Yeah, they can handle my website!”
Many people look for experience and that can be good too, but, if your designer has years of experience, and their portfolio is lackluster, then that’s what you’ll likely get. Lackluster. Look for someone who has a portfolio, but one that makes you go “Wow!” and don’t worry about size.
2. Going for the cheapest price.
How often do we hear that it’s not necessarily the best option getting the cheapest, but so many people still do. If you’re doing that, you’re only thinking with your checkbook, and not your head. Not that paying high prices guarantees quality either, but neither does a low price guarantee a good deal. As Benjamin Franklin used to say, "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten."
3. You rush them or they rush you.
I’m often asked, “How long will this take?” The truth is, on the average site, 2-3 weeks is sufficient, but that time frame is dependent on you getting all your copy and photos together in a timely fashion. Anyone can quote you a week, or 2 weeks, but a rushed job is generally not a good job. Allow sufficient time for your designer to do you a great website.
4. They don’t quickly get on your wavelength.
Your website is you and your company to anyone who finds it. A designer may have some good design ideas, and you should hear them out, but they need to hear you as well. Is the designer about building themselves a “trophy” or hearing what you want and building you a great Internet presence?
5. They don’t ask questions, or ask off the topic ones.
You need to be happy that the person working for you really understands you and your business. After all, they are putting you on the web – they need to know about you, and your business. We have a check sheet of over 70 questions we ask potential customers. Our job starts by getting to know you, your business and your needs!
6. You just don’t click or gel.
They might ask the right questions, have a “Wow!” portfolio and be quoting a competitive price, but you’re just not comfortable with them. We’ve all been there. That feeling in your gut that says, “Mmmm, I don’t know…” Trust it. This person is going to have a direct impact on your life and your business. And it should be an ongoing relationship. You need to be happy with them as a colleague.
7. They don’t offer a whole package.
Getting a great website design is crucial and the first step. But, if no one can find it, it’s a big waste of money! Along with a great design, you need to have Search Engine Optimization, an Internet marketing campaign, and a designer who will be there for you to help and train. We offer all these services, plus others such as video testimonials, social media setup, and more.
8. They aren’t in your target market and don’t have anyone on staff who is.
Every generation hears from the next, “You just don’t understand. It’s different today!” And it’s right! Every generation is different, with changing needs, wants and attitudes. So it’s hard for a 55 year old (a Baby Boomer) to think about designing a website for a company with a target market of early 20’s (Millennial). We have A Baby Boomer, a Gen-X and a Millennial on staff. Each one of them looks at the developing site from their perspective and has input.
