LDD (Leeson Digital Designs) Web Site Services: Choosing A Designer

Big or small, we design them all... check out OUR WORK & testimonials...

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CHOOSING A DESIGNER

CONTACT
Make sure the designer being considered can be contacted by phone and email. Take note of how long replies take... this may be an indication of future contact & work. Are they helpful, professional, polite and friendly? Be wary of designers who do not clarify where they work from and the hours they keep.
SERVICES OFFERED
Professional designers will clarify whatever services they do AND do not offer. Registering your website address (www.yourcompany.com), design, hosting, email address support and other services should be offered separately OR as packages.
EXPERIENCE
How long have they been in business? Do they have a portfolio page on their own website? Does their work indicate they listen to their clients? Do you find their work easy to view and use? Do all links work? Do the sites load fast? Does every page on a site have a consistent look?
TESTIMONIALS
Testimonies should have a name, contact email address or a website address listed and linked. Beware of testimonials in which just a name is listed but no email or site is accessible.
FREE CONSULTATION
Contact the designer for a free consultation before you set up a contract. Most web designers will give you a free consultation if they want your business.

CONTRACT
Get it in writing. A contract should state clearly what is included in the contract e.g. how many pages, links, graphics? Does it include:
- marketing and maintenance
- submitting your site to search engines
- a message bioard
- a blog
And what are their hourly rates?
PRICING AND PAYMENT
Surf around the Web to compare prices. You can expect to pay half of the full price up front. Electronic payments for website work (debit, credit card, Paypal, etc.) are common options offered by reputable companies.
TESTING
Will the designer test your site online? Will it function completely on many computers (Windows, Apple, Linux) & in many browsers (Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape, Safari)? What screen resolutions can view it correctly?
OWNERSHIP AND CONFIDENTIALITY
The designer should it make clear in writing that they acknowledge & accept the client retains ownership to EVERYTHING in and about the website upon complete payment for services. This includes the address (www.yourcompany.com), all text, graphics & associated content. And, most importantly, that they will sign a confidentiality agreement.
ONGOING SUPPORT
Can the designer's services expand with your needs?