Selecting an Ecommerce Web Site Designer

A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill

Who's Going to Design My Ecommerce Web Site?

When hiring someone to design your ecommerce web site, like any other type of service that you hire out, it's difficult to tell if you have someone honest, reputable and qualified if you don't know the first thing about the tasks they are going to perform.

Finding a Web Site Designer for Your Ecommerce Business

Finding a web site designer for your ecommerce business may not be as difficult as weeding out the designer "wheat" from the designer "chaff." If your budget is the most important concern than you might try to design your own web site or hire a student. Check with the nearest community college or technical school to see first if they offer the program, and, if so, if they have a placement office.

Make an appointment to talk there with a counselor who may immediately be able to offer suggestions on students that would be perfect for the job. If not, you will be allowed to place a notice about the assistance you require on their bulletin board, for qualified students to view and respond to. You might even put together a proposal that would have the student working for you on a paid or unpaid internship (unpaid would, of course, be the most difficult to fill.)

An internship would have the advantage of having that student available for technical design and possibly other computer assistance throughout the approximately 14 week duration of the semester. As opposed to hiring the student to design the web site from her or his home and then have them unavailable from the last day they complete the site.

Another way of locating a lower-cost web site designer is by bypassing the yellow pages and Internet Service Provider listings and perusing local shoppers, such as Pennysaver and Thrifty Nickel. Many of these qualified (hopefully) folks work or go to school during the day but show up at your home in the evening and for very little money will design your site. If you are finding a web site designer this way, however, be sure you check references and, if they say they were school-trained, ask for the particulars and a teacher as reference.

Some Ecommerce Web Site Designer Selection Guidelines

The first point may seem obvious - look at the designer's web site. If she or he does not have an attractive web site chances are she won't do right by yours either. Is it not only eye-catching and easy to navigate but is the copy well-written and organized?

Ask to see the ecommerce designer's web site design portfolio. An experienced, professional designer will have quality work on display, and will be able to offer references. Do check the references. Of course, should you decide to save a little money by hiring someone fresh out of school or still a student his or her portfolio could be limited or non-existent. But, even then I be he has a web page of his own, or has built one or two as a school project. Certainly she can give you a teacher's name or two as a recommendation.

Test their ability to respond quickly to your needs. Call them, and keep careful note of how quickly you get a return call, and how quickly the resulting appointment is scheduled. This will give you a good feel for how long it might take if they design your ecommerce web site .

Check qualifications, check references - don't check your common sense at the ecommerce door.