Your Website: Better to Have Not, Than to Have Rot
by: Walt McClure
It's a dirty rumor - vicious and naughty to all who believe:
Better to have a not-so-good web site than no web site at all....
Don't do it. Don't succumb to the pressures of website ownership. Its hard to escape, I know. Even dopey television commercials are now telling you how badly you need a website, suggesting that you're lagging behind if you don't. Of course, the company in the commercial feels that they are the perfect solution to the need they just told you you have. How convenient.
Truth is, you could benefit from a website in one way or another. Maybe you even need one. But I swear, you don't need an online presence just for the sake of having one. No need to rush into this. Don't plop in that pool without your foam floatie! Bad things happen every day.
A poorly crafted website will soon become a putrefactive mess. There you are, a spectator to the gruesome event: Your website - a valuable appendage to your business - undergoing decomposition. You would cry, but the tears can't hurdle the raged lump in your throat - piled up by the designer who seemed like a worthy choice at the time. Well, if not worthy - at least cheap.........and fast. Shame.
.....shame shame.
A website is an investment that deserves some planning and thought. A wisely chosen web designer will put forth a strong planning effort for your design, but its up to you to put some thought into picking the correct web designer. Don't just pick the first one you come across or the default designer for your area. Do some research and use your best judgment. I know its painful. Effort often is.
When browsing potential designers' sites, these are some things to look for that may help:
- Check out their site -- You'll be able to tell if their design capabilities are up to par. If the designer's site is a mess, yours could be an utter distraction. Shame. There are, at times, exceptions to this rule - when in doubt, check the portfolio.
- Check portfolios -- Can't stress this enough. Yes I can.
- Read testimonials -- Some designers will post testimonials on their site from past clients. Yeah, they could be fake. Again, use your best judgment. If you're pretty cynical when reading them, you can avoid the questionables and easily spot the testimonials that are worthy of your credit. Better yet, real-life testimonials are a great source, if you know anyone with a recently designed website. Just avoid taking referrals from morons. Of course, you know that - I just felt like writing it.
- Talk to potential designers -- Drop an email or give them a call. The most important element of the web design process is the communication between client and designer. If you get some bad signals when communicating with potential designers, waste no time to scribble them off your list.
The bottom line is: Quality research = Quality web designer = Quality web site for you.
Beware of the frugal path. Its pretty inviting early on, but man will it get ugly, and fast. Your website is an investment. Treat it that way. With so many web designers out there, many have tried to beat the competition by offering unbelievably low rates. Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to a successful design - in terms of time or money. Both of which will be lost if you choose a bargain designer and the project blows up in everyone's face. Kaboom! Of course this doesn't mean you should throw your money around like Rich Uncle Pennybags - find that harmonious balance between budget and beauty.
The good news is, if you do your research and shop around, you will quickly get an idea of a price range for your project. After doing this, you will be confident when making your decision. Start off by gathering a short stack of quotes from eligible designers. Remember - it doesn't matter whether you're fluent in geek-speak or not - a designer worthy of your business will give you what you need to know without clouding your head with unnecessary jargon.
Some designers require a stiff choke to give up an accurate price or a quote. This is because accurate quotes take time to calculate. Some designers are unwilling to invest that time on every potential client that drops an email. However, there are plenty that will. Round up a few quotes from these designers and compare. No need to worry about getting ham-stringed now, because you'll know exactly what your business is worth.
OK. You have your short list of quotes, and all are within your defined budget. You've narrowed your list of designers down to a few. As you review your list, you're thinking, "best bang for the buck"........ eeeny-meeny-miney - NO, there's little time for childish games. Its time for you to make your wise decision. Focus.
Certainly, you'll make your final decision based on any number of factors, but here is one to strongly consider. With some web designers, you will get more than you bargained for and with others you'll get less. Think back on your communications with potential designers. Were there any designers who were clearly customer-oriented? They will be the ones who make sure your design is the way you want it, even if it isn't quite right the first time around. Companies such as this make for a secure design process and a near guarantee that your project is a success.
A related note: Use large corporate-ish design firms at your own risk. Some of them do nice work and are very professional, but you often lose out on the customer service end of the stick - and that's the best end. If your design isn't perfect, right out of the box, and you've already paid in full, good luck getting those final touches done with haste. These firms do offer a sense of security and legitimacy, but often are used because of a quick decision to get a website. If you go with a large firm, make sure its the right one.
Just do your research and you will find the perfect designer for your project. Just remember.....no rush.
Avoid the rot.
About The Author
Walt McClure is Head Designer and Project Manager of McClure Web Design - Delaware.
http://www.mcclurewebdesign.com[email protected]
