Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Freelance Web Designer

1. Getting started on a new Web site without setting a budget or setting a budget without measurable outcomes.

To avoid getting lost in cyberspace ask yourself:

• What will it take to make this project a success?
• What is this project worth to me?

2. Not planning your Web site around content; trusting aesthetics as a substitute.

To avoid a Web site with glamour and no substance ask yourself:

• What do I hope the new look of my Web site will help me achieve?
• How will my aesthetic choices help me achieve my goals?

3. Not considering search engine visibility and optimization (SEO).

To avoid an invisible Web site ask yourself:

• In what way will my new Web site be more visible to search engines than my old one?
• Have I researched keywords on Google and WordTracker.
• Have I written page titles, descriptions, and headings based on my findings?

4. Not monitoring your Web designer's progress and budget expenditures.

To avoid overspending ask yourself:

• Will I get what I want if I don't regularly monitor my new Web design and establish a reporting schedule for my freelance Web designer?

5. Choosing a Web designer based on price without considering quality workmanship and the designer's track record.

To avoid hiring an unqualified designer ask yourself:

• Which is more affordable, a Web site that costs $500 but gets no results or a $5000 Web site that helps sell my products and services?

Harvey A. Ramer is a well-known New York State Internet specialist, Web designer, graphic designer and owner of Web design consultancy, Design Delineations. He has a degree in Visual Communications and has worked for several years as a Web designer for corporate, non-profit and private clients. He listens actively to client requests and meets or exceeds client expectations. If this article left you wanting more, Harvey Ramer has also written a short e-Book called A No-Nonsense Guide to Creating Your Web Site Design Plan that you may find helpful and maintains a blog.