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Choosing a web designer may seem like a daunting task. They come in all shapes and sizes - from freelancers working at home to shiny new media agencies, and it is great variation in price and service as it is daunting.

So how to choose the right one for your company?

Select your market
First, determine what your market would select: local, national or foreign. If you want more comfortable answering your designer, and running through your project face to face (or perhaps the kind of project that must “evolve”), and your mind is the “quality of service” rather “Pile ‘em high, sell’ em cheap” then a web designer is for you. They can generally offer a better return, and be able to meet to discuss your project and resolve any problems that might arise.

If you are a little over budget, then it is logical to choose between a “big pond”. For designers prices within your country in general get more competitive prices. What you lose in face-to-face service is in place for cost reductions, and all but the largest web projects can usually be resolved by telephone and e-mail these days.

For the extremely cost conscious and money-oriented (some might even say “courageous”!) It is the market overseas. If you know exactly what you want and can explain your project thoroughly and clearly in writing, then there are enormous savings. But what you save in price is always countered by having to do a little more work on your side - especially when it comes to communication!

Find Web designers
To find a list of Web designers consult your Yellow Pages (or equivalent) or do a Web search for “web designer” “your region”. Over an area, you can search on the Web or check directories such as www.recommended-web-designers.co.uk. For designers overseas, visit the Web sites such as www.elance.com or www.rentacoder.com, it offers the advantage of escrow and arbitration services.

Establish a shortlist
Establish a shortlist of 3 or 4 designers to speak. You can do so by visiting their website, get an idea for the type and size of the company and they are looking for their portfolios online. Then call them - to ask questions about the type of customers for which they work, time and any other technique if you have any questions. Have an idea of how they communicate - if they are on the same wavelength as you.

If you chose to go overseas Web sites already mentioned have evaluation systems that can help you decide, and you can also send and receive private messages to ask questions.

Get Quotes
Once you have your list, you can get quotes. For a simple website, it may just be a fixed price - for a more complex project which is likely to evolve, May you just want to get a budget price at this stage, and then identifying details and a fixed price of your choice with tenderer later. Always indicate your schedule for completion during the award because it can affect prices.

Get references
Once you have your choice bidder, get references. Any web designer created will be able to provide details of satisfied customers. Email and ask them if they were satisfied with the service they received, if the work was completed on time, how unforeseen problems were dealt with etc.

Remember to trust your instincts: If you’re not entirely happy with the references you get, on foot and select another designer.

Nominate your web designer
You now have a fixed price, references, and confirmed the timing of your project. Now name your designer!

Most standard agreements have read them carefully, and if in doubt get your legal adviser to seek. Make sure the time and stages of the project are specified, as well as payment terms. Learn how changes to your project are treated - in terms of costs and delays - and how disputes if they arise would be resolved.

Finally, when you’re happy, sign on the dotted line and we look forward to a productive working relationship with your web designer!