"I Got Scammed"...Sound Familiar?

"My web designer disappeared." "I put down a payment 6 months ago and still don't have a website." "I paid a lot of money and my website doesn't even work right." These are statements we are hearing more and more when we meet with potential clients. I suppose every industry has people in it that just don't deliver what they promise. But from my, somewhat bias, point of view, the web design industry tops the list. I've put a lot thought into why this is. And, I'd like to offer a few tips - things to look for - when you're choosing the designer for your next web project.

• Portfolio, portfolio, portfolio. You must see a portfolio from any designer you're about to invest in. If he/she can't show you any sites they've successfully completed, are online, and are functional...beware.
• References. If you didn't hear about your designer from a reference, then get some. Ask for two or three previous clients that you could call or e-mail about their experience. Past clients are the measuring stick you should use to determine whether or not to hire. If previous clients were more than satisfied, you probably will be too. If they were content with the work, you probably will be too. If they were unsatisfied, you probably will be too.
• Freelancing. The world of web design is full of freelancers - people working random jobs with no LLC or INC. to back them up. Now, freelancing is a great way to make money and a great way for you to save money. Freelancers often charge less than a company would. So don't hear me saying freelancing is bad. But, DO hear me saying that unregulated freelancing is BAD. You must, must, must use a third party to hire any freelancer...it's the only safety you have. There are a lot of good freelance directories out there like guru.com. Use them.
• Full Time vs. Part Time. Many of the statements at the beginning of this article were made by clients who hired an 'on the side' web developer either because they knew them, or they wanted to save some money. We did web design on the side before we launched Poieo Design full time, so it's not entirely evil. But, you get what you pay for and you're making a gamble anytime you hire an 'on the side' designer. Just remember this, if they were good enough to do it full time, they would be.

The world wide web is complicated, very complicated. We are constantly researching and learning about best practices and changing specifications and we have a difficult time keeping up...but we do keep up. Imagine how hard it would be for a part-timer to really understand everything it took to build a successful website. We don't have it all figured out. There is more to know about the web than any one person or company ever could. And, we are not the only good design company out there. It is my hope, that you find a company that is knowledgeable, and will deliver on their promises. And, after reading this, I hope you have a few more tools to do so.