Hiring a website designer to create a new or updated version of your website – or create a completely new site for your growing business is a serious undertaking. If you want your website to truly reflect your company vision and draw in new customers, you’ll need to communicate effectively with your designers in order to keep them on track and protect your investment. Remember that working with a website designer is a two way street; you’ll need to put in some time and effort from your end rather than simply paying a designer and expecting them to create a website without any guidance. Website designers are professionals, not mind readers.

Communicate With Examples

You may already have a clear idea of how you want your website to look and feel, but your website designer doesn’t. Be sure to clearly explain the look and feel you want. Give examples that clearly illustrate what you’re looking for. When you show your website designer a website design you like, talk about why you like it and what features appeal to you. Specifics are important. Simply saying, “I want a website like this one” isn’t helpful. Saying “I love the way the products are displayed,” or, “The lettering and style of this site appeals to me,” can give your website designer a better sense of direction.

Remain Open Minded Regarding Website Design

Website designers are skilled in crafting websites that capture the essence of businesses and convey the message of their client companies. Although you probably already have an idea of what you want, keep an open mind. Website designers can give you helpful suggestions for ways to improve your website that you may not have considered. They know what works best and can give you valuable guidance and suggestions. Let them guide you, but don’t forget to ask questions and stay focused on the goals you have for your website. Consider new ideas that could improve your website.

Remain Available

Website design can’t move forward without your input. Simply hiring a website designer and giving the design team a list of what you want doesn’t work. Any schedule you agree to is based not only on how much the designer can accomplish, but on your feedback. If they send you five pages to review, don’t let it languish for weeks because you’re too busy.

If you don’t respond with suggestions, questions, and your approval or disapproval of those five pages, your website designer can’t move forward with any of your other pages. It would be a waste of time to continue working on additional pages if you may eventually respond to the first five with broad criticisms. The designers need to know if they are off track and need to take a different approach. Respond to phone calls and emails and be sure to answer any questions promptly.

Prioritize Your Website Design Goals

In most cases, a complete website isn’t designed all at once. If you want to have a cohesive website that continues to evolve, you may need to prioritize. Think about what the main pages should be and focus on them first. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. Remember that you’ll need to invest both time and money in the process and focus on the most crucial pages first. Ask yourself what is most important, and what can wait. If you try to do too much at once, all aspects of the project can suffer.

Be Sure Both Parties Understand Your Expectations And Budget

If you’ve gotten quotes from several website designers, you should already have an idea of what your website design will cost. If you haven’t done this yet, be sure to get some quotes based on what you’re looking for. To avoid any unexpected problems with the budget, ask for a clear breakdown on what your budget will cover and how any changes in the scope of the project will be handled. Keep in mind that website design is an evolving process. If you want significant changes as the project moves forward, knowing what to expect will alleviate any misunderstandings.

Be realistic with your goals and budget. Wanting your website designer to deliver the moon and stars on a shoestring budget isn’t realistic and is unfair to the designer. He or she is a professional and is investing his knowledge and expertise in your company’s site and deserves to be compensated accordingly.

Above all, make sure that you and your website designer are on the same page. Frequent communication and clear direction from you will keep your website design moving forward and on track toward a finished product your company will love.