There’s nothing quite like that feeling you get when a web design project is running smoothly. The client is happy, the developer is happy and, perhaps most importantly, the site is turning out beautiful. It’s no secret that all of these things are related: a happy client inspires a happy developer and a happy developer will always produce the best possible results. But how do you ensure things stay positive and on track? Today, we’re going to give you five tips on how to get the best out of your web designer.
1. Don’t Think In Terms Of Other Sites
Your business is unique… it’s one of a kind. When you first start considering a custom website, it’s easy to think in terms of what has worked for other businesses. While this can be a good starting point, overcommitting to these preliminary design decisions can all too quickly lock you into design choices that aren’t suitable for your business. So, instead of thinking in terms of other sites, think in terms of your business… ask yourself what defines your brand and how can you draw the attention of your site’s visitors to those qualities.
2. Communicate Your Needs
Once you’ve figured out your unique selling points, you need to communicate those points to your web designer. Open a dialogue, discuss what makes your company special and work together to find ways to integrate those qualities into your site. While you’re doing this, try to resist the urge to focus on minutiae… instead, look at the big picture. Worrying about font sizes, image saturation and the exact placement of every icon is a surefire way to lose sight of the only important thing: the overall, effective presentation of your business to the online world.
3. Trust Their Experience
There’s no doubt that you’re the most qualified expert when it comes to your business. However, when it comes to creating high quality websites, it is often best to trust your web designer. While your site is being designed, try to strike a balance with your designer. Try to find a solid middle ground where you get to exercise the expertise you have with your business and they get to use their expertise with designs, page layouts and imagery to create the best possible online representation of your company.
4. Engage In The Process
While your site is being developed, don’t wait on the sidelines, get involved! A good result requires a hardworking developer and a responsive, communicative client. Every day, you should be checking for status updates, responding to any requests for materials and ensuring that your developer is on the right track. Besides leading to a more cohesive design, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that things are always moving in the right direction!
5. Limit The People Involved
There’s the old saying about “too many cooks in the kitchen,” and in web design, there’s the possibility of “too many clients in the cc:” If you have five, ten or twenty people providing your designer with input, they’re going to get overwhelmed and lost. Try to limit the conversation to one or two additional people and, rather than including other people directly, solicit their opinions and compile them into a single communication. This way, your designer hears all of your team’s suggestions without having to sift through a pile of contradictory sources.
