Going through my Bloglines subscriptions I noticed that for a web designer I have far more search marketing related feeds than web design ones. So I’m working on changing that. Problem is finding them ain’t so easy. Can anyone recommend some really good web design focused blogs?
This one is almost to dreadful to be true. After having the decency to email a company to let them know you won’t be going with their service you’re insulted by said company. Yup this happened to a couple in New Zealand:
They asked for a simple quote on the cost of a wedding marquee - but lovebirds Steve Hausman and Paula Brosnahan got a vicious email from the hire company describing their planned nuptials as “cheap, nasty and tacky”.
Of course the email has spread like wildfire and the company, The Great Marquee Company, has had to post a statement on their website. The owner Klaus Jorgensen has also sacked the person who wrote the email - his wife!
Really, you’d think people would know better. I suspect The Great Marquee Company is going to need some online reputation management real soon. 
Daz over at On SEO Pond writes a great post How many enquiries are you missing out on?
Sadly this happens far too often online too. How many times do you email a company and get no response? Or a response that takes 5 days. I can’t see the point of having a website if you don’t reply to enquiries or take your time in doing so?
Online your website and fast communication is how you are judged. What sort of impression are you making?
I had the pleasure of meeting a new client today. He told me a little about his history (he’s been on TV) and I mentioned I had read some of it after Googling him. He hadn’t heard of being Googled before. Which I also hear from many clients, friends and family.
So question: do you Google yourself?
I came across a person this week who was offering web design services whilst asking how to build a website. Yup, seriously. While most cases aren’t that blatant it does happen far more often than it should.
A professional web designer is your partner in online success. They can help make or break your online venture. So with that in mind it’s vital you hire a professional that, as well as understanding web design, has knowledge about selling online, internet marketing and building brand and business credibility.
One of the hardest parts of selecting a professional web designer is knowing what to look for. So whilst this list is not exhaustive it should help arm you with the knowledge you need to make a wise choice.
As a starting point you want to make sure your potential website designer:
The internet is a fast paced medium and keeping up to date with technology and trends is also important. You’re web designer should also:
Taking into account the tips above, spend some time researching potential web designers and either talk to them on the phone or in person. This will help you get a feel for them, their knowledge and how it would be to work with them. It should also help you determine whether you’re dealing with a professional or not.
Good luck!
