[3 of 3] How to Choose a Web Designer

So you're a published author. You've decided to take the plunge to ratcheting up your career. Whether you need a website designed from scratch or you already have one and want it completely revamped, you have decided to go with a professional web developer to design and manage your site. But how do you find one? Here are some ideas...

1. Look at the sites of the authors you love and find out who designed their sites.
2. Get referrals from friends who have paid someone to do theirs.
3. Google "web design for authors" and you'll get about 10 hits on the first page.
4. Check out the listings in the SCBWI catalogues or other organizations of which you're a member.

With hundreds of web design companies, and at least a couple dozen that specialize in web design for authors, how in the world do you choose?

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9 Essential Things for a Great Author Website

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Price is not the most important thing. I know it matters to your bank account, but again, I repeat, price is NOT the most important thing. So what is? STYLE and FUNCTIONALITY!

1. Visit ALL of the sites you found. Look at their portfolios. Get a feel for the company by examining their site. 
1. Do you like the style of the sites they've made? Did you visit several of the sites? Are they easy to navigate?
2. Can you envision working with this company? Is their site easy to navigate? 
3. Does their FAQ page answer most of your questions? (Do they even have an FAQ page?)
2. Narrow your list down to your 3-5 favorites.
3. Think about how you want to operate in the future.
1. Do you want to be able to make your own edits? (Are you semi- tech savvy?)
1. Ask if this is an option.
2. Do you want to pay one company for site updates (if that's what you want) and hosting services, or do you want to pay "A" for hosting and "B" for updates.
1. Ask if they offer web hosting too.
3. Do you want to work with a small company or a large company?
4. Write down any other pertinent questions you may have.
4. Make up a pros/cons list for your 3-5 favorites based on feel, style, and professionalism. Try to put them in order from most favorite to least favorite. See if they give a guesstimate for how much they charge. Some sites will say, and some won't, but don't let that be the determining factor. 
5. Get a quote! Get a feel for the person you'll be working with. 
1. Do you feel like they'll understand what you want?
2. Do you feel like you'll be able to work with this person for a long time?
3. Ask how long they think it will take?
4. Choose the ONE you feel best about and just run with it. If in doubt, PRAY.

Lastly, get out your wallet and enjoy the ride!

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9 Essential Things for a Great Author Website

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Read the other posts in this 3-part series:

#1: What Makes a Good Author Website?
#2: The Cost of Having a Website
#3: How to Choose a Web Designer

Keep on keepin' on...