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Who should read this book?

Anyone that wants to make the best possible choice when hiring a web designer or developer.

Are you ready to hire someone to design and build your website, but don’t know how to find the right person?
Do you have a handful of recommendations for web designers but don’t know which one to choose to create your organization’s new website?
Websites are a big investment. Are you nervous about picking the right person for your new website?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, this book is for you.

After reading this book you will:

Use effective methods to find potential web designers/developers
Reach out to potential web designer/developers skillfully
Be a savvy interviewer with tools to evaluate your short list of candidates
Follow best practices for working together with your new web partner
Feel confident you picked the right person/team to create your website

Why am I writing this book?

I have heard far too many unfortunate stories about website disasters. You’ve probably heard some horror stories from your friends and colleagues too. The website that was never finished. The web design that took three times as long to complete as planned. The web developer that just disappeared, and was never heard from again. The website that was 50% over budget. The web designer that took a full-time job and then left their freelance projects far behind.

This doesn't have to happen to you! This guide is for anyone hiring a web designer or developer. It will provide you with the tools and information to make an informed decision to finding and choosing a skilled, ethical and reliable web partner.

Table of Contents

Foreword

Who is this book for?
What will you get from reading this book?
Why did I write this?

Introduction

Getting started
Decide on your priorities
The fast track

Where can you find good web designers, developers and firms?

Referrals
Web searches and directories
Posting your contract or project
Special considerations

Do you need to create an RFP (Request for Proposal)?
Do you need more than one option to choose from?
Does your website need a specific technology?

How to narrow down your choices

Evaluating a website
Creating a short list of choices
Special considerations

What if someone don't have a website?

How to reach out to potential web designers, developers or firms

Preliminary contact
Making contact
Next contact

How to decide on the right web partner

Experience
Examples and style
Personality and culture compatibility
Individual vs firm
Price
Does location matter?
Spotting trouble
Special considerations

Are you hiring someone to create a Content Management System (CMS?)
How does this apply to trade for services?
What if your top choice is a friend or in your social network?

How to vet a potential hire

The interview process
Contacting references
Special considerations

How do you get beyond the standard references?

Making sure your project is successful

Plan ahead
Contracts
Best practices
How to be an awesome client
How to make your web team more awesome

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