Choosing a Web Designer

Hi. While I am sure there is a whole boatload of designers (perhaps even me) that would love to build a website for you, I recommend that you proceed with caution.

You website will be an extension of your image online. Therefore, it is imperative to find the right developer.

First, there are a few things that you should consider.

1.) Your budget. Know what it is before you begin to negotiate.

2.) What you want. make sure you have a concrete idea regarding what you are looking for. With that said, if you want the moon and the stars, be willing to pay for them. Building a website is a time consuming venture and a good designer will want to be paid a fair price.

3.) Content. What do you want your site to say. The more the better. It is up to you to write this. Do not make your designer do it. While they may be articulate and be able to write good copy, they are not you. After all, isn't it your online personna?

4.) If you have a shoestring budget, then consider a template. Template Monster is a good place to start. Their templates are priced fair and more importanly, they are retired after 10 downloads. This way you can be assured your site is relatively original. The have hundreds of real estate sites to choose from.

If you do go with a template, I still recommend having a professional customize it. With that said, the bar isn't so high and a good pro-am (professional/amatuer) designer should be able to pull it off.

*I should say I am an Monster Template affiliate.

5.) Time. The more time you can devote to upkeep and new content the better. You will only get as much out of your site as you are willing to put into it.

6.) Marketing. I have written a couple of articles re: real estate marketing. You can see them here; Marketing Part One, Marketing Part Two

Well folks, that is all I have time for today. Good luck choosing your designer.