3 of the Biggest Red Flags When Choosing a Website Designer

In our last post, we shared some insight on how to choose the right website designer for your small business; specifically, how to make sure your needs, budget, and even personality “match” the designer you choose. But what about how to identify the wrong designer – even when all the other elements are a match?

In this post, we’ll share three red flags that should make you run, not walk, away from any designer.

Red Flag #1: Poor communication

Hiring a designer is in some ways like dating. You talk, share ideas, and see if things match up. Generally, both parties are honest, forthcoming, and respectful of the other’s time, and you’re able to determine relatively quickly if the relationship is worth pursuing. But not always.

Beware the designer whose communication makes you feel anything but heard and valued. If he says you’ll get a mockup by Thursday and the weekend rolls around with no mockup in sight (and no explanation as to the delay), he may not take your business seriously. If she’s late to or habitually reschedules calls or meetings, she may be too disorganized to give your website the careful attention it deserves.

Keep in mind: red flags in communication don’t have to be flagrant. They can be as simple as:

● Inconsistent response times: a good designer manages calls and emails as part of his or her workday. You shouldn’t bounce between an immediate response and days of silence.
● Not answering everything that is asked: do you have to send multiple emails to get all your questions answered? The designer may not be reading carefully – which could translate to sloppy work.
● Misspellings/incorrect classifications: the right designer will show at every opportunity that you are a valued client. She won’t mix you up with another client or “forget” what your business does (or how its name is spelled!).
● Project surprises: what we like to call “Oh yeah” syndrome. Example: “Oh yeah, you need to pay for [software] before your website can do [function].” Pre-contract conversations should be exhaustive and virtually eliminate the possibility of surprises.

Red Flag #2: Non-standard practices

Website designers are by nature creative, original types, but they’re also professionals who are part of a professional community with standards. Rates, contract language, and general best practices should remain pretty consistent among respectable designers, so pay attention if something seems off.

For example, if a designer is charging dramatically more or less than others with comparable skills and length of experience, be wary. Charging too much may indicate an attempt to take advantage of less-knowledgeable clientele, while charging too little could point to a reliance on quantity over quality – in other words, he or she is trying to pack in clients by wildly undercutting the competition (and probably sacrificing quality controls in the process).

Non-standard practices can also include:

● Working without a contract: no competent designer will begin work without a contract of clearly defined, mutually agreed-upon terms.
● Not having a portfolio: a portfolio is to a web designer what hands are to a surgeon. If you encounter either, it’s not a good fit.
● Unclear cost: a solid, experienced designer can estimate with high accuracy the amount of time (and therefore money) a project will take. There is no reason not to have clear costs at the outset.

Red Flag #3: Lack of boundaries

Like any good relationship, interactions between client and designer should have clear boundaries – personal and professional. And while you should always beware of any professional who fails to respect your boundaries, be especially wary of those who can’t respect their own.

Not sure what that looks like? Here are some examples:

● Failure to reject scope creep: details of big projects inevitably evolve, but the scope never should. A designer who allows scope creep on your project – even if initially it’s to your benefit – is likely to struggle with meeting deadlines and expectations.
● No clear cancellation policy or contract end: web design contracts are not meant to be indefinite. If your contract lacks an end date or a way out, head for the exit.
● They say yes to everything: this seems great until you realize 1) it’s incredibly unrealistic and 2) they’re probably saying yes to everyone else, too. Find a designer who is honest about his or her abilities and self-aware enough to know when “No” is the right answer – even if it means a smaller paycheck.

Pro tip: lack of boundaries often masquerades as exceptional flexibility.

It can be tempting to let a red flag slide, especially when you’re short on time and anxious to get your small business website up and running. Don’t. What you accept in the beginning of the client-designer relationship will color the rest of it and potentially prolong or even damage the design process. Be clear about your preferences and expectations in the beginning and stick to them. A true professional will appreciate it.

The good news? You won’t encounter any red flags when you work with Red Tree Designs. We’re committed to transparency, prompt communication, and meeting or exceeding expectations. If that sounds like the web design experience you’d like to have, get in touch today!

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