Hiring a Web Designer by Jake Gonzales
Hiring a Web Designer by Jake Gonzales
Your website remains a place where you get to call the shots on design and content . When it comes to hiring a designer to create or update your Website , you need to evaluate your options carefully . Changing the face of your business on the internet is a big step , one that you want to put in capable and competent hands .
Domain Name Registration and Website Hosting A domain name is the website address for your pharmacy ( i . e . abcpharmacy . com ). It is imperative that you control and own your domain name because it ’ s the method your customers will use to find you on the internet for years to come . If your designer purchases or manages the domain name for you , you will have a tough time getting ownership rights back if you part ways or if your designer goes out of business .
The same holds for your website hosting plan . Website hosting is a lease of space on a Web server where your website ’ s files are stored . You should own and control this account too . But don ’ t worry about the management of your website ! Hosting companies like DreamHost make management a snap through their award-winning website control panel .
Content Management System A content management system like WordPress allows you to easily update information on your website without needing to pay a designer . By using a particular website address , you can log into your website and modify its core content . For example , if your pharmacy purchases a toll-free phone number , you can access the “ Contact Us ” page , add the information , and save the changes .
Website Templates Content management systems store the text and images on your website , but a template determines the appearance of the content to your customers . If a designer insists that you need a template coded from the ground up , run the other way ! There are so many well-designed and low-cost templates on the market that it is more cost effective to purchase a standard theme and have your designer modify it to your tastes .
Social Media Any template worth its price will have the ability to tie your social media accounts to your website . Make sure your designer can deliver a well-connected website .
Search Engine Optimization & Analytics Search Engine Optimization is the process of crafting your website content in a way that increases your ranking on search engines . Type your pharmacy ’ s name into Google . Are you the first pharmacy listed ? If not , your site could use some optimization . It ’ s also helpful to know how many people are visiting your website , how often , and how they ’ re interacting with your content . Google Analytics makes this process easy by tracking this information and displaying it in easy-to-read graphs and charts to fine-tune your internet marketing strategy .
Training Your designer should provide some form of training on the use of your new website and its content management system . A basic training should teach you how to add new content , change old content , post pictures , update the website software , use plug-ins , and add new users .
You Get What You Pay For While it might be tempting to latch onto the first person who offers to design your site for free , you ’ ll want to consider the implications of this decision . You are better off paying a designer to do the job right the first time . While this initial price may seem steep , consider the marketing impact of a well-designed website on your customers ’ perception of your pharmacy ’ s professionalism and attention to detail .
Final Thoughts Working with a designer can be a rewarding experience , but only if you take the time and the project seriously . Make sure you select a designer who has a demonstrated history of good design , but also takes personality and working style into account . Remember , your website is your storefront to the world . Treat it as such , and you will see the benefits long after your designer has moved on .