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E-commerce is a multi-billion dollar industry that isn’t slowing down any time soon. With so many websites vying for attention, it’s essential that your site stands out from the crowd. This is where hiring a web designer comes in. The right designer will set your business up for success. But, how can you hire the right designer for the job? Here are some tips and tricks for doing just that from Cup O Code.
Know who you’re hiring
The world of web design is a multifaceted one. It’s essential that you know what skills you’re in the market for, before you start to look for someone to fit the role. Are you looking for a designer only? These professionals will specialize in the look and feel of your website with little attention paid to the code. Perhaps you’re looking for an all-rounder? That is someone who can design and build the website in question. Either way, know what you’re looking for before diving into the search — it’ll save on a lot of confusion down the track.
Have a CMS in mind
A lot of designers will specialize in a particular content management system (CMS). If you’re wanting to work with a particular platform, it’s essential that you make that clear when you’re on the hunt for a new designer. If a designer doesn’t know your preferred CMS well but looks otherwise good on paper, tread carefully. Some will be able to learn as they go but you’re better off working with an experienced professional straight off the bat.
Vet their references
Every designer worth their salt will have extensive references and testimonials. Don’t neglect to properly vet them by contacting previous clients and employers. At the very least, you ought to gain a solid idea of:
● How they work
● Whether they can meet deadlines
● Whether they can stay within the scope of a job
Check their portfolio
Just as every professional designer will have references, they’ll also have an extensive portfolio. Take your time and make sure your prospective designer’s previous work is in line with what you’re after. Check for aesthetic aptitude and skill with the CMS you’ve chosen. Also, don’t be afraid to look under the hood. There are a number of tools that let you vet code.
Pay them
Hiring a web designer is all well and good, but you have to maintain a working relationship. This means regularly and fairly compensating them for their work. Payroll consists of paying your staff and reporting state and federal taxes. Payroll can be complex but it’s not impossible. To get started with payroll, you need to know what payroll means for small businesses as a whole. Here are a few key steps:
1. Determine your payroll policies. How will you pay employees and how frequently? What deductions are needed?
2. Collect your payee’s personal and banking information.
3. Set up direct deposit. This is often the most convenient way to pay employees.
4. Create a timesheet system. You can use payroll software to make this process easier and more organized.
5. Approve employee hours.
6. Congratulations! You’ve set up your payroll.
Promote your site
When the website is ready and gone live, it’s time to get the word out. Your designer will likely also know the ins and outs of digital marketing, so consult with them to see where, how, and how often you’ll be promoting the site. ZenBusiness recommends utilizing a smart SEO content strategy, as well as posting on various social media channels like Facebook and Twitter.
Also, look for professional tools online to make marketing easier. For example, it’s possible to easily create your own posts and graphics with platforms like Adobe’s Instagram post generator, which allows you to use free editable templates to tell your story in a customized fashion. You can also use the generator to make your own original designs. The key is target marketing and linking back to your site, all to generate traffic.
Hire the right designer
E-commerce and advertising online is a dog-eat-dog world, so it’s imperative that you get ahead of your competition. The right web designer can help you do just that. Hiring a designer can be finicky but with a little perseverance, your website will be in good hands. You’ll find Cup O Code checks all the boxes. Get in touch today by calling (570) 850-8020! If you want to browse your local options you can check out DesignRush to view the top 30 B2B Web Design Agencies.
Image via Unsplash
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