1. When asked if he knows PHP, the reply is: “I don’t do drugs.”
Although your web designer may not be a programmer himself, he should probably have at least a basic understanding of PHP, HTML, CSS, Javascript, etc. If he has no clue than he better know someone that does.
2. He reassures you that you should register the domain in his name.
For sites of little value this may not matter, however, I would definitely recommend that avoid giving the web designer too much control over domains, hosting etc. If something goes wrong you may be stuck without a website, so may want to request a copy of the databases and files.
3. When you see the picture on his bio, he still has a mullet.
If you judge your web design based on personal appearance you may find yourself discouraged to find one that has showered, combed their hair, or changed their clothes in the last month. But if you find their website still looks like it is from the 1980s then you may want to consider: either they are too busy to update their own site, or you may get stuck with the mullet website. Like the famous saying goes with a mullet it is:
“Business in the front, party in the back”
4. He insists on Flash for seo purposes
Although Google recently announced that they are starting to crawl Flash files, I still am a firm believer that Flash is a bad idea for most circumstances. Now I did not say all circumstances. If you are thinking of looking into a Flash website, it is imperative that you consider the use of the website, and how you plan for people to find the website. Perhaps, you can just incorporate it into the design or at least put a wordpress blog on the site.
5. If He Eerily declares “I am the webmaster”
No one wants to be in a power struggle, if you find that your webmaster is not allowing your input. Let him know. If he won’t change his course, it may be time to find someone else. Bottom line, you are paying the money for a website that is going to reflect you or possibly your business. It is crucial that you are proud of it.
6. You haven’t heard from him in a month
Enough said. The thirty day rule means, “You got screwed, count your loses, download Joomla and do it yourself”
7. Inability to communicate
In all reality, I think great web designers are some of the most patient people on earth. I have seen circumstances where a website was almost done and then the customer said, “We are looking to re-brand!” Wow. What a day that was. It is imperative that for the process to truly work there needs to be incredible communication up front through out the entire process. Know what you want going into it.
8. He insists you wire the entire payment upfront to an offshore account
Watch out for people that want all the money up front and especially by payment forms that are irreversible. Credit cards can be great options because at least you can dispute the charge. I have seen many transactions where people get paid and they are no where to be found. Sometime working with a company that has a strong reputation can be a great option.
9. You are beginning to feel the website has been pirated
Unfortunatley, I had a website built years ago and some months after I purchased my website. I saw another website that looked exactly the same. In fact, I saw hundreds of websites that looked exactly the same. To make matters worse all the content was the same too. It is probably wise to include a copywright clause in the contract.
10. Innapropriate logos, domains, content or images
We have all seen the hilarious pictures, and screw-ups circultate around the internet. You sure do not want that to be your company. Here are some of the most shocking that I have seen:
Domain name word combinations:
Pen Island
-penisland.com
Therapist Finder
-therapistfinder.com
11. Security Breach
You find your dedicated server has been compromised to SPAM, phish, hack, crack or whatever.
12. You find out its his first time
No one wants to be the guinea pig. So if you approach your webmaster with a concern and he states, “How should I know? It’s not like I have done this before.” Then, my friend, it is time to move on or your website may end up looking like this: http://havenworks.com/
In order to avoid repetitive he/shes, his/hers we are going to do it once down here. We know you ladies know how to design websites as well.