We're living in a technologically adept society, and we are only becoming more interested in the world of the web. Any company worth a gigabyte has a well orchestrated website to showcase their business and other germane information. Creating a website can be a priceless move for your business, but it can also be a headache for those of us who are not so technologically inclined. Sure you could decide to invest in a template, but that would be like Bill Gates signing his checks with a crayon- you're in the big leagues now; you need to seek the help of the professionals- the almighty web designer. Yet, there are so many of them out there ranging from those who will not bring much more to the table than a template, to those who would make the biggest magicians in the world blush. The thing is: How can we determine what to look for amongst these prestigious ladies and gentlemen?

One of the prime aspects of finding a web designer is to make sure that the designer and you are a sure fit. There is much to articulate back and forth and a complete understanding of what you want your site to be and what they can do for you is paramount. They are providing a service to you and should tailor their talents and deeds to suit your needs. A contract is a vital entity between any business and a web designer. The contract should clearly delineate anything and everything that is expected of the designer and what to expect from them. If convenient, it would be a great idea to personally meet with them to ensure an even better relationship. They should not be spending time telling you what they can offer you so much as listening to exactly what you want your site to look like and relaying any limitations or services that may exceed your current knowledge of what could be done.

Listen flash and glamour is appealing to the eye, but lets not fool our selves- content is king. You want your site to be aesthetically pleasing as well as thought invoking. There are many options out there, so don't be shy to shop around. A stellar company I have come across with is VendorSeek found at www.VendorSeek.com. Here are a few things to consider while perusing through potential designers:

- Ask to look at some work they have already done. Visit these sites to get a feel of what kind of work they are capable of doing.

- What is the layout like? Are the pages constructed in a logical and easy-to-use manner?

- Do the pages (especially ones with graphics) load quickly or slow?

- Are the main elements on the page (products, services, etc.) overtly showcased or obscured by the rest of the elements?

- Does the site excite and propel the visitor to make a move (will it inspire to use or buy something)?

- See if they have references that you can contact. This way not only can you view their work, but you can hear first hand if they are personable and easy to work with.

- Make sure that your site will be accessible by multiple browsers (even older versions of these browsers) to ensure that you are being viewed by a larger pool of visitors.