If you are considering using a web designer, you may find the following FAQs to be of use.

What exactly does a web designer do?

The exact role may vary slightly, from one website design company to another, however, there are a few points that may apply.

There are typically three main stages in designing and building a web site:

1. the design itself, which is based heavily on the nature of your business and your objectives but which also incorporates the designer’s experience and knowledge of effective internet customer engagement techniques;
2. the building – this is essentially the process of converting the design into a functional and working website and sometimes the designer and builder may be one and the same individual, though in some design companies the two roles are separate;
3. the implementation – this is about installing the website into your business environment.

I have read that it is possible to easily construct your own website?

Broadly speaking, this is true, however, a word of caution may be advisable.

There may be a world of difference between constructing an acceptable site based upon simple requirements, such as displaying a list of products and one that has full transactional capability including things such as process and order management.

To create a more complicated site requires not only advanced design and technical skills but also an in-depth knowledge of business and business processes.

It is not unusual to find people that have attempted to build their own complex transaction-processing site, only to discover that it was beyond their capabilities and then to seek the help of professional web designers.

Won’t it take a long time and be expensive to have a website built?

No, not necessarily.

Of course, the complexity of your situation and requirements may influence both of these things, however, experienced website design companies may have techniques to help reduce the cost and the duration.

For example, it may be possible for the website designers to use existing kernels they have available to provide, with customisation to suit your brand, checkout facilities etc.
You may be surprised at how cost-effective it is to use the services of such professionals.

How can I reduce the cost of my website build?

If your web design company use some standard components (perhaps such as your product display screens) then requesting intensive customisation of these to meet your exact requirements, may add cost.

Using at least some off-the-shelf components, may allow your web designer to complete your build faster and that may reduce your overall costs.