An overview of what to look for in hiring for your website design and development. Given at WordCamp Unconference 2011.

1. How to Hire
(Designers, developers, SEO experts,
hosting companies, etc.)
for Your Website
Lisa Ghisolf, Gizmo Design, Inc.

2. Why Hire Someone Else?

3. • Time & costs
• Education • Expertise • Experience
• They “get” it — process, psychology, best
practices
• Partners in process

4. Process
• Set up project schedule
• Get estimate & explanation of billing practices
• Sign contract
• Concepts, revisions
• Be honest about your feedback, functionality

5. Basics
• Learn a little — “Dummies”
• Finished projects/portfolio
• Deadlines vs. hours billed
• Recommendations — LinkedIn, friends
• Map your project

6. Map your project
• What you need, pathways: sitemap
• What it has to do: phased functionality aligns
with business objectives
• What lives on each page: wireframes

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9. Designers
• Portfolios reflect a style you like? Not just making
things “pretty”
• Working with CMSs, developers or just print?
• Put adjectives & examples to what you like &
dislike

10. Developers
• What type of developer do you need?
• Mind map
• Phase your project with milestones
• Deadlines vs. hours billed

11. SEO
• SEO or SEM?
• “Guarantees”
• Similar markets

12. Hosting & domains
• Don’t spend more on domains
• Don’t be fooled by ‘Domain Registry of
America’
• Ask your developer before purchasing hosting;
cheapest is not best!
• Cloud hosting is expandable

13. Any questions?
Lisa Ghisolf
www.gizmo-design.com
@gizmodesign
312.545.9235 > info@gizmo-design.com