When shopping for a web designer, there are several things you can do to help find the best value for your money. Between talking to the design team and viewing their portfolio of completed projects, one can usually get a good feel for the level of talent and professionalism inherent in the design firm’s work. Talking to current and former clients can also be beneficial, as can obtaining referrals from those you know. One thing that many prospective site owners fail to do, however, is look at the firm’s own web site. Since designing sites for others is their business, their site should be a reflection of their understanding of successful web design principles and practices.
When checking a web design firm’s own site, look at the esthetic properties of the site first. The colors and design format used are meant to serve a purpose, just as they should for your site. While color schemes can be matter of personal taste, most people can agree on whether or not they find a site to be inviting and warm. Is there a level of consistency from one page to the next that allows you to feel that each page is part of a greater whole?
Next, take a look...