1. Find someone who places well on search engines AND their clients place well. Do your homework… See how well their customers place! If their other customers don’t place well, you won’t either. If you are going to hire an independent firm for this, use this guideline to help you choose a good company. And whatever you do, don't just take their word for it. Anyone can claim good results - be sure to get the proof.

2. Make sure they can give you references. We have several clients who would be very happy to refer us. They should too.

3. Look at their websites. Do you have to scroll left and right on ANY of their sites? Is the navigation clear and concise? How is the search engine placement? Do the pages load fast? Is the content and layout visually appealing?Is the content and layout visually appealing? Is web design what they do or are they really ISPs, graphic / print artists, programmers, or something else? Multiple disciplines is often a good thing – but make sure you have a company who can do all they claim and do it well. While they may be good at graphic design, this doesn’t mean they can design a website. Print and the Internet are very different mediums. And while they are not necessarily mutually exclusive, just because someone can design a lovely business card, doesn't mean they can develop a quality website.

4. Make sure they clearly state their fees. While you may not be able to get an exact quote, you should know approximately what the website will cost you.

5. Find someone who can see things from your side… tries to save you money and doesn’t trry to sell you what you don’t need.

6. Find someone who tries to learn a little about your business.

7. Make sure they have a variety of clients unless they happen to have a niche market and you fit in that niche market. Also make sure they’ve done plenty of work “for hire” and not all for what is obviously friends.

8. Expect honesty – even when it isn’t to their advantage.

9. Make sure your domain is in YOUR name and that you have full access to your name, your site, and your hosting information. The most important user name/password combination you may ever have is the one to your registrar. Do not lose it as this single piece of information can prevent the loss of your domain name.

10. Check out their other sites for clear and concise navigation.

11. Approach all-inclusive packages carefully. Make sure you know what is and isn’t included. Look for the hidden costs. If the package deals are bundles that include hosting, domain registration, and everything but the kitchen sink for one “low monthly fee”, add it up. An average site with us will have the following fees – domain registration for one year - $20, hosting setup - $30, hosting - $15 a month ($180 a year), 5 page site is basic site design - $500 plus $100 for 1page over the basic 4, form - $50– Total for one year, $880. If they advertise a low monthly fee of $99 a month for one year, you are paying $1,188. What is the other $308 going toward? It’s either a LOT of interest for a one year note or their “low fees” are not so low. Plus, you are likely getting a template site that is not built specificually for you suited to your unique specifications. We are not a discount web design company – we just offer a good value and excellent service. Expect no less.

12. Your designer does not necessarily need to be local. We have current clients who have never needed to see us in person. Everything can be handled on the phone or by email and fax. If all else fails, standard mail works too! However, if you are someone who would like to have a web designer in Houston that you can meet with, we'd be happy to accommodate. We’ll come to your office for the initial consultation or at any time just to visit about your site and answer questions. (Initial consultation is free including travel. All other visits are billed as usual and travel expenses will apply)