Hiring to redesign my website.

How does it work?

[fischermx]

For a recently finished website I was working on, I would wish to hire someone to redesign it.
I mean, nor the funcionality or technically, but for example, the boxes look, the color, the main logo.

I was thinking to hire someone at rentacoder or a place like that, which I've used in the past for custom programming tasks with good results.

But I wonder how does it work respecting something like a design. Is it like a hair-cut? :) I mean, what it is done, is done and nothing more to add?
What if I don't like the new design at all? Just pay the designer and hire another?
How do you usually proceed in this kind of works?

[Corey Bryant]

Designing is usually the most difficult part. You have something specific in mind and so does the designer.

What I usually ask the customers, send some URLs of some sites they like, maybe fax over a rough draft, and send some favorite colors.

That usually helps speed the process along some.

Most designers will work with you until you are happy with the final outcome. Also, get a designer and not a developer - you want someone who is familiar with web design

-Corey

[fischermx]

Thanks for your advise.

I have one more questions, is it OK to ask prospect designers to show some of their previous works?

[web_young]

Not only is it OK to ask to see previous work, I'd recommend it. You'll be able to tell a lot from sites they've done in the past. Designers have different styles and you'll want to find one that fits the style you're looking for.

[Corey Bryant]

Yes, definitely ask. This way, you get a feel for their taste. And I would maybe even ask for references to call to see what people might think of working with the designer

-Corey

[terriz]

Also, get a designer and not a developer - you want someone who is familiar with web design

What is the difference between a web developer and a web designer?

Related question: What do you call someone who helps you with technical aspects of your site (implementing autoresponders, forms, newsletter signup, membership applications, bulletin boards, etc.)?

Thanks!

[Corey Bryant]

What is the difference between a web developer and a web designer?

A developer I consider is one who implements the design that a web designer creates. I have seen many a designer who can design a great website but as far as creating compliant code, that is another thing. This is why on my team I have developers and designers. The designers create the images and the layout and then the developers code it.

Related question: What do you call someone who helps you with technical aspects of your site (implementing autoresponders, forms, newsletter signup, membership applications, bulletin boards, etc.)?

Well I would say either a developer or a marketer. When I first hear auto-responder / newsletters, I think of marketing.

-Corey

[terriz]

Thanks Corey for that definition.

When I first hear auto-responder / newsletters, I think of marketing.

I should have clarified...I don't mean the content of an autoresponder/newsletter, I mean the technical aspect. If you choose an autoresponder script, then the person who implements (and probably formats/customizes it for you]. If you choose an autoresponder service, then it would be integrating the right forms, etc., on your site. Do web developers do that work too?

[Lorel]

If the owner of the site wants to keep the same basic design and just have technical problems cleared up and enough changes to improve ranking it usually takes just as much time and effort to redesign a website as it does to start fresh. Also you usually have to deal with problems that caused the site to be banned or fall in the SERPS, and clean up problems causing Supplemental Results, etc.

[Corey Bryant]

Correct terriz. Any type of programming etc, I consider development work.

-Corey