This really needs a little more clarification: 1. Are you hiring a single person, or a studio? 2. Are they designing the site only, are they developing only, or are they doing both? 3. Are they simply making a design for a template (will need minimal development)?4. Are you doing e-commerce (selling things online)?All of these will determine the core questions you should ask. I await your edits to your question : )OK, a lot better knowing what s going on. 1. You definitely need to see a portfolio, and since this person is both designing and developing, you need him to show you a couple of live sites that he has done. After the initial interview, click through those sites he did and make sure everything works and looks good. (Gonna use masculine voice when referring to the designer, it s just easier. Don t mean to offend).2. Ask what his process is for doing sites--from initial brainstorming and sketches all the way to launch. *follow-up with asking how long it takes to build a site like the one you want. *follow-up the above question by asking how many projects he works on at one time (this will let you know how accessible he is, and how easy he can deal with unexpected problems, additions, or changes).3. Ask what his policy on changes is. Every web site project (in my experience) has at LEAST one change. Usually designers will include -- rounds of changes if they are charging you a fixed price and are experienced. Changes can be a BIG point of contention, so get it straight early.4. Ask what his solution for managing the site post-launch is. Does he include a CMS (content management system) for you? Does he charge you his hourly rate to work on it? Does he charge you a reduced rate?5. Ask why you should hire him over another designer or studio. (If the answer is ONLY that he is cheaper, be careful, this means he doesn t feel like he specializes in anything).General Tips:-NEVER be the first one to name a price. If you offer low they will bump you up, if you offer high, they will not bump you down.-Do not ask leading questions (questions that have an obvious right answer). You are setting yourself up to have him fudge on the truth. Make him talk a lot. A really good designer will answer most of your questions above before you ask them.Hope this helps!
I suggest the following question before hiring a web designer.1. you need to see a portofolio.( what is the best website done and why?) 2. check references 3. Give them a brief description of what you re trying to achieve and let him/her explain you how to get there.4. How long will lit take to complete the project?5. Does he take care of the website marketing or not?
