Let’s go over the steps one by one. There are a lot of web design experts in San Francisco, but it might be hard to find one when everyone calls oneself a “guru” or “innovator.” Take a break from the search engine for a minute. Here’s how to avoid the usual mistakes and find a designer that really understands what you’re trying to do. Clicking here for more information!
Begin with your vision
You don’t have to be a tech expert, but knowing your style is half the battle. Do you have a favorite color? Want to feel a certain way? Write it down, but be open to change. Experienced designers will come up with concepts you didn’t expect. Bring your own spark, and then let them make it better.
Don’t just look at the eye candy.
Portfolios are great, but every “About” page seems like it was written by Tim Berners-Lee’s roommate. Dig deeper: ask them about occasions when things went wrong and how they fixed them. A designer who has worked in San Francisco knows why some trends work here and others don’t.
Give communication more thought.
It may seem simple, but if your designer doesn’t answer your calls for days, that’s a big red flag. Time how long it takes them to answer. If you’re not sure, ask them something strange, like, “How would you make a website for someone who sells glow-in-the-dark dog collars?” Pay attention to how they act. Keep looking if they seem nervous.
Talk About Money Up Front
The prices in San Francisco might be shocking. Some designers charge as much as real estate agents in the Marina. It’s fine to talk about cents and dollars, but be explicit about what’s in the scope. Is it mobile-friendly? Who pays for updates? Things will go more smoothly later if you explain things now.
Ask for Real References
References aren’t just courteous things to do. Contact their prior clients, especially those who had crazy requirements or difficult projects. People love to tell the craziest stories about freelancers. Use these stories to your advantage.
Style Over Substance
It’s important for a website to seem attractive, but it doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work. The greatest local designers do both well; they pay attention to the little things that make people want to come back. Have you ever been lost on a site because the buttons didn’t make sense? User experience problems are omnipresent, therefore hire a designer who cares about every little thing.
Culture is Important
This connection is also about the atmosphere. Do you really get along? Do you both groan during meetings on Monday, or is it more like happy hour on Friday? Good chemistry makes it easier to work together.
Get together in person
It’s okay to send emails, but nothing beats talking over coffee. It’s almost a ritual to meet at a café in San Francisco. Talking face-to-face can show you things that a dozen emails can’t.
Don’t Let the Big Names Blind You
Agencies with sophisticated glass doors that cost a lot of money might seem the part, but sometimes the quirky freelancer with an untidy desk gets the best results.
Keep in mind that there is no magic recipe. Follow your gut, listen to what others say, and stay away from people who promise you the world. In San Francisco, websites stand out when they provide real feedback, dependability, and a little bit of personality.