Today’s guest blogger is a wonderful photographer and person who I met when she won a seat to the very first Seniorologie Tour in Atlanta.  Melissa Hunt of Melissa Lynn Hunt Photography in North Carolina and she has not only attended the first tour but also came to the California tour and the Charleston Shoot Out and was a huge help!!  Melissa shares some tips and gives you some questions to ask when thinking about hiring a professional to custom design your website.  Check it out below!

When you are ready to have a custom designed blog/website it’s very important to take the right steps, so that you don’t end up in the boat I did. $1,000 + later and I was out to sea with something I was not happy with.  Based on my experiences and the mistakes I’ve made, I’ve come up with some questions and answers that I think you will find very helpful!

What should you look for when you are hiring someone to develop your site?

First and foremost, find someone you connect with! I think it’s important to find someone that you can have a technical conversation with as well as a casual one too.

I suggest you ask your photographer friends who they use and also do a web search. I would investigate a few different web designers at one time. This way you can compare throughout the process.

What kind of information should you gather from a web designer?

I would definitely ask for 3-5 examples of current sites they have created.  You want to know their pricing, typical timeline for a project like yours, flexibility for changes to arise during the project, and what their contract look like.  If you can, I would definitely have a skype or face time session so that you can meet face to face.  Perhaps that is when you ask some of your important questions.  You’ll be able to instantly know whether this person is right for you.

Should you ask the web designer for references?

I would definitely ask them for references.  It is important to hear someone else’s experience with this designer.  Very important.

Here are a few questions you could ask a reference:

–       How is their (web designer) communication? Friendly? Responsive in a timely manner?

–       How is their turn around time?

–       How receptive were they to changes you wanted to make?

How clear should your vision for your site be, before hiring someone to design it?

I think you should have a good idea of where you want to go with it.  Developing a pin board on pinterest is VERY helpful. You can pin things that describe your taste, including colors that attract you, and typography you love.  You can pin anything from home décor to simple objects.  Whatever inspires you. Then collectively a designer can get a feel for who you are and what your style is.

Should you hire someone that lives close to you?

Not necessarily. I initially thought that would be important. However I learned, that if the designer’s communication ROCKS, then it doesn’t matter where they live. With access to face time and skype, there is still the possibility of a face to face meeting.

Should you hire someone that works specifically with photographers?

I won’t say that it is a must. However based on my experience, I would say hiring someone that has worked with others in the industry would be ideal.  A photography website/blog is different from a large corporation site.

Overall, I suggest you take your time. Don’t jump into anything because you think you have to have it now! Anyone can look glamorous online.  So be sure to do your research and make sure you are hiring someone that is right for you!

I am currently working with Katie, from Katie Saunders Design.  We are doing an overhaul of my blog and eventually making changes to my websites. I found Katie, by taking my own advice above. She is one of the best decisions I’ve made for my business.