Many industries seem to have a
language all their own. Legal,
health, insurance, and the
website design industry are at
the top of the list. Our eyes
tend to glaze over when we hear
phrases like; "the party of the
first part"; or "your domain
name server points to the wrong
place." As website designers, we
sometimes forget that not
everyone does this for a living!
A few tips may make
communication between you and
your designer more productive.
1. First, talk very, very
slowly. Seriously, we aren't
that bad. Be specific about your
goals for your website. Do you
want to sell products or require
product or tutorial videos on
your website? Is a newsletter
subscription sign-up form
needed? Would you like to manage
weekly surveys on your site or
Blog with your visitors? The
options are endless. Use your
own words and allow the
Developer to translate.
2. Be clear about your budget.
Don't be afraid to ask for an
estimate with options broken out
with individual prices. This
allows you to pick and choose
necessary functions and stay
within a prescribed budget. You
can often combine pages on a
site to minimize expenses.
3. Ask questions. Website
Designers realize (or should)
that we sometimes speak a
different language; don't be
afraid to ask for clarification.
After all, it is your website.
Keep these three simple steps in
mind when you discuss your
website with your designer, and
your site should be better
suited to fill your needs.
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