When building web 2.0 applications, one of the most important decisions that we had to make is who will do the design work. To withstand internet competition usability of Graphical User Interface, Navigation, Speed of Download, Search Engine visibility are extremely important. After the advent of Web 2.0 sites are becoming accessible to increase audience. Having a smart design with usability and accessibility with a fair amount of interactivity is necessary and very few design agencies can actually design and develop simultaneously.

For Social Article we’ve chosen DIS Web Design and we couldn’t be happier. I thought it would be helpful to share how we made that choice.

Here are the steps we took:

  1. We created a shortlist of 10 designers that we researched
  2. We sent an email asking if they were available and if they’d be interested in working with us.
  3. All three said they’d be happy to work with us
  4. We sent out an email to all with a basic brief and a request for a price estimate. We asked them to base the quote on a start up Social Bookmarking Site rather than asking for digg.
  5. We got back quotes that ranged from $2,000 - $14,000

Making the Choice

So we had ten quotes from three very talented and capable designers. How did we choose who to work with?

We didn’t choose based on price (DIS’s quote was on higher side) nor location (India is far from Ontario). So what did we base our decision on?

We chose DIS based on the following four things:

  1. Enthusiasm: They made it clear to us that we need to communicate ~20 hrs a week. Seemed energetic and enthusiastic as most firms rely on query sheets.
  2. Experience: They are in the market for 10 yrs, has some famous sites with very good grasp of simplicity and usability
  3. Flexibility: They are flexible to changes where they asked for 15 USD @hr on rework.
  4. Speed: They  understand Web Standards and Accessibility
  5. Trust: Straightforward, Open,  relies on word of mouth serving existing customers than seeking new customers.

The Deciding Factor

The fact we felt we could trust DIS Web Design was the deciding factor. All of three customer references they gave in USA replied positively and were satisfied. They communicated that DIS could be the one who could make our dream successful.  We were confident on our choice.

So what’s the lesson for designers? Satisfying your existing clients in person and getting into a win-a-win relationship can be the deciding factor that gets you the project. Getting out there and making those connections is paramount and if you do, you’ll never be short of work.

John Mason is a Director at Social Media Inc. Ontario and is currently building what would be the next generation “digg“. Visit SocialArticle.com

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