Anybody can be a website designer.  All it takes is a bit of technical knowledge and you’re all set.  But if anybody can be a good website designer what separates a great designer from the rest of the pack?

First of all a great website designer is knowledgeable in the current HTML coding and quality CSS.  They must be at least up to par if not the best within the current industry standards.  Aside from this he or she should have good SEO practices, superior technical knowledge in eCommerce, content management and programming.  In other words the website designer or design company should have all the technical knowledge down to pat.

Next they must have ample experience with web design.  The designs should be professional and not amateurish.  A good way of measuring their experience would be to take a good look at their website.  Their work should speak for itself.  Another place to gauge experience is the portfolio.  These should contain their best and most recent works.  Reference from past clients is also a good way of learning about reputation and professionalism.

Another characteristic of a good website designer is the ability to balance between quality and cost.  Professional website design can cost a lot of money.  However there are good designers and firms that are able to give clients quality website design at affordable rates.  Usually website designers don’t charge a lot for a simple design, however as more components are added costs will naturally rise.  The designer should be able to cut costs without sacrificing quality.

Lastly a great website designer should be available even after sales.  Support should be on hand even after delivery.  Training for maintenance and management should be provided.  The designer should also be able to correct their mistakes without charging the extra cost to the buyer.