Tip #1: Define The Purpose Of Your Web Site: You must first decide the purpose of your web site. If your web site will be primarily an informational or e-commerce site, then you may want to avoid Flash technology or sites that are too graphic intensive. Most people that are in search of information, want it fast, and do not want to wait for pages to load, nor do they want to have to download a plugin to get the information that they need at your site. This is especially important for e-commerce sites that will be selling products. You do not want to make potential customers wait for your pages to load or force them to get a plugin to purchase something from your site. If your site is of the Entertainment or Artistic genre, and you want a site that will stand out from the rest of the crowd, then you may want to use the cutting edge Flash Techology and some unique, eye-catching designs. Determine the purpose of your web site, and then start your search for a web design company that can best meet your needs.

Tip #2: Determine How Much You Will Be Able To Spend: Set yourself a limit that you will not go over for the development of your web site. Make sure that you ask each potential web design company about their pricing structure so that you will know how much to expect. Some companies charge by the hour, and some charge by the job. It all depends on where you go. Most companies will give you an estimate of how much the development of your web site may be based on the information that you provide to them via an online form or email. It is very important that you take these steps. You do not want to get stuck halfway through the development of your site and then have to stop because you went over your budget.

Tip #3: Look At The Portfolios of Potential Web Designers: When you are looking for a company to design your site, make sure that you like the designs that they have created for other companies. Chances are, if you like the sites in their portfolio, then you will probably be happy with the work they perform on your site. If you don't like any of the sites in their portfolio, move on to the next company until you find one that satisfies your tastes. And remember: You do not have to limit yourself to the web design companies within your area. Most web design companies use the Internet and telephone to communicate with long distant clients, making it very easy to select anyone in the U.S. to design your site. Many web design firms will allow you to see the creation of your site online during the web design process. The design of your website will reflect the professionalism of your company. It is very important that you are happy with the design or your web site, and that it properly represents your company.

Tip #4: Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask a web design company whatever is on your mind. Questions such as: Are you Incorporated? Are you Private? What is your pricing structure? Do you meet deadlines? Out of all the companies that you have designed for, how many have gone past their deadline? Will you be able to host our site too? Do you have a monthly fee that you charge web sites for regular updates? How many people will be working on my site? How many people are employed at your company? Do you develop e-commerce sites? Do you develop databases? What information will you need from our end? The list goes on. Do not hesitate to ask a Web Design company any of these questions or any other questions you may have about the development of your web site. You may also wish to hire a self-employed desiner or a 'Sole Proprietor' design firm. There are many designers that do all of the work themselves, and are very good at it. Going this route can also save you a lot of money. Whatever you decide, make sure you like their previous work, and that you will feel comfortable working with them.

Tip #5: Set A Launch Date: Make sure you and the web design company you choose sets a launch date. This way, you will have a target date to work toward so things do not get dragged out across a number of months. Also, make sure that you ask your web design company what information they will need from you to complete the development of the site, and ask when they will need this information. Usually this is the content or text of the site. If you wait too long to get them the information they need, it may increase the chances of your web site development being delayed.

Tip #6: Make Sure You Are 100% Happy With Your Web Design: Do not settle for anything unless you are 100% happy with it. Speak out and voice your opinion if you do not like something about a design. Web design companies are used to this, and they are trained to do whatever it takes to make their client happy. It is your money going into their pockets. Make sure you get the most out of your money.

Tip #7: Things To Check Before Your Launch Date:

Broken Links: Perform a click-through of your site a few times to make sure that all of the links work.
Load Time: Make sure your load-time is acceptable. Most people do not want to wait forever for a site to load.
Browser Compatibility: Check your web site in the latest versions of Netscape and Internet Explorer. There are many instances in which some web sites will work in Internet Explorer and not in Netscape and vise versa, due to coding errors or functionality limitations.
Spell Check: And last but not least, perform a spell check. You do not want to give your visitors a bad first impression by misspelling a 'lrage amnt of wrds.' Most web design firms recommend that their client spell check the information they pass over to the firm before the text is implemented into the site.

Charity: Please visit The Cooley's Anemia Foundation to learn about a fatal, inherited blood disorder called Thalassemia. Many children and young adults suffer and die from this Mediterranean blood disorder.