How to Become a Web Site Designer

You must know more than code to be a successful web site designer.

Becoming a web site designer is more than knowing Java or HTML. A successful designer understands how to optimize a graphically pleasing site to generate a return on the customer's investment. Many web site designers attend college to study graphic design and computer technology. However, you can learn the basics of web site design using online education sites such as How to Build Websites.com. You can combine your web site building education with business knowledge and graphic-design skills to become a thriving web site designer.

Instructions

1. Determine your business goals and create an action plan. Decide if you are seeking employment from another company or if you want to offer your services on a freelance basis. Either decision will require a different action plan.

   Develop your action plan that takes you from where you are today to being fully employed as a web site designer. For example, if you plan to seek employment from another company, include ways you plan to identify and contact companies who would be interested in your services. For freelance business owners, generate an action plan that includes an objective, start-up costs, marketing, competition, pricing and an exit strategy.

2. Create your own web site. Whether you plan to open your own shop or work for someone else, display your skills and knowledge through your own site. Since this site will be viewed by future clients or employers, create a site that will be alluring to anyone who might hire you.

   Your site should be technically proficient but also have graphic appeal, says Eric Cook, web site designer and Certified Internet Business Consultant for WSI Internet Consulting. Cook says that a a solid design must have three elements--technology, graphics and optimization to generate an impressive site. "A site that loads quickly but is ugly isn't going to impress the customer. Likewise, the most beautiful site with lots of Flash could take forever to load and still be frustrating. Additionally, you also need to ensure that customers can find your site, so excellent copywriting and strategic placement is vital to providing your customer with a healthy return on investment."

3. Build a portfolio of sample sites and clients. Leverage your web site as a way to generate interest in your abilities and skills. The best way to create a body of work is to offer free or discounted services to current contacts, friends or family members.

   Another way to build a portfolio is to scan the web for sites that you could improve upon. If you plan to work in a specific niche industry such as banking, look at bank or credit-union web sites. Contact a financial institution's marketing department with your ideas on how you could improve their web site.

   Check nonprofit organization web sites to see if you can offer improvements. Nonprofit organizations depend upon monetary and service donations, making your free or discounted services extremely valuable to that organization.

   Work with each portfolio client as you would a paying client in order that you can use the company representative as a business reference.

4. Volunteer your services to web development companies. Once you have a portfolio of work, make contacts with industry employers. Cook suggests approaching a web-development company and asking if you could job shadow for a few days. "Another way to become a web site designer is to look for internships. For example, I have an intern who works with me to learn every aspect of being a designer."

5. Promote your business and hunt for a job as a web site designer. Leverage your current contact list of satisfied customers. If you've been working with companies on a pro bono basis, ask if they would be interested in hiring you or if they have any colleagues who could use your services.

   Promote your talents and services through web site optimization. Generate informative articles or blog entries that would catch the eye of a potential employer interested in hiring a web site designer.

   Even if you are promoting a freelance business, conduct an active job hunt. Sometimes employers interested in hiring an in-house web site designer may consider hiring you as a consultant. Hit top web designer employment sites such as Smashing Jobs or Authentic Jobs to search for open positions.

Tips & Warnings

• If you plan to open your own business, meet with an accountant and an attorney to create legally binding contracts and help you balance your business books.

• Establish yourself as a professional by always replying to job inquires promptly---at least within one business day.

• Brush up on your customer service skills. Even if your work speaks volumes, knowing how to work with customers or employers will take you further in the business.

References

• Speckyboy Design Magazine: 53 Steps to Follow if You Want to Become a Freelance Web Designer
• Design Mag: 27 Places to Find Web Site Design Jobs

Resources

• How to Build Websites.com
• Smashing Jobs
• Authentic Jobs