The range of quality among web designers is from the unskilled to the very best money can buy. There are millions of web designers, but not all are what you need, or want, and we will explain why that is so.
Before you go ahead and hire a web designer for your project, it’s important that you are sure of what you want. If you give them minimal guidance about what is needed, then there is a chance they will create something you may not like. You know what your business is about, so actually draw out how you see your site. There is nothing wrong with getting ideas from other sites, but you want to avoid looking like them because you need to be unique. You will truly have a more intelligent idea about your site, and that is the point because this is your business.
There is a good chance some aspects of it will be changed after your conversations with your designer. You can expect to put a down payment of some percentage, many go with 50%, with the final amount due needing to be taken care of when the product is delivered. If your site will take a while and require other specialty jobs, then that could be different. Of course most web designers will have you sign a contract, and that is really to protect both of you. This part here is all about business ethics and building solid relationships with other businesses.
Those designers who are in demand are that way because their work is good, and they receive referral work from past clients, etc. There is no mystery about this, and it goes on all the time with the better service providers. Think about anybody you know who could possibly give you a name to call on. That is why building up a network of business contacts can be so valuable, and so keep that in mind for your own situation. The two approaches are not the same at all, but that is to be expected and normal.
Last but not the least; having a proper design for your website is only the first step. Maintain positive relations because chances are excellent you will want that person to help you out, again.