Paying a Web Designer? Miffed.

[Canopener Sally]

So, I was going to have my friend design my new photography website. Well that's fallen through, kind of predictable really. Long story short- He has no porfolio, I thought we'd mutually benefit, I'd have a website, he'd have a rockin' start to a portfolio. I told him I'd pay him after it was completed. I'm not cheap and actually very generous. But without the work done, no way I'd pay him anything. Do you know how many grooms I did back in the day for nothing to get experience? Or how my photos I take? Ugh. Anyway, he started hardballing me about money. He said he'd give me the "friend discount" So I said (going off of a 50% discount and a $2000 designed website) "you want $1000?!" Apparently I was dead on by his reaction. I told him I wasn't going to pay him that. And in a later email, I said "I rather hire a professional if I have to pay that" in fact I'd rather pay $2000 to a pro that has previous work to show me and get it done quickly.

I'm miffed and disappointed about this. It's really set me back. This is my livelihood and he doesn't understand business I suppose. I wanted it up by the first of the year. I can kiss that goodbye.

I've got a consultation with a local guy who's portfolio looked really great. I'm a Nazi about aesthetics so likely I really need a pro. Fingers crossed.

Ok so, have any of you hired a designer for your website? And sweet lord, what did it cost? How many arms and how many legs?

[LonestarPoodle]

I do my own website (for my artwork). Although I know a professional lady who would do my website for $200-300 if I wanted. I just have more fun doing it myself. Which reminds me.. I need to get back to redoing it! =X

[Jadenlea]

apparently my new brother in law builds them and is building me one for my new business, but I built my own for the vet hosp I work for. You can do it to. It was actually pretty easy. Yahoo gives you all the software to do it for free and you pay them 12 dollars a month for the space.

Here are a couple sites I know of who are using the easy yahoo site builder. Mine.. www.fourpawspamvh.com and my friend who is a dog trainer puppyplease.com

[kats_melody]

Without a portfolio there is no way on earth a web designer can command a $2K commission.

Some friend.

Our web site was done on a barter deal with one of our suppliers, it didn't cost a thing and we're quite happy with it.

In short, you can do a lot better than even $1K. A LOT better.

Good luck.

Laura

[Canopener Sally]

A basic website I could handle-did handle for grooming. A photographers website is way over my head. Flash, javascript no way! I refuse to do the template thing. It's too generic for this purpose.

I would like to some how, and cleverly, integrate the two businesses without it being cluttered. Also I need my proofs site customized and "attached" to the website, so clients can visit their proofs gallery.

I don't think I could do it on a technical level. I have no coding experience, and it'll be needed for this application. I'll be a major player in the visual elements. And it has to be perfect, visually stimulating, inspiring and balanced. Without a professional, well designed website I can't command the prices I want.

[Canopener Sally]

Without a portfolio there is no way on earth a web designer can command a $2K commission.

Some friend.

Thanks Laura. I'm glad you agree. But I can't help thinking that I would have done it for free. Disappointing.

[Canopener Sally]

Alright, the Camel's back...

has been broken! I have bucked up and have decided to do this mess myself! I can do anything I put my mind to and Christmas break is a great time to do it. Thanks to all that sent their helpful words. Sometimes you're just got to take matters into your own hands.

I'll post when I'm finished.

[DoggyDogGrooming]

So, I was going to have my friend design my new photography website. ....
Ok so, have any of you hired a designer for your website? And sweet lord, what did it cost? How many arms and how many legs?

Why not make your own site using photoshop? look up image slicing your good with ps already odviously design slice it and use ps's own website maker for the code ive done it a few times. You can do it your very talented, ive designed a few sites myself and priced site design and there is no way no how he should be designing a site for grooming for 2k. If you were building a store with a shopping cart inc. maybe but not for a simple grooming site. if you need some suggestions or help with you sitee feel free to pm me i designed cockerspanielpad.com doggydoggrooming.com

[SwissNChow]

There are a lot of good, simple web based programs that would allow the novice to put together a nice website that looks professional. Personally I use Homestead and find their program simple and easy.

If unsure about doing it yourself, I'd talk to the local high school or church and see if they have a group of kids that are doing/studying web design. It is amazing what some of these kids can put together, and then teach you how to maintain. Many teens these days have a real knack for what we consider overwhelming.

Your first step is to google sites and decide what you do and don't like about the various sites and build from there.

[rapuzzled]

If unsure about doing it yourself, I'd talk to the local high school or church and see if they have a group of kids that are doing/studying web design. It is amazing what some of these kids can put together, and then teach you how to maintain. Many teens these days have a real knack for what we consider overwhelming.

That's a great idea, you wouldn't believe what they can come up with!

[Canopener Sally]

Hey guys, I'm using iWeb and modifying a template.

The original problem I had with using iWeb is, I hated how the gallery was set up and inability to change the navigation menu. I wanted a flash gallery just not a flash site. There is little to choose from in the way of flash templates. I successfully added a flash gallery and made a new menu, so those problems are solved.

I know teenagers know a lot about computers but there's no way I'm gonna deal with them. LOL

This for my separate photography business. I did my grooming business website. I told my friend to upload it to the new hosting. He only uploaded the main page, what? He went back and uploaded the rest, but a gallery was missing? Well, I re-uploaded everything. It's fine now but need updating and what not.

[DoggyDogGrooming]

Hey guys, I'm using iWeb and modifying a template.

The original problem I had with using iWeb is, I hated how the gallery was set up and inability to change the navigation menu. I wanted a flash gallery just not a flash site. There is little to choose from in the way of flash templates. I successfully added a flash gallery and made a new menu, so those problems are solved.

I know teenagers know a lot about computers but there's no way I'm gonna deal with them. LOL

This for my separate photography business. I did my grooming business website. I told my friend to upload it to the new hosting. He only uploaded the main page, what? He went back and uploaded the rest, but a gallery was missing? Well, I re-uploaded everything. It's fine now but need updating and what not.

just remember flash sites you sometimes single out people who are computer chalenged and dont have flash installed

[Canopener Sally]

just remember flash sites you sometimes single out people who are computer challenged and dont have flash installed

I say "get with the times!"

Other than my gallery, the proofs site with have more shots to look at. Non-flash

[kats_melody]

One other thing to consider is to avoid the use of Internet Explorer specific conventions and code. Avoid Active X at all costs.

In spite of what Windows bigots tell you about no one using Macintosh, about 12 percent of the population now does. Our web analytics show 27 percent of our visitors use Macs to access our web site. If you want to tick off a potential customer, have him or her see an error message that says they MUST use Internet Explorer ( a browser that has not been made for Macintosh in over five years)

The most popular web browser used by visitors to our website is Firefox, followed by IE, then Safari and Opera.

[Canopener Sally]

One other thing to consider is to avoid the use of Internet Explorer specific conventions and code. Avoid Active X at all costs.

The most popular web browser used by visitors to our website is Firefox, followed by IE, then Safari and Opera.

I haven't had any problems with my other iWeb website other than a font issue (quickly resolved). I'm one of the many that use Firefox, IE blows.

I happily use my Mac