How to Choose A Web Designer for Your Affiliate Site

There are two important things to remember when you’re searching for a web designer:

If you’re looking for a simple website, you’re probably better off going with a freelance web designer instead of a design firm. This way, you can get a site built for as little as $30-$50. There are a lot of freelance web designers out there, so it should be no problem to find one to put together a site for you.

Next, ask the designer for samples of sites they have worked on and ask the opinions of those who have used their services before. This can keep you from committing to a project with someone who cannot or will not complete your website.

If you don’t have the design skills to put together your own site to host your articles and don’t want to pay the extra $7-$12 a month which a webhost will charge for use of a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) site builder. Your alternative is to then hire a freelance web designer to build your site. If you go with a freelancer instead of a design company, then you can have this done at low cost.

52 Comments

  • tmobil8

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Greetings Reed, Thomas Richmond here, at the moment im building a list of clients for future business and one of issues i often get with my members and affiliates is how to build a website, well for one , you can buy from me or two you can hire someone to make one for you or i can and three you can take a course online for web designing? Most will often try to find the cheapest way of doing this by searching for it at http://coffeecup.com/software . HAPPY HOLIDAYS REED AND FAMILY πŸ™‚

  • normz2

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Good food for thought. I am a do it yourself type of guy. That is why my progress might be so slow. I am still expanding my first site upward to 100 pages. I have all the programs in my hard drive for building other sites that I have planned for in the future. Time is a factor when you do everything yourself.

  • michael

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    I used to think website first, but since blogs are easier to setup, I think blog first then website. Who are you trying to reach what is the market. It depends where you are eventually you have to do it.

  • Zach Kong

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    What a timely post! Recently, I am also searching for a suitable Web designer to design my new website. Your post has provided me with some important points which I need to look out for when looking for a web designer for my new website.

    Once again, thank you for the great information. Keep them coming!

  • Matthew Lord

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Yea I agree that having a website is important to your affiliate success. The key is to have a nice homepage where you can capture people’s email adresses for future marketing efforts.
    If you want to see a sample of a good capture page you can check mine out at http://www.marketingprimetime.com. Currently I have about a 55% opt-in rate. As usual a great post Reed!

  • Autopilot Blueprint

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Pretty straight forward tips. Choosing the right designer is one thing, but other than that is our sales copy (pitch) though. All elements play an important thing for successful online business.

    Autopilot Blueprints last blog post..Link Analysis Exposed

  • Oswald Rodrigues

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Well, a better (and cheaper) option would be to download some of the free web templates that are available. Most of them are quite good.

  • Paul Livingston

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Garland Coulson just did a video on this very subject. Here’s a link:

    http://ebusinesstutor.com/blog/2008/11/28/video-questions-to-ask-your-web-designer/

    Paul Livingstons last blog post..Boost Sales and Build Your List with Free Pre-made Videos.

  • PV Reymond

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Hi Reed,

    I think that your site has to look professional and make a good impression to your visitors, but it doesn’t have to look like Hollywood.

    Having a site with a nice layout is good, but the most important thing is the content you have on it, the message you are delivering.

    Of course you don’t want to have a site with an ugly design for this reason if you are not good at designing it is better that you hire someone to do this work for you.

    Thanks,
    ^PV Reymond

    http://www.startup-internetbusiness.com

    PV Reymonds last blog post..Internet Marketing For Newbies… The First Step

  • Asher

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Agreed – it’s better to pay small amounts of money for good design work than trying to save that little bit of money and create something that you’ve not much expertise in.

    And you don’t necessarily have to go to Starbucks to have coffee if you only want coffee =D If that’s the kind of analogy πŸ˜€

    Asher

    Ashers last blog post..Social Networking Sites Is NOT The Sex Trade

  • Jeen Hao

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Reed, any example of experts that we can hire?

    Thanks.

    Jeen Haos last blog post..Blogs To Wealth Newsletter Launch!

  • Richard

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Another informative post Reed, thanks.

    For those who want to create their own website, try either Nvu (http://www.download.com/Nvu/3000-10247_4-10412423.html)
    or MyFreeWebsiteBuilder (http://www.moneymaker4u.com/free_web_build.html)
    – both are free wysiwyg site builders.

    Richards last blog post..Free Web Traffic Sources: Traffic Witch Traffic Exchange

  • Ari Lestariono

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    It’s interesting to know that web designer is as important to entice the visitor moreover to make it neat site, I think I need some good designer to fix my site, since I want to monetize it and apply for different programs of Affiliate and or Direct Advertising.Thanks for the tips Reed

    Ari Lestarionos last blog post..Natural Remedies for Weight Loss (Part 3)

  • Silk Ties

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    You Know Reed,
    Its one thing outsourcing and I have used Elance, and Scriptlance in the past, but when it comes to putting up web pages fast there is no better way than doing it yourself.
    In todays fast world you need to fire up your GTML editor, and there are plenty free ones about and put up an offer and drive traffic.
    With so many tools and most free as wee its not difficult to put up attractive pages fast.
    In addition there are so many free templates and some are incredibly high quality.
    Yes of course if you need to have a very high class website or a review site then its probably better to hire and outsource.

    The blog way is extremely easy these days.
    With most hosting companies using fantastico – its extremely easy and there are so many free wordpress tutorials around, plus Search Engines love WordPress.

    I usually put up a good quality blog in around 15 minutes.

    Take care

    George

  • Nando

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Hi Reed,

    Very useful post. It’s very important to have a site that you can build your brand on.

    Finding the resources can be daunting at times and spending the needed time to do it yourself can be a real headache, however I recently came across an excellent resource that I think might help and it’s totally free.

    http://www.createyourfirstwebsite.com

    It’s by a guy who was frustrated with not being able to find clear instruction on how to get a website going. It’s pretty cool. Check it out.

  • Steven

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Dear Reed,

    The idea is good.

    Anyway, do you have any good freelance web designer to recommend ?

    Have a nice day.

    Steven

  • Martin

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Thanks Reed, more useful information.

    I have recently discovered the power of outsourcing and now instead of spending (far too much) time on things I can’t achieve well, I have successfully increased my productivity level.

    Keep the good stuff coming.

    Martin

  • Frankie Teo

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Getting a freelance web designer instead of a design firm is definitely cheaper.

    I remembered, my brother engaged a designer firm to build his website 2 years back & paid nearly $1000 for it. The worst is you don’t how to go about adding or editing what are required except for the basic stuffs.

    Regards,
    Frankie Teo
    http://www.frankieteo.com

  • Slavica

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Haven’t been thinking to leave a comment this time,but reading other comments,came to my mind a question about a way you search for a web designer to build your web site.According as there are different web sites,there are probably differences among Web Designers and who you need to hire as well.I never saw a list of Web Designers selected in this way?Anyone of you?
    Is there any expert list of them?

    Slavicas last blog post..Searching for Secret Grail

  • Cheree

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    A great resource on the web to find inexpensive labor is Elance.com. You list the project you want to receive bids on, and then check the credentials of work the bidders have done before. I have had some excellent success using Elance for a variety of projects. Just make sure you do your homework, or you might give the job to someone who isn’t qualified to do it!

  • Slavica

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    I forgot to mention that i have build my Web site for the first time without knowledge of HTML,by help of Microsoft Office Word/i used Power Point,Microsoft Script Editor to copy/paste codes-for links,banners/you can add opt-in subscriber form/autoresponder form to capture visitors email and name/,to make your site look nice use backgrounds colors or Power Point.
    Here is just a simple of my Word created web site/keep in mind it is posted on free host,otherwise you have more possibilities to improve it using paid host.
    http://margarita.t35.com/mysghome.htm

    This way you pay nothing.

    Slavicas last blog post..Searching for Secret Grail

  • MARINA1965

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    GOD BLESS YOU!!!

  • happysus

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Hei, there.
    I learn my first html. few years ago. I start to build wordpress blog when I subscript from netkl.com. Only S17.00/year. 1 domain name free. After sales. Tip top.

  • Timothy Millar

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Hey Reed, Building your own website can be very time consuming even if it is free. I suggest
    building blogs for practice then go build the main site. Have a wonderful Day, Timothy Millar

  • Timothy Millar

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Hey Reed, almost forgot, Outsourcing is not a bad idea when it comes to website building, One good source if you have a little money to work with is; 1webpromotion.com . I believe you turned me on to these people Reed. Have a Wonderful Day, Timothy Millar

    Timothy Millars last blog post..Affiliate Power Videos Review

  • Pat Gunning

    Reply Reply December 8, 2008

    Very good post Reed. A poorly designed website will drive away prospects faster then an out of order sign…

    It pays to do the research on your competitors and get some professional help to profit from your marketing.

  • Ernie Carroll

    Reply Reply December 9, 2008

    I’m still throwing up one page squeeze pages and/or sales letters or, using blogs. Maybe I should grow up and put up a full website.lol
    Nice post again Reed

    Ernie Carrolls last blog post..Blogging to the Bank 3.0 – Honest Review

  • delords

    Reply Reply December 9, 2008

    Great Tips Reed,

    I decided to start with blogs and i design my blogs myself and i am working on some websites too, i will advise One learn all to do this,designing a site is not hard there are even fee templates one can use to make it more easy.

    delordss last blog post..Get Yanik Silver’s 14-Point Web Copy Analysis Free

  • Geoff Dodd

    Reply Reply December 9, 2008

    Reed, I say do a search for ‘free web site templates’ and get a WYSIWYG editor then keep using ‘Save As..’ to create each new page. Link them together and you have a site. I also run two built with the block builder at Ken Evoy’s Sitesell where I pickup clues on further SEO as well. They’re doing fine. Of course there’s the WordPress solution.

    Geoff Dodd

  • bet

    Reply Reply December 10, 2008

    Thanks for another good post. Hewlett Packard has many courses you can take and some on blogging and web page building. I’m sure there must be others.

  • Curt Siters

    Reply Reply December 12, 2008

    Even before you try to select a person or firm to design and build your website – even if it is just setting up a blog – there are many things you need to think about that a designer will want to know – if they are any good.
    I’ve written a series on this at geek-zone.yourwebreference.com called Internet Marketing which covers the basics so far. It takes a new person from the very beginning – like why do you want a website – and will work you up through advanced techniques. It also covers things to look for when it comes time to actually determining who will create the website.
    As for freelancers, yes there is elance.com as well as oDesk.com and gofreelance.com. However, don’t be afraid to put out for bids among your local webdesign firms. Whichever way you go be absolutely honest with yourself and them.
    Slavica, if read this – I visited the website you referenced in your comment and it has broken images (none of your images are showing.)

    Curt Siterss last blog post..MacMall is slashing prices on Apple products

  • Shawn Horwood

    Reply Reply December 13, 2008

    Great post Reed. I have done nearly everything for myself and it is very inefficient doing everything for myself. And you don’t have to find a really expensive web designer for your website because a website doesn’t actually have to be all that great in order to make sales.
    Shawn Horwood
    http://top5-workathome.com/blog/

  • Sophia

    Reply Reply December 13, 2008

    Hey Reed,

    True indeed- when time is of the essence, outsourcing your web development tasks result in an amazing turn around if, as you mentioned, you take the time to verify who your potential partner is and what they have done in respect to your needs.

    Short and sweet, your post is definitely considered practical information that can be applied to many areas of life in my book!

  • Timothy Caron

    Reply Reply December 13, 2008

    Hey Reed,

    Tim here again. Very good post.

    Many people strugle with designing there own websites from scratch. I too use to strugle but through determination I’ve learned to do quite well for myself.

    If anyone here on this list needs help, just left me know and I will do everything I can to help you with a new website or re-design your current website.

    I also, suggest that you get a blog. Because it makes it alot easier to maintain content and keeps your site looking consistant.

    and you can change the look and feel of your site on the fly.

    If I can be of help to anyone just le me know.
    Tim

  • Henrik Blunck - Denmark

    Reply Reply December 14, 2008

    Hi Reed

    Just tested your audio reading utility. It’s poor, ’cause “built for as little as $30-$50” was read as “built for as little as $30 minus $50.”

    So why not outsource it and get good live reading of this? πŸ™‚

    Henrik Blunck – Denmarks last blog post..Twitter Tools

  • admin

    Reply Reply December 14, 2008

    @Thomas I agree it’s a very common question

    @normz2 I highly recommend outsourcing

    @Michael blogs are really easy to get going

    @Zach you’re welcome

    @Matthew congrats

    @Autopilot sales copy is very important as well

    @Oswald those are a great starting point

    @Paul thanks for sharing

    @PV I agree content and copy are more important then the “Hollywood” look but if your site looks like a Kindergartner did it then you really should invest some money and have it redesigned

    @Asher Agreed πŸ™‚

    @Jeen you can find a lot of people on elance. Ben Cope did my blog https://paydotcom.com/r/35584/reedfloren/2367711/

    @Richard you’re welcome

    @Ari you’re welcome

    @George agreed you can really get going quick if you aren’t afraid of technology and making mistakes but a lot of people that stops them before they get started

    @Nando thanks for sharing

    @Steven for Blogs Ben Cope is good https://paydotcom.com/r/35584/reedfloren/2367711/

    @Martin you’re welcome

    @Frankie yeah design firms can really rip you off

    @Slavica I don’t know of an experts list of them but their might be a freelance web designer award site

    @Cheree agreed great site

    @Slavica yeah Word can give you a basic site

    @Marina1965 thanks

    @happysus congrats…

    @Timothy yeah outsourcing can do wonders

    @Pat good analogy

    @Ernie squeeze pages and sales pages are by FAR my most profitable sites

    @delords thanks

    @Geoff that works well too

    @bet what’s the link for that?

    @Curt I agree before you spend money plan, plan, plan

    @Shawn thanks

    @Sophia glad to help

    @Tim nice to see you offering to help the others

    @Henrik I’m sure the platform will get better and smarter as time goes on.

  • Henrik Blunck - Denmark

    Reply Reply December 14, 2008

    “Better” might be good enough for second grade material, but I feel your material deserves decent marketing and proper sound.

    If it doesn’t improve you can always search the blog for volunteers… Who knows? You might find a group who will volunteer on a turnaround basis provided they get backlinks to their sites for getting involved. Pure win-win for everyone. πŸ™‚

    Henrik Blunck – Denmarks last blog post..Twitter Tools

  • I agree with normz2. I’m the do it yourself kind of guy too but I’m finding that it’s taking me way too much time to figure things out. I’d like to hire out and probably will but I’d like to fisrt learn as much as I can.
    Thanks to all for your ideas,.

  • How to make a website

    Reply Reply January 8, 2009

    Hello Reed,

    Considering your reputation I personally expected a better content blog regarding this topic from you.

    I personally dont think any readers will actually be benefitted much from this post.

    The main aspect of website design and website development needs explanation. Both are loosely taken as the same. Its not a big deal to design a website these days even a non techno can produce a professional looking piece(thanks to the great tools available). But what remains is to rank and rank well in the SEs.

    There are great tools today for designing great looking websites….the best one is Xsitepro which I discussed in my website. But for a newbie wanting a total website to be successful I bet and always bet on SBI…I dont think any think else comes distant 2nd.

    I have couple of websites one build one aged 6 months from external hosting and I designed by XSitepro, Alexa rank 19,84,000, the other one I made from SBI, 3 months old already PR1 and rank 5,36,000. So the result is quite clear.

    If people say SBI is costly I made a cost benefit anlaysis in my website http://www.how2makeawebsite.com/make-your-own-website.html to show its certainly not and its value for money in the long run.

    Please forgive me for posting my link but I hope this might add value to your readers. You might remove this if this is out of your blog discipline.

  • Chris Imamshah

    Reply Reply January 13, 2009

    Hi Reed,

    Whenever I am looking to buy any products or services for my online business I usually have a look first in the Warrior Forum to see what their members say about whatever it is I am looking for.

    Usually get excellent direction here. Also you can usually find members who offer the services you are looking for and sometimes they have WSOs so you get the services at a lower price than the public would pay so it is definitely worthwhile to have a look here.

    Regards,
    Chris
    http://www.affiliateincomeroadmap.com

  • WidgetWoman

    Reply Reply January 14, 2009

    Hilarious, Reed! The link in an email you just sent me opens to a pitch for high response sales letters… but there’s a typo in the header.

    LMAO. Spelling errors definitely make me less responsive. hee hee

    Tip: Not only choose a web designer, but also hire a proofreader.

    😎
    WidgetWoman

    WidgetWomans last blog post..Would You Rather Pay Under $70 or Over $100 a Month for Your Phone, Long Distance & Internet?

  • Ari Lestariono

    Reply Reply January 25, 2009

    Getting web designer also care must taken into considerations.It all comes to aftermarket the products, no guarantee after web design will boost your traffic, it all comes to your quality links, yes it’s an eye catching promo, but how long will take serious reader’s to be your loyal reader’s, all in quality content and education to your reader’s making contribution to their business as well as their intellectual.Hope this will clarify

    Ari Lestarionos last blog post..Top 13 New Years Resolutions (continued)

  • Ron

    Reply Reply January 29, 2009

    I’ve had good success with getafreelancer.com. They’ve got some really good and affordable designers there. Just make sure to higher someone with a feedback rating of 30+.

    However, if you want to build a site only to host articles like you mention in your post, I would recommend a software solution such as Article Site Power Kit. Programs like this offer more automated SEO features than most designers will implement for you without charging an arm and a leg:

    http://www.eliteactivity.com/articlesitepowerkit/

    Cheers,

    Ron

    Rons last blog post..Free Software – Poll Maker Pro – Create Polls Online and Boost Your Opt-In Conversion Rate!

  • Hi Reed nice post! I’ve just thinking to make an affiliate site, you give me the ide. thanks

  • I suggest downloading free website templates if you are capable to design the website yourself to save cost on hiring a website designer.

  • seen on tv

    Reply Reply July 31, 2009

    If you have a little experience with photoshop and html, customizing free templates is definitely a good option.

  • webdesign

    Reply Reply September 3, 2009

    usually, if you search on google for “free html css templates” you can always find something good and inspiring!

  • WordPress is a good way to build affiliate sites, its really easy to use and the interface is getting simpler with every new update.

    If you know WP then you know that there is an easy one click install through your hosting c-panel, next you can install plugins (if you need to use one) easily through your “WP c-panel” and add a few pages and your done.

    This can all be done without FTP and from $9.95 a month with hostgator, I personally think its the best way to go.

    However, you can even buy cheap affiliate sites on flippa from $20.00 with free 12months hosting and all you’ll need to do next is drive traffic. Try eBay aswell.

    Other Freelance Sites:
    Guru.com, Rentacoder.com and oDesk.com

  • internetwealthlab.com

    Reply Reply November 13, 2009

    Hi Reed a good place to find freelancers is elance.com. but if you would rather learn, then htmlcodetutorial and htmlgoodies are good places to start

  • Allison

    Reply Reply December 1, 2009

    How to Keep Your Website Attractive to Both Visitors and Search Engines ..?

  • Avery Thompson

    Reply Reply December 12, 2009

    Great article Reed. Your insight is greatly appreciated

  • As Seen On TV

    Reply Reply June 23, 2010

    Yeah dude, hiring a design firm is a quick way to sink your ship. I just learned the hard way not too long ago. For what would typically have been a free mockup from a freelancer, the firm charged me over $700 bones. Ridiculous. If you’re going to go with a firm, at least make sure you agree on an estimated price for the work…just a word from the wise.

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