I was speaking with a potential client this week who said, “I can be pretty particular about things, so I’ll want to make sure the Web site is exactly right.” Fine with me — you should be particular about things. It’s your Web site, representing you and your business. Hire some help, sure — but don’t give away the farm.
Most business people are not Web experts, and that’s where specialists like me come in. At best, we bring the best of both worlds: you know your business and I know how the Web works. If you hand too much over to me (or if I take too much away, something a lot of Web designers do, in an attempt to commoditize their work and maximize profits), the resulting site might be artistic and flashy, but it risks not being connected to the business in synergistic ways.
On the other hand, if you don’t allow me to bring fresh ideas to the table (e.g. see How the Web Changes Your Business), you’ll likely miss out on opportunities that only the Web can provide.
Bottom line is: just because you don’t know much about HTML and AJAX, don’t give away the farm. Be particular. Ask all those so-called “stupid” questions, and ask this one too: How, specifically, will this affect my business?
In this process, it’s your job to stay involved.
