Deciding what expertise you need

For most business sites, it helps to select designers who come from a marketing communications background, not a pure programming or art background. Your developer must have the ability to design with an eye towards your target market, be knowledgeable about achieving business objectives, and be skilled enough to do the programming tasks required. Not every designer is right for every type of business or has staff with the experience to meet the specific requirements described in your request for proposal (RFP), described later in the chapter.

The designer is only one of several professionals you might need, as you can see from the following list:

• Web developer/designer

• Graphic designer

• Illustrator

• Photographer

• Copy writer

• Merchandising expert

• Videographer

• Audio engineer

• Animator (Flash, virtual reality)

• Ad agency

• Online marketing specialist