Choosing a Designer

Once you have made the decision to build a professional website, there are several important questions to ask your designer:
1) What language will you use? Programming in mostly Flash is not good for search engines. Html-based sites are not very stable or professional. Discuss this with him or her.
2) What kind of maintenance plan do they offer? Designers should not simply design a site one time and then leave you alone to fend for yourself--everyone will need to update a business website (the more frequently, the better), and it does not make sense to pay an entire re-design fee every time you will need a simple update.
3) How will each feature of the website help make you money. Let's face it--a successful business needs bottom-line performance. If you are being charged for something that you think wil not actuially make you more money, then do not purchase it. For most businesses, having the fanciest website will not make you the most profitable business. You want to convert customers, not impress them--look at amazon.com....