One option for getting a website done is to have someone do it for you.

One advantage to that is that it would save you the time of having to try and learn all you would need to learn to do it yourself. That learning would not only have to do with designing the website, it would mean learning about the marketing end of it, it would mean learning something of how to make a website work best for you, how to write good copy, etc.

You'd need to learn something about registering domain names and about hosting the website. A good webdesigner should know more than just how to design a website, and that knowledge could not only save you a lot of time, it could help make your website more effective.

So how do you go about finding a webdesigner?

One way is to simply go to a search engine and look for a webdesigner or web builder. The problem with that is that you may not have a clue who the person or business is. Sometimes that can be a major problem.

Another way is to search for webdesigners in your local area. Check with your local business directory, with the local Chamber of Commerce, with any local business groups.

Perhaps the best way is to ask other business people who have websites who they would recommend.

Once you have a name or list of names, take a look at the portfolio of that person or company. Do you like the feel and design of their websites? Would their style be a fit for your business?

If you like what you see, then contact the company. Tell them what you have in mind and see what they come back with.

Get a sense of whether or not you think you would be able to work well with them. My first experience with a webdesigner was anything but pleasant - and that is not an experience I want to give my clients.

How will you work with them? By e-mail only? Or will you be able to talk to them by phone or in person if need be? How prompt are they at getting back to you?

Think about how much time you may need to give to this. If you come with all the information we've gone through in this Webplanner Dashboard, then there shouldn't be a whole lot more that they will need from you. But there will probably be some communication that needs to take place, and you may need to provide some extra information.

Ask how long they expect it to take to get this website done, providing you give them all the information they need in a timely manner.

For some people, their website is very important to them, so you need to know that they will take your desires into account. At the same time, be prepared to listen to what they have to say. They may well know things that you don't that could make the website better. So try to find someone with whom you can have a cooperative relationship as you get this website done.

Get a clear proposal from them of what they will provide, and what they might expect you to provide. And get that in writing. It's easy in all the back-and-forthing to forget who said or agreed to what. Sometimes changes or additions may need to be made, so be prepared for that.