You want to establish a professional Web presence that reflects the value of your products and services – and you have less than eight seconds to impress Web surfers. It's time to call in a Web designer, someone who can design a credible Web site with all the right elements for your industry.

You'll need a three-pronged approach to finding and selecting a Web designer:

1. Assess your needs. Understand the role of your site, budget and audience. Do you need e-commerce to sell products or just an online brochure?
2. Browse the Web for designs you like. Scan directories, and look at sites in your industry.
3. Get quotes from three designers and evaluate proposals. Ask for itemized costs, so you can compare apples to apples.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Quickly find Web designers in your state and city

Online directories list Web design companies as well as freelancers.

I recommend: Xemion Designer Directory helps small businesses find the right designer with convenient state-by-state listings. If you click on your state, you will also see designers listed by specific cities. Xemion also has helpful information on how to select a professional Web designer, steps to hiring a designer and what to look for in a Web design company.

Consider off-shore sourcing

Designers outside the U.S. typically charge lower rates. If you're on a shoestring budget, and comfortable with e-mail communication, this might be an option.

I recommend: Guru.com is a large online marketplace of freelance talent, directly connecting businesses to more than 500,000 freelancers, including Web designers. Businesses can pay through SafePay Escrow, a process that guarantees satisfaction. Try Getafreelancer.com to find designers in different countries.

Search by niche or category

Some directories let you search for designers with certain attributes, such as nonprofit or women-owned.

I recommend: Find them at WebDesignPlaza.com. You can easily request a free design quote at the site.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Once you find a Web site you like, look for the designer's name at the bottom of the page.
• •  Examine a designer's portfolio for sites made for companies similar to yours – in size, industry, products or services. Look for innovative Web solutions and diversity in design.
• •  Most Web users will access your site via modems, not leased lines. Color graphics take longer to load than text and use up the most computer storage space. Don't lose a potential client with a slow Web site bogged down by a colorful logo or employee photos.