Our last post on choosing the right web designer focused on things from our perspective as a web services provider. Over the last year we've listened to the comments and feedback from our clients and decided it was time to do a new list, from their perspective. So if you're in the market for a website, how would you pick the best web designer for the job?

Find an expert who knows their limitations

You're hiring an expert in web services for their knowledge, but you are still the person who knows your business and therefore your target audience the best. A good designer will solicit your input, ask about your goals and how you want to reach your customers. They should also be willing to suggest new ideas based on their expertise. They should recognize that you have intimate knowledge of your own business and let you be their guide. Designers who are unwilling to listen to your input may still produce an excellent website, but it is unlikely to be the best fit for your goals.

Make sure you hear the word "No"

You're choosing a web designer to meet a need, not to be your lapdog. Sure, its nice to have someone who's agreeable, but that's not what you're paying for. A good designer will be willing to tell you when your ideas aren't going to work. They should be able to provide reports and studies to back up their suggestions and present alternate solutions. Creative designers may even suggest testing multiple methods of delivering the same functionality and letting the statistics show you what's going to work best for your target goals.

Prompt, professional, personable

Web designers come in every shape, size and flavor. For some, designing is a full time job while for others it may be freelancing or work done in their spare time. Levels of professionalism can vary from person to person, so check out prior projects and references to ensure you're comfortable with the way your designer works. If you have strict deadlines and streamlined projects, you'll want someone who's able to meet those deadlines and communicate well. However, if you're just considering putting up a website for your hobby, you may not be concerned going a few days or a week between contact.

Speak the same language

There's nothing worse than working with an expert who speaks in technical terms that the layman can't understand. Don't let yourself be dazzled by all the acronyms and other jargon; there's nothing worse than getting partway into a project only to find out that you aren't getting what you wanted. A good designer should explain things plainly and be willing to answer any questions you might have.

And more

We certainly haven't covered all the things to consider when choosing a web designer; if you have any tricks or tips or even a horror story of a choice gone wrong, please leave us a comment. We'd love to hear from you.

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• Need a web designer? Things you should look out for... (tomdoyletalk.com)
• 10 Things Clients Look For In a Design Portfolio (noupe.com)
• 7 Do's & Don'ts For Working With A Technical SEO During A Redesign (searchengineland.com)