If you have no experience in web design but have been given the responsibility for hiring a creative professional, you may feel a little intimidated about what to expect or unsure about what you really want.

Below are some questions that you can answer yourself before you start making enquiries.

1. Who will be responsible for maintaining the website or providing new content?

Any designer worth their salt will take into account the level of expertise that you or your colleagues have when it comes to these matters. A website should be easy to update for somebody with absolutely no web design experience.

2. Do you already have a logo or branded materials such as business cards, stationary?

You may already have some quality design work from other occasions that you would like integrated; otherwise having a logo specially created may be an additional cost that you will need to factor in.

3. What is your approximate allocated budget?

Most people have no idea at all about the true cost of creating a web site and usually vastly underestimate it. Today we are hooked on online price comparison services and so cost is our only decision factor. Web design isn't a mass manufactured product, but the work of an individual craftsman. Yes there are lots of cheap deals out there but remember - you get what you pay for.

4. Do you feel your current website promotes a favourable user experience? What shortcomings exist on your current website?

If you already have a website then write a complete list about what you don't like about it; then you'll have a fair idea about how the new site should look.

5. Will the existing website content be used?

You may need to spend some time writing new content because the current material either needs to be refreshed or is out of date.

6. What colours and/or imagery convey the personality and tone of your business?

Most websites are made up for two or three colours. If you are unsure about what colour scheme you want take a look at these CSS colours: www.w3schools.com/css/css_colornames.asp

7. What do you like and dislike about your competitors websites? Are there any particular websites that you like? Why? (specific page elements, colours, typography, photos, etc.)

What aspects of other websites do you like and why? Create a list of all features from both competitors and other sites.

8. Do you have any professional photos ready for the new website or do you need to purchase stock photography?

There are a number of photo libraries but using these services will add extra cost to your budget. It may be the case that you already have some photos that you can use.

Above are some ideas to think about before you approach a web designer. They are by no means exhaustive on the subject, but they are a good starting point if you are a little green in this area.