1. what you want to accomplish
2. how much you are willing to pay for it

It's the document you will post on job boards and send to prospective designers.

The RFP is also your game plan. A well written RFP helps accomplish your objectives by focusing your efforts. Every successful endeavor starts with a thoughtful plan, and a Web design project is no exception.

To get the best possible candidates for your project, make sure you include all 5 Essential Elements of a Web Design RFP.

• Send Your RFP Everywhere
  Once you've written your RFP, send it to as many prospective contractors as possible. In addition to posting at job boards, spend some time seeking out designers whose portfolios you like. You want to have the luxury of having too many options.

  Here are a few ways to find qualified candidates:

  1. Post on as many of the top 10 Web designer job boards as you can.
  2. If you run into a website design you love, send the designer an RFP. Don't forget to email the designers of the sites you link to in your RFP.
  3. Visit sites where designers hang out, and check out the portfolios of its members. If you run into a portfolio you love, send them an RFP. Popular Web design communities include A List Apart, Site Point, Talk Freelance, and FreelanceSwitch.
  4. Email your RFP to friends and associates. And encourage them to send it to their designer acquaintances.
  5. Ask your competitors for recommendations. They may have a website with needs very similar to yours. Most people are happy to share recommendations. It doesn't hurt to ask.

  Wait a few days for the applications to filter in before making your decision. Once you have a few dozen options, the next step is to vet each designer carefully to get the most qualified designer for your project and budget.

• Choose a Web Designer
  Now that you've sent your request out to the Web you will start to receive proposals. The challenge is getting the biggest talent for your design budget.

  Don't hire the first decent designer to come along. There is a very large pool of candidates scattered across a wide spectrum of talent and expertise.

  Here are 5 tips for choosing the best possible Web designer for your particular needs and budget. Since you probably don't have the budget for a do-over, choose carefully.

  1. Reject anyone that doesn't follow directions.
  2. Reject anyone with a casual or unprofessional tone.
  3. Look through their portfolios.
  4. Get references from previous clients.
  5. Choose someone you would enjoy working with.

  After narrowing your choices down to one, you're nearly ready to get to designing. Before you begin work, however, make sure you have a bulletproof agreement with your designer.

• Sign a Bulletproof Contract
  A good contract establishes expectations for both sides, thus minimizing disputes in the future.

  Quickly, here are the 6 Essentials of a Web Design Contract:

  1. A few milestones and a final deadline
  2. Specific deliverables
  3. At least 3 concepts
  4. At least 3 revisions
  5. Payment -- half up front, half on delivery
  6. You own copyright to all work product

  It will be up to the designer to provide a contract. They will probably cut-and-paste parts of your RFP into the contract. Don't just sign it! Read the entire contract and make sure you'll get what you need. Even minor issues should go into the agreement to avoid problems with spotty memories.

  With the contract signed and filed, it's time to get down to work.

• Working With a Web Designer
  This is when all your hard work pays off! You've found the perfect designer who understands your needs and produces high quality work. Congratulations! Now it's time to actually go through the design process.

  What you want to get is the best possible website from your hired talent. Don't expect the designer to have all the answers. Their job is to translate your vision into something visually appealing and operational. Your job is to provide direction.

  Here are a few other tips for working with designers:

  • Trust the professional. That's why you're paying them. Don't waste your time and money by micro-managing. Offer your opinions but also give them the freedom to be creative.
  • Speak up! While you should let the pros do what they do best, it is your website and your money at stake here. Don't be afraid to ask questions and share your opinion.
  • Be quick and decisive. Nothing slows down the momentum in a Web development project like an unresponsive and wishy-washy client.
  • Be patient but firm. The bigger the project, the more likely delays will happen. Be patient if your designer is genuinely trying to meet deadlines, but be firm about requiring periodic updates from them. It is their responsibility, and just common courtesy, to keep you updated and informed.

Building a website requires a major commitment in time and money, and can be a source of great frustration. But if you're willing to put in the work and follow the tips in this article, you will be rewarded with a beautiful website that boosts your bottom line.

- Article by Wale Bello