In design, as in life, there are some relationships that start out well, but ultimately go nowhere. But while the bookstores are practically overflowing with advice on when and how to get rid of that not-so-special someone, deciding to shed your web designer can be a little bit trickier. Who’s to say you can find another professional to take their place? What if you can’t afford someone else, or if it takes them too long to learn about your business?

Here are four solid signs that you should be looking for a new web designer – whether you’re looking at their first proposal, or they have been designing your site for years:

Their own site is terrible. In my mind, this is an enormous red flag. It’s absolutely amazing how many supposedly “professional” web designers and web design companies have sites that look, well… terrible. If they can’t even be troubled enough to do quality work on their own website – which should be their most important sample – then what can you expect them to do for you?

They don’t return your calls or emails. Next to talent and hard work, consistent communication is one of the foundations of a good website. As designers, we can only start with what we think looks good and will work for you; it’s up to the client to let us know if we are on the right track. And yet, it’s not unusual to hear of customers having to place half a dozen phone calls just to find out what’s going on with their project. That should tell you everything you need to know about the working relationship going forward.

Their proposal is vague. If you’ve been working with your designer or team for years, then having the exact wording on an agreement might not be your biggest concern (although it’s still a good idea, since spelling out the terms can prevent confusion and disagreements later.) But if a proposal you receive from a new vendor doesn’t specify exactly what will be done, by when, and for how much, then be sure to ask yourself why that is. At the very least, you should insist that these details be put in writing; but a vague agreement could be a big clue that you’re working with someone who doesn’t have their act together – or doesn’t want to be bound by specific agreement.

They have given you low quality work. While this one should speak for itself, I’ve met too many marketers and business owners who have been persuaded to give a lazy design team “just one more try.” Granted, not every layout or concept is going to be to the client’s taste. But even so, the difference between great work and a bunch of code and images that have been slapped together is usually pretty easy to see. Your time is money, and working with someone who isn’t going to give you their best effort won’t help you reach any of your business goals.

Having a bad designer or team on your company’s payroll is a drag on your productivity – not to mention the bottom line. It might be hard to cut ties with someone who isn’t pulling their weight, but the sooner you do, the more quickly you can get someone who will build a site that looks and works like it should.

Would you like a free web design quote?  MaryDesigns clients are all satisfied with both our creative work and quick response time!