For a major project, have two or more firms submit proposals. There's far more to think about than just the site's appearance. Remember, however, things said in sales presentations aren't binding unless they're in the contract. Include functional specifications, such as the site's loading speed, whether it's compatible with Web browsers customers might use, and whether users will be able to place orders online. Before signing a contract, work with the developer to draw up specifications that include sketches of the site's design and functions of the various buttons.
Every site needs a domain name, the address customers use to access the site.
It's important to ensure that the domain name is registered under your business name, not the Web site developer's. The easiest way to accomplish this is to register it yourself. Under the Copyright Act of 1976, all rights to a created work belong to the author or creator unless otherwise provided in a contract. Since a Web site counts as intellectual property, be sure to address the question of rights before it's created. Although this is a common practice in the industry, don't assume it's in the contract.