Web Designer Reputation: Convincing the World You Know What You're Doing
May 5th, 2008 in Business & Process
by: Matthew Griffin
The legitimacy of web design as a profession is firmly established at this point. But in many ways it's still a vocation in limbo. We're caught somewhere between computer science and art—two fields that have previously been viewed as polar opposites. And specializing in either of them doesn't necessarily qualify you to be a web designer. Some of us work alone managing all the aspects of web design from start to finish. Some of us work on teams where all the little parts of web design process are broken out and divvied up. But in the end we all end up with a similar product—a website. So how do you build up a reputation in an industry that has no real standard—where similar products are being produced by such a diverse group of people with diverse skill sets? In this article, I'm going to list and discuss five areas that require serious consideration if you want a good reputation as a web designer.
Work and Conduct
This is the most obvious and effective way to build up your reputation. The concept is simple: produce excellent work and don't act like a baby. Consistently accomplishing these two tasks will create lasting buzz around your work that will produce clients who respect your talent. This is true whether you're an independent freelancer or an employee. If you focus completely on the quality of your work and the way you conduct yourself in business, you will have a good reputation and you will be successful. You could honestly forget about the other items on this list and live happily ever after. But let's continue anyway.
Web Design Awards
Since there is no official acedemic degree in web design, the next best thing is the web award. But If you're going to pursue this track, keep in mind that it's a crowded scene and there's no real guarantee that winning an award will produce meaningful business relationships or employment. It's risky. On the other hand, it never hurts to have a Webby Award in your back pocket to flash around when you need establish your competency. My recommendation is just to build great websites. If one happens to be exceptional and you think it could win an award, submit it. Just don't put all your eggs in this basket.
Blogging
Blogging is really a no-brainer for web designers. But it's common for us to think that just because we can't do it full-time and make a living on it, we shouldn't mess with it at all. This isn't true. If you work as a web designer, then you have meaningful experiences that other designers could benefit from. If that means posting once a week or once a month, do it. A blog has a multi-faceted effect. First, would-be clients will be more likely to select you when they see you speaking intelligently about your craft. Second, other web designers who benefit from your blog will be more likely to choose you as a collaboration partner for future projects. And lastly, with every new post, you're getting your name out there. It's important to be visible if you want to build up a good reputation.
Online Social Networking
Social networking and social media are big buzz words right now, but they are very important to managing an online reputation. You don't need to be involved in all of them. In fact, I don't think that's even possible anymore with social networking sites popping up every other day. Choose a few that are more specific to web design and stay involved. Answer questions and make friends. Also, make sure that you have a consistent image across all the social sites. Use the same avatar and the same user-name if possible. Help your friends and peers recognize you when they jump from one site to another. This helps build a strong singular online image.
Guarding Your Name
When we hear the term "identity theft" these days, we automatically think about credit card theft and fraudulent loans. But just as common is social identity theft. It just takes one jerk using your identity to stir up trouble online that can severely damage your reputation. There are actually several paid services that guard your online identity but you can also set up a Google alert on your name, user name, business name, etc. to keep tabs on where and who is using your name. It's easy, it's fee. There's no reason not to do it.
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Comments
Posted By: Tane Piper on 05/05/08
Some great point there! I've been doing the same, giving myself an 'online persona enema' by cleaning up my site and my social network profiles.
Posted By: Jeff Johnson on 05/05/08
Great article Matt! You are so right about the first point. I have been hired more for my reputation as a trustworthy designer than for all other reasons put together.
Posted By: website design on 05/05/08
t's amazing how many web design companies are pure mystery. You can't even tell what country many of them are originating from. I'm active in my community and my business reputation as a web designer is important to me. Over 70% of my web clients come from satisfied clients who have referred me to other business owners. You certainly don't want to have a "mystery design company" working on your web site and then suddenly disappear. Believe me! I've had many people come to me as clients because they can't get their project completed, or timely updates made to their existing sites.
Posted By: on 05/05/08
Thanks for the comments, everyone. I'm glad this strikes a chord. I think it's a very important issue in our work.
Posted By: Jeff O'Connor on 05/05/08
Terrific article, Matt. The only thing I was hoping to see you comment on that wasn't included was off-line activities and networking. It's ironic and a little sad, but in a technological backwater like Detroit (speaking from a Web perspective anyway) that has had few Web success stories and a disproportionate share of spectacular Web failures (Covisit, Ford's ill-fated Everest project), even technophiles still seem to prefer meeting face-to-face. I'm guessing that this is probably true in other places throughout the Rust Belt or where there's just not a critical mass of IT folks.
Posted By: on 05/05/08
Absolutely, Jeff. Living in West Texas has taught me the importance of local face-to-face networking. As it relates to reputation, though, I think my first point is the most important part of maintaining a good local reputation. You made a good point and I'll consider writing an article sometime in the future that focuses more on local face-to-face networking.
Posted By: Gary Good on 05/10/08
Very good advice. As you say, blogging takes time and can be a hassle. But, using a blog to demonstrate your knowledge sets you as an "expert." This is the same reason many companies produce newsletters. Regarding web awards, although some clients are impressed with them, many couldn't care less. Awards don't measure the effectiveness of web sites. Smart companies want an attractive web site, but more importantly they want an effective web site. Data that demonstrates the effectiveness of web sites you've developed are more impressive to clients than awards.