Anybody can learn to write HTML code. It's just not that hard. But not everyone who writes HTML can design/develop a website.

Whether you build your website in-house, or outsource it, you will have to determine if the person(s) doing the job have the type of expertise required to complete your site.

• A Graphics Designer is someone who is an artist/Illustrator for products such as publications, computer programs, interactive media, web design, packaging, exhibitions, and signage.
  
  Choose a Graphics Designer if:
  
  1. You need to create professional quality artwork for your website
  2. You need to create professional quality visuals for interactive media on your website.

• A WEB Designer implements and maintains Web sites using authoring and scripting languages, content creation and management tools, and digital media.
  
  Choose a WEB Designer if:
  
  1. You want an Internet website
  2. You need to create a front end for WEB based applications

• A WEB Programmer builds client- and server-side Web applications using Rapid Application Development tools and component technologies to implement two-tier database connectivity solutions.
  
  Choose a WEB Programmer if:
  
  1. Your site is already developed and you need a specific WEB based application written
     
  2. You need assistance in modifying current WEB based applications/reports

• An Enterprise Developer builds n-tier database and legacy connectivity solutions for Web applications, using Java, Java application programming interfaces (APIs), Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) solutions, middleware tools, and distributed object models.
  
  Choose an Enterprise Developer:
  
  1. Your site is already developed and you need a specific WEB based application written
     
  2. You need assistance in modifying current WEB based applications/reports
  3. You need access to back-end legacy systems
  4. You need to combine data from various sources for web access
  5. You are developing an Extranet application

• A WEB Developer is a master at optimizing web site structure and interactivity. Employs database tools and custom applications to enable the site to deliver the highest quality experience to the user.
  
  Choose a WEB Developer if:
  
  1. You need a complex website
  2. You need an e-commerce site (B2B or B2C)
  3. You want a portal site
     
  4. You need a shopping cart or database access
  5. You need access to /or are building/modifying an Intranet or Extranet
  6. You need an interactive website
  7. You need/want WEB based/enabled applications

• A WEB Master is a practitioner of web communication. Is responsible for all aspects of an organization's web presence, including web content development, technical operations, and business management. May have specific areas of expertise, but is most valuable as a generalist who can manage all aspects of web operations.
  
  Choose a WEB Master if:
  
  1. You need a complex website
  2. You need an e-commerce site (B2B or B2C)
  3. You want a portal site
     
  4. You need a shopping cart or database access
  5. You need access to /or are building/modifying an Intranet or Extranet
  6. You need an interactive website
  7. You need to combine different types of WEB based delivery
     (HTML, PDF, Audio/Video streaming, etc.)
  8. You need/want WEB based/enabled applications
  9. You need advice/help determining/writing website content
  10. You need a long-range plan for your WEB business
  11. You need advice/help integrating your website with your brick and mortar business

See what they've done

Ask for a resume and a list of websites they have done. The list does not have to be long, but there must be a list. What you are looking for, is the quality of the work.

If you are not sure what to look for, begin surfing the web. Look at the sites of your competitors. Compare them with other sites you have seen. Make a list of what you like and don't like.

Then review the sites the designer/developer has done (including their own):

• Does the site look professional?
• Is it easy to navigate?
• Is the site intuitive, or do you need help in understanding how to use it?
• Are the sites unique to each company, or do all the sites look alike?
• Would you go back to this site if you needed more information about the company or product(s)?