So, you have decided to get your businesses website online and have finally purchased your domain name.
Getting that domain name was tricky since a lot of them were already taken and you didn't have too many choices left.
When it comes to picking a professional web designer you have a lot more choices available to you, but how do you know which one is the best one for your website? Here are some suggestions when you are looking around.

• Are they located near you?Sometimes that is not important but to some people it is the utmost importance.
  Some people absolutely need to be able to meet face-to-face with whoever they work with while others realize that the web allows you to work with anyone across the world.
  
• Do they have an established portfolio? If you go to their site and they only have a few websites that they have developed then that is not a good sign.
  Some web designer sites I have come across don't even have any.
  
• How does their own site look?Is it professional, error free and pleasant to look at?You would be surprised how many web designer sites have terrible looking and performing websites.
  
• How long have they been in business?Did they just startup or have they been around for years.
  Experience does count for something, unless of course you are running for the president of the United States.
  :)
• Can they provide you with references? You should always ask for references from every company that you do business with, not just web design companies.
  Ask them for some.
  To do even more due diligence you can check some of the companies listed in their portfolio.
  
• How is their pricing?Sometimes you shouldn't always compare pricing against other providers in a creative type of business.
  You shouldn't necessarily judge a company on pricing alone.
  You need to take into account several different factors when making your decision based on price.
  

These are just some suggestions if you are looking for a web designer.
Make sure you feel totally comfortable with whoever you decide to go with.