When you need a web site, it's time to decide who will create it. If you have the technical knowledge or the money to hire full-time web staff, you can develop the site yourself. But if you're like most small businesses, you'll want to outsource the work.

Be careful while hiring a designer. A poorly designed web site can cost you money, drive away customers and hurt your reputation. Follow a few basic steps to increase your odds of hiring a creative, technically savvy and cost-effective design firm.

First you assess your needs. You can hire contractors to create, implement and maintain your site. If your site will serve only as an online brochure, consider outsourcing the creation and implementation, while handling future maintenance, like fixing broken links etc. Be realistic about your own goals and growth plans so you know whether to hire a long-term or a short-term contractor. Secondly, you make a research on all candidates' work so you can evaluate their potential. Once you've found a few designers you like -- through recommendations, Web directories or competitors' sites -- evaluate their online portfolios and fees. A site doesn't have to be flashy to do its job, but you must appreciate the designer's design sense. Also, consider hiring a firm familiar with your particular industry. Evaluate their services. Decide if the designer meets your needs. If you want to sell your products online, look for proven e-commerce experience. If you're considering a one-person firm, see if designer has the skills necessary to create everything you need. On the other hand, will you get lost in the shuffle at a larger firm with lots of other clients? Determine what extras the firms offer, such as copywriting, marketing and other services. It is better you meet the designer in person. Your web design firm, whether a one-person shop or a multinational company, is going to present your web persona to the world. You must be able to work collaboratively. Just ascertain whether they listen to your needs, they explain issues in ways you can understand, know your industry and share your vision for the site.

Checking references might help you in the selection of a good designer. Browsing a company's work is helpful, but you also want to know how they work. A Web design firm can be the most creative in the world, but if it never finishes your site, it won't help you much. Call past clients and confirm if the design firm adhered to deadlines, met their requests, was responsive to suggestions and questions, fixed problems promptly and worked within the original budget.

A strong sense of marketing, formal education or professional background in graphic design or interactive design, quick-loading sites, clear ranking and organization of information, knowledge of usability and accessibility principles,  employment of search engine optimization techniques, excellent business skills and personable and professional demeanor are some extra qualities a designer should possess.

Over the past year, hundreds of Web design firms of all sizes have merged, cut back their operations or simply closed. Although it's not sure whether a firm will be around in the future, you have a right to ask questions if you expect to build a long-term relationship. You should also ask whether a designer will accept payment in stages or whether they'll demand most of their payment up front.