One day, you might want to hire a blog designer.
When doing business online, things can get tricky. There are a lot of scam artist out there and the online marketplace is a hot spot for predators just waiting to get a hold of your money. You have to be a savvy consumer, so you can protect yourself to the best of your ability. Things will happen, there is no end-all way to separate the good from the bad, but the best defense is to always have a strategy in place and to do your research.
One of the biggest purchases you might make as a Blogger will revolve around a designer. Whether you get a complete blog make-over, or just pieces and parts to spice things up. Blog designs can run anywhere from $50 to $500+ depending on the designer you choose and the platform you blog in. I don’t know about you, but that kind of money is a big deal, so I would want to make sure that I get what I pay for. Here are some tips on how to choose the best designer and how to protect yourself from getting scammed.
First, you should know, that I am a blog designer and I would hope, even if you are hiring me ( !! ) that you would take the time to research and put these tips to use.
Tip #1: Shop Around
Have a few designers in mind, make a nice list and keep track of them. Readers – if you have used a designer in the past and would like to leave a referral in the comments, please feel free to do so!
Tip #2: Ask Around
Send out an online query. Ask on twitter, write a post asking for people to give referrals. Inquiring minds want to know and I’m sure your twitter buddies will speak up with all honesty. The best way to find reliable service is from a glowing recommendation, especially if it is from someone you know and trust.
Tip #3: Stalk the Designer
Does the designer have a website? Do they have a twitter account? Do they run their own blog? Stalk them. Check out their portfolio, see what they tweet, see how they blog, pay attention to the tone of their tweets or posts. Google them, include keywords like, unreliable, scam…things like that. See if you get any hits. Look up their company on the BBB. They might not have a listing, because most designers are freelancers, but it doesn’t hurt to give them a look.
Tip #4: Open up lines of communication
Email the designers you are thinking about hiring. Start a conversation. Tell them what you want and ask if they are capable of doing it. Ask them if they have a waiting list, their price list and any other questions you might have. See how they respond, if you get a “funny” feeling, trust your gut. You want to go with a designer that makes you feel at ease and seems like they can deliver what you want. Ask for references and to see their portfolio.
Tip #5: Check Credentials
I will be the first one to say, half the people I graduated with in design school could not hack it as a successful web designer. They are probably still type-setting, or designing business cards at Kinko’s. That being said, to be a designer, you can’t just have a grasp of the programs, you also need talent. There are so many individuals out there that learned Photoshop and then label themselves a designer, just because they can piece together stock photography or someone’s scrap book kit. This is why checking credentials and portfolios is probably the most important part in your quest to hire a designer. How many years have they been designing? Do they have a degree? Have they worked in the field? A freelancer usually charges based on experience…so do your homework. If you have the choice of paying $50 an hour for a designer that has never worked as a full-time designer or $50 an hour for a designer that has over five years experience and they design as their 9 to 5 job, who do you think will return the better product? This is a question you need to ask yourself and weigh all the ramifications. Do you want stock vector art? Or do you want a masterpiece. This is also the time when you have to set a budget. Because if you are on a stock vector budget, you probably won’t be able to afford a masterpiece.
Tip #6: Know what you want
Have your project together in your head. Write down notes on exactly what you want. Look around the internet and get examples of what you want, especially if it includes certain “tricks” and programming. By having your project mapped out it is easier to communicate with your designer.
Tip #7: Know what to expect
There are certain things you should expect when working with a designer. If you know what to expect you can’t be surprised!
- Expect to put down a deposit or pay a retainer fee. Proper freelance business etiquette requires an initial deposit to guarantee that the client does not just “walk away” from the job and leave the designer incurring expenses and time lost. Just like if you were to hire a photographer, plumber or any other professional you’ll need to have a bit of cash on hand to get started. But, never pay the full amount! Starting deposits run from 10% – 55% of the full cost, generally. Most common is usually 50% to start 50% on delivery.
- Contracts. A contract should be written to protect both the client and the designer. A contract should state the EXACT price, not an estimate. How the work is to be delivered, expected timeline. What you will be getting with the price. Number of revisions included in the overall price. Penalties or late payment fees. Refund information. Legal stuff.
- Designers can be quirky, that creative mind kicking. But, they should also be professional. You are paying them to deliver a product, so expect timely responses and a professional delivery of that product. If you don’t hear back from them, don’t be afraid to email again and maybe again…
Good Luck! By doing your research and making a careful decision, hiring a Blog Designer can be one of the best experiences in your blogging career or a total headache.
Reader Question of the Week:
I’m actually embarrassed to write this, but my usual method is to not respond to requests. It used to be my policy that I declined each email. Or as many as I could get to. But..authors started trying to talk me out of my decline. If I would put something like, “I apologize but I regretfully decline your review request. I am currently only accepting science fiction titles with romance included and your synopsis specifically states there is not a romance in the book.” And a response would come that there is actually a romance, it’s just not quite as in-your-face as other titles. After this happened a few times, I just gave up. If the request comes from a third party, PR firm or publisher I will decline, but if it comes directly from the author, usually I ignore. There are just a few too many emails now for me to get to them all and then go back and forth.
Book Blogging News:
This post was inspired by recent events in the Book Blogging community. A very prolific book blogging site, The Book Smugglers were swindled by their blog designer. Swindled out of over $200 with no return on their investment. The designer in question is Anna Marie Moore. You can read about the whole ordeal here. The tragedy of the situation though is within the comments. Over and over again other bloggers admit that Anna Marie Moore did the exact same thing to them. She was sick or she needed to pay her rent, or she just didn’t respond. But, I’m sure she took their money quite quickly, because from all evidence she is a Scam Artist. It is unfortunate that The Smuggler’s had to be the first to post about it, considering the amount of other bloggers that said the same thing happened to them. Maybe if someone would have spoken up earlier?
A few hours after the Smuggler’s post went viral, Anna Marie Moore’s site went blank. It is not a 404 error. It looks like her scripts were deleted, since you do get a 404 when you go for the index.html page. It has been down for days. I would say The Smugglers will not be getting their money back. But, will the site come back when this scandal dies down??
On a side note, Anna Marie Moore first came on my radar, when I noticed she was the one that “quickly” redesigned The Story Siren‘s site after her plagiarism scandal broke. The only reason I noticed this was because TSS’ site was very obviously inspired by Beautifully Invisible‘s user-friendly design. (Since then both sites have been redesigned) Same navigation, placement of sidebar and posts etc. When Beautifully Invisible posted about Kristi’s “creative redistribution of information”, TSS suddenly had a new design. I thought it might be coincidental, maybe I was looking too hard. But, then Anna got on twitter and vehemently defended TSS, in a not very professional way. So, I just assumed like attracts like, right? Frankly, it would probably have been hard to spot Anna Marie Moore’s scamming nature before this news broke. The girl had a good portfolio, did work for other bloggers in the community and authors. Held a 9 to 5 doing design, from what we can tell. That is why when something like this happens we need to report it. Kudos to The Smugglers for coming out with this news. I know it doesn’t get their money back, but they did a good public service. We just have to have long memories. So easy we forget what happens and then these scam artists go right back to doing what they are doing and then getting rewarded for it! I would never think of charging bloggers what Anna Marie Moore charges…yet people paid it and she didn’t even deliver. I would never think of plagiarizing someone else, yet, TSS did that — and she gets rewarded…yeah check this out. Did HarperCollins say they wouldn’t work with plagiarist? Yet they send her a Nook?? But, I guess that is just me being jealous right? *sarcasm*
I digress though.
Good news is that from now on people will know, designers AND bloggers are only as good as their reputation. Once it gets tarnished it is very hard to get back on track. When you Google her name, fraud posts are starting to come up on the second page. She should have learned something from her good buddy Kristi Diehm, considering you Google her name and a Plagiarism posts hits first before even her own blog. I just wish people would Google more…
Happy Thursday. Talk Less. Read More. Design Blog with Integrity.
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What happened to the Book Smugglers is very sad and disgusting to me on the part of the Designer. The thing that bothers me is that this woman has no decency and takes their money because she needs rent money. I also find the fact that the skank who plagarize get a nook and being rewarded. She shouldn’t be rewarded. I think the publishers are sending the message it’s okay to plagarize. It’s not okay. Most bloggers i know work really hard. I just find it sickening to know that sometimes bad behavior gets rewarded, when it shouldn’t be.
I don’t know how anyone can justify just taking people’s money like that with out any return. But, they do it all the time. Most of the bloggers I know work really really hard for what they do to. I’m surprised by the eReader to any blogger…it just seems like much. Unless they figure, now they can send them digital ARCs instead of wasting money on printed ARCs. Saves them money in the long run.
Yeah, but what about NetGalley?
All great advice. I think the hardest thing is knowing what you want.
i think that people see that a designer designed “x’s blog” and they figure that it’s legit. I’m with you though, I just wish people would google more… Book Savvy Babe
Yes, I think she also did come with recommendations. I’ve seen some glowing responses to her design on the web. I’m hoping she just got overwhelmed and didn’t have time to do the designs and had already spent the money — at least that is not as nefarious as knowingly taking money and not expecting to do the design. But, really the end result is the same no matter what the intentions are. She screwed up…I hope she gives back the money.
Do you have any designer recommendations?
I do design work: parajunkee.net
And there are a few other lovely designers out there, like http://iceydesigns.com/ that I know have done a wonderful jobs on the blogs they work on. The only designers I have worked with though, do not do Blog Design…just me.
Aww, Rachel! Thanks for recommending me. <3
Rachel, it all goes to show that pubs really do care about numbers. Why else work with a plagiarist. If that we to happen to me, you can bet I be blacklisted REAL quick. And why not give the nooks to bloggers who actually REVIEW!
Moving on….that bites about the design. Were all hurting financially as well with this economy and to take money is just horrible.
BTW, you made me snort with your “like attracts like” BAHAHAHAHAH!
As always, nice post
Isn’t that terrible Savy? It just makes me want to stamp my feet. Maybe I am a little jealous too..but really. I have no problem seeing blogs like The Book Smuggler’s, or Dear Jane, or Mundie Mom’s get things like that — I guess because it is so obvious they are above board. I’m not jealous when I see there posts. I think it is the deserving level, why do they get them, when they obviously don’t put as much effort into their blogging as other bloggers do? I would totally be blacklisted!! Could you imagine if it came out that I was stealing content for my BB101 posts?
I would be blacklisted, but on top of it — I WOULD BE too embarrassed to blog again. It would be like I was a big lie…how could I take anything that I posted seriously again? Can you tell I’m a little steamed with the situation.
Thanks for the comment. As always you rock.
It’s always sad when someone get scammed, and it’s too bad none of the other bloggers spoke up earlier!
I agree with you on the non-response to review requests. I have even stated on my blog that I will not accept any review requests because I have a huge back-log. I still receive e-mails from authors at least a couple of times per week, though.
I still do accept review requests, because I like to keep things fresh and every now and again I get a WOW synopsis of a book I just love. The FREAKS Squad books I just read are one of them. I would have never found those books if the author hadn’t emailed me and they were FAN-tastic. I feel terrible ignoring request. But I average five requests a day. It adds up. That doesn’t include tour and guest post spam…
Maybe you could do something similar to what Kathy @ Iamareadernotawriter does. She has a list of bloggers (who signed up) who accept indie requests and if she’s not interested, then she gives the author her preset list of people that might be interested.
First as far as designers go, I think I spent six months checking out your portfolio pages before finally deciding to choose you for the print work. Once I was how professional you were, that’s when I entrusted you with my web stuff. So I totally agree that researching a designer is key. Checking out the portfolio and possibly reaching out to their clients to see if there were any issues – timing, understanding, etc.
For your site you’re entrusting someone with a login and the ability to mess with the formatting and if they aren’t pros they could really leave your site in the lurch. So I totally agree with all your points.
But if you’re looking for something inexpensive, i.e., someone who works with a kit, or buying a pre-made template are good alternatives. In that regard you get what you pay for, but it’s a good option if money is an issue.
I’ve worked with 3.5 designers (the 1/2 because the other was someone I hired for friends) and the three all delivered, gave me exactly what I wanted. One was a month off the estimated time but I wasn’t rushed so it wasn’t an issue. And sadly the designer for my friends didn’t work out so well, but did refund the money when it didn’t. So I didn’t encounter scam artists.
Thanks for calling attention to the AMM situation. I had no idea. I saw her design on a blog I’d recently come to know about through various tours and it seemed as if she was legitimate. Wow. Just wow. While she wasn’t a designer I would have used based upon the fact that her aesthetic and mine are a bit different, her portfolio gave legitimacy to her work.
Am going to read the Smuggler’s blog post. Thanks for the heads up!
And shameless plug: Yes, you are an amazing designer. I haven’t “met” the designer in the blogosphere with as much raw talent and expertise as you have. Every design you have created for me is one that I love, love, love! And as they’re all so very different, it shows your talents have no limit.
Oh, and… sorry for never having a plan or ANY idea of what I want to do when I approach you for design work.
Rachel you make me blush… and I know a ton of struggling designers that I went to school with. Some are my really good friends a few are my relatives. We’ve all gone in different directions. I actually met my husband in design school and his job is so different from mine. All are reliable and I would trust to recommend them if their talent goes in the direction needed. This is just a shame. I’ve been trying to talk my cousin and my BFF into joining my blog design ranks — but when I mention things like PHP, CSS and CMS they kinda freak out…
Ugh, I just read and heard all about this scandal a few weeks back- I actually found it direct from Beautifully Invisible when I was reading a great post there about how to change blogging platforms. Didn’t know it had blown up so much in the book blogging world!
I’m living under a rock or something because I haven’t been to The Story Siren, but now that I know about this, I highly doubt that I ever will. You’re only as good a blogger and person as you let yourself be. Disgusted by this designing scam, The Book Smugglers get all my sympathy. Legit designers are so hard to find, but everyone thinking of designing should invest time in it.
I agree with you on Harper Collins’ e-Readers- really does seem like much! With The Story Siren being such a big blog, maybe the hue and cry that we’re raising isn’t reaching the publishers? Or does HC know about this already?
But wait! Pre-rant that distracted me, the post you wrote is great! Creds and talent does matter! I design my own blog (which is why it’s kind of all over the place) and if a mere Photoshop degree was sufficient, I’d be designing too. New bloggers looking for designers fall into a trap usually, they just don’t come out and say it. So this post really helps
It’s already Friday in India, so happy Friday 
I redid my blog this past summer and used likelylola.com and had a very good experience
. Thank you so much for the blog post! I didn’t look into all of these things when I was doing my redesign, but Laura is a good egg and turned around my website in two weeks. She does ask for the full amount up front, but that is something that I actually saw with a lot of designers, so I find it interesting that you are so vehemently against it. I agree that it made me a bit uncomfortable, since it doesn’t keep the client safe at all, but, again, I saw A LOT of designers with that policy unfortunately….
+JMJ+
As you know, PJ, you did my header, which I love! Thanks again!
I’ve also worked with Lori of Imagination Designs (not for my book blog, though) and would recommend her to anyone who likes scrapbook designs.
Call me naive, but although I consider myself a cautious person, I never think to google designers. Before I chose to work with you and Lori, I just checked out your portfolios and decided I liked what I saw. I’m just glad I didn’t have to learn about this extra step the hard way!
PS — I remember that tweet from Anna Marie Moore because Jane L retweeted it at the time, but I didn’t remember her name and realise you meant the same person until I checked the link just now. But jeez, right?
I’ve very saddened by what happened to the Book Smugglers and the other bloggers. No one should have to deal with that and she did seem very legit.
The eReader thing throws me. What kind of message is that sending? That it’s okay to steal things and you get rewarded?
I think your work speaks for itself and YOu did mine
But I saw your work , and I didn’t go research as much as I could have . I have seen AMM stuff and it was okay.
Yes I guess its all about the numbers because the publisher does like to reward those that cheat, and take stuff. I can bet if it was anyone else we would be blacklisted in a heartbeat. I am glad that some other well deserving bloggers got the ereaders , but thanks to them..THEY brought up all the hurt, anger , and feelings. May be they thought we had forgotten ??
Glad that the Book Smugglers did that PSA about her work or non work
When I decided I wanted to have my site redesigned, I spent time watching your design site, Rachel. I checked out your portfolio, I stalked your blog design releases and twitter. That’s how I got to know your design rep, and then I got on the waitlist and had you do mine. It was the easiest, best experience.
*stands on soapbox….dusts shoes off*
This whole design debacle with AMM really pisses me off. I’ve seen her designs, I thought they were well-done. Had I known I was admiring the work of a scammer, I’d have never bothered another look at her page again.
All that aside, what truly fucks with my head is that Anna used all those excuses to not deliver a refund: rent, rent, rent. Seriously, come off it. I was poor at one time, but I made sure I never owed anyone money….and I CERTAINLY never swindled anyone out of their money. I didn’t stoop to theft, and that’s basically what she is: a thief. But really, how hard would it have been for her to just design their site?
AAAAAAND….Kristi got an e-reader after the whole plagairism scandal? Where the hell was I for this? WTF Harper?
Meh. You know what? That’s okay, she still lost a ton of traffic; I meandered over to her site the other day when I noticed someone else had taken over the Debut Author Challenge, and it appears that not only did she give that up, but she’s doing less promo, more reviews, and she is posting less. Less ads on her site. And her IMM traffic is still down. Call me catty, but a part of me is glad she suffered the consequences of her actions. Everyone should have to.
Birds of a feather and all that.
*gets off soapbox*
Thanks for bringing this to light. *rolls eyes about Siren* The Smuggler’s are sweet and I hate that they got hurt, but totally agree with you on how to choose a designer. I think it’s really important that people speak up when they have legit issues like this…Heather is totally right, you see a blog with an awesome design and think it’s cool. Research and word of month are so important.
That’s absolutely gross that she would do this to people over and over again. I’m glad someone finally said something. I’m really glad that I have a few options that I already know of and that I would go to first before I would look at other blog designers.
As a web designer myself, I was completely appalled by this new revelation. I didn’t get to read the comments that people were saying because I was thoroughly disgusted with that designer. I even thought her work was pretty and simple. Knowing she’s a scam artist just makes me so mad. I admired her work..I felt the same way when Story Siren came to light..Like a slap in the face to know the people you admire are two faced. I really don’t understand why people do this.How can they even wake up and look at themselves in the mirror. Karma is going to get back at you ten fold people.
And about Harper..It’s sad to say that they believe numbers work in their favour which is completely misleading. I’d rather work with people who value the quality instead of quantity of work. What a crazy world we live in.All we can really do is just keep at it, and do what we love to do..READ BOOKS
(Yes I’m being positive here because I have to be!)
I agree with you about the karma. I had a particularly nasty co-worker and I watched as her life slowly unraveled. The sad thing was, that everyone didn’t really give her any sympathy, because she was so two-faced. It is a shame about Harper. Maybe they don’t know. Maybe they don’t care. I’m pretty sure a few people emailed them about her.
I may need some Parajunkee in my life someday, though!
I do love your work. I looooove Fiktshun’s blogs you’ve created. My Reading Pile was my favorite. I hope she incorporates that layout and the cuteness in one of her remaining blogs. 
All of it just makes me want to stick to myself and not trust anyone. Then I can’t get hurt or jealous, right? (side note…I had a great relationship built with my blog designer before I even thought I needed a design. Whew!)
I’m really sorry that the Book Smuggler gals lost out. That is pure crapola!
There are a lot more good people out there then bad people. Unfortunately the bad people get more attention. Good for you with your own designer.
I can’t believe what happened with the whole Anna Marie Moore thing – I don’t understand why a person would just ruin their reputation like that. But then again, she could come back as someone else and do the same thing.
No matter what you hear, do your own research. Ask around on Twitter – in my opinion, there’s where you can get the best advice.
I guess that is the power of the internet. But – I’m pretty sure that is her real name…
I just heard about the AMM scandal from a friend who got ripped off by her. She seemed reliable since she did some author web pages as well but apparently not. As you said, maybe she’s backlogged but either way, it’s not okay to take people’s money and not produce products.
Also, it’s the first time I’m hearing about TSS getting sent a Nook. What the heck, HarperCollins?!
I think everyone got those yesterday, so I just heard about it this morning. Yes, what is that about!?
I’ve never hired anyone for blog design work, but I got scammed by my first “cover artist” this summer when I wanted to get the cover designed for Sealer’s Promise. You can read all about that fiasco here.
On a positive note, I would strongly recommend Robin Ludwig Design Inc. for this. Robin did a beautiful job, was extremely helpful in turning my ideas into something I totally love and had the design done quickly. The entire process was extremely stress free, which was great after what happened to me over the summer. Highly recommended.
My heart goes out to all who have been scammed by this designer. That’s just not right. It’s sad that we must be so cautious in this world, but that caution is, alas, a necessity.
That is terrible Kathy! I’m so sorry to hear it. I’ll go and read that post.
I love Robin. She is nice person along with a fabulous designer. I know she focuses on covers though, right? Which she excels at! I also love me some Trish – Pickyme — awesome person and designer. I got to meet them briefly at AAD.
This is my first time hearing about the AMM scamming scandal and I am just plain shocked. Good for the Book Smugglers for letting more people know about it!
And as for TSS getting a nook…. seriously?!
Seriously?
Wow. You’d think that HarperCollins would take her plagiarism into consideration and think about what kind of message this sends…
I don’t know where I have been, I didn’t know about The Story Siren, I am sad about that too because her blog is one I first started following when I started my blog. I honestly didn’t expect that from her.
I am glad Book Smugglers spoke out, so no one else gets taken by her again. I was fortunate I found a great designer, Ana from Bishhy Designs, she was incredible to work with.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my question
I have a small/growing blog and recently I have gotten many book review requests and some just haven’t been my usual genre of interest. I got all conflicted. Should I respond? And if I do how would I do it? This really helped me solve this dilemma. Thanks again!
Amazing post as usual dude! You know I was scammed by Anna too, so you know where I stand on that front!
It KILLS me how many people refer to themselves as designers because their husband’s bought them PS and they’re thinking “I’m good to go”. I’ve been learning PS and Illustrator for 7 years now- and I still don’t know HALF of what I COULD!
That stuff regarding Anna Marie Moore makes me sick. How can anyone take people’s money for a service, not provide the service, and then say that they can’t refund it because they need to pay their rent??? THE MONEY IS NOT RIGHTFULLY YOURS TO KEEP IF THE SERVICE IS NEVER PROVIDED. Also, maybe the people who the money DOES belong to need to pay their bills as well, yeah? I mean, WTF? “Yeah sorry, I’m just going to keep your money to pay my bills with. Hope you understand. I’ll get back to you in approximately never.” WHO THINKS LIKE THAT? I just don’t even. Disgusted, thoroughly.
Once again an amazing and informative post.
I have to tell you Rachel that the only reason I didn’t use you is because I thought if I did you would know how crazy, picky, anal I am and since we were both book bloggers, I didn’t want you to think that way about me! I’ve been very fortunate with the designer I have been using, but before I chose, I did do a lot of the research you suggested. I am so sorry that SO many people were swindled by this person. I have had similar situations and I do empathize.
I think the Book Smugglers were very courageous coming out like that. I’m not sure I could, but I think that once something like that “breaks” others feel validated and others feel warned.
And very interesting on your side note. To be honest, it’s a numbers game.