How to Choose the Right Yahoo! Store Designer

Before you jump in head first to redesign your Yahoo! Store, take the time to find the right fit for your business needs. Not all Yahoo! Store Designers are created equally. Some specialize in back-end data solutions, while others focus on the front-end user interface customization.

To help you get started, here are a few bullet points that we have found to be helpful over the years.

1) Identify known issues with your existing Yahoo! Store, especially those that affect usability
2) Identify at least 5 sites that your company wants to be like
3) Identify at least 2 competitors that are doing a good job
4) Interview Yahoo! Stores Designers that offer consultation services as well as graphic design and implementation. Find the right fit for your company by looking for someone that makes you feel comfortable, has an understanding of e-commerce, and is willing to take the time to understand your unique needs.
5) Choose a budget for your redesign and share that with your consultant
6) Work with your Yahoo! Store designer to prepare mock-ups for your store

The first three suggestions above help you to become a better client. The more you know about what you want, the better a true consultant will be able to help you. These items are pretty clear, so I won't explain them in detail.

Choosing your budget and being upfront and honest with your Consultant will help both of you. A good consultant will help you to maximize your budget by purchasing services that will help to increase your conversion rate as quickly as possible. After all, increased profits is the reason you're doing the redesign, right? Be sure that your budget is realistic. For example, package websites start in the $3000 range, and custom websites start in the $5000 range. Remember, this is your business that you're building, so don't be cheap.

Once you have chosen a budget, now is the time to start developing your mockups with your Yahoo! Store Designer. An experienced Yahoo! Expert will be able to combine your dreams and your budget to come up with a great online storefront.