If you have paid for paysite designs, I have a question!
 

How do you know when you hire a designer, that his/her design will convert?

Is it "instinct" or just that youve been in the industry so long that you can tell? Or is it content that sells and the design just needs to look great?

I have been in the industry for quite a while (but not for long compared to many here Id guess) but Ive mainly been an affiliate, and with that, its hit and miss. Some sites sell even though I never thought they would, and some dont sell even though I figured they would. Thats why Im asking a question that I probably should know by now. I admit my fail :1orglaugh

A designer makes the site you tell them to do.

If it don't sell, the chance is its you that wasn't able to either pick the right designer (from his portfolio), or you didn't make it clear enough what you wanted

quoted for truth

any designer is only as good as the person telling him/her what they want to have designed

thats not necessarily true...

as for the topic at hand... I think you can rely on people that have been around for awhile...

Thats has to mean something...

But the best combination is you knowing yourself how to sell your niche... and collaborating with one or a few designers to find out who you want to lay your trust in... examples and referneces are a great plus... its not rude to ask for references or examples :thumbsup

A good designer will know his shit and the more input they have on a project the better.

and they know css

http://www.simpsoncrazy.com/gallery/town/NelsonHaha.gif

So its basicly down to me knowing my niche and telling him/her how to sell it? So would you tell the designer what text and what photos to use? Or is that being a control freak?

Ok... its not just knowing your niche...

a designer CAN take a JUST a batch of content... and be capable of creating you a well layed out converting design...

the other portion is getting the proper traffic to your design... thats your part... or... find niche specific traffic/affiliates...

yes a designer has to know how to make the proper link placements... leading words... proper color schemes to sell said niche...

i'd like to disagree.. IMHO, a "technician" (don't know if that's the proper word..) creates a site from YOUR specs.. an "artist" does a site the way HE likes it and a "DESIGNER" should know his stuff.. he should have an understanding (backed by experience) of graphics / layout / what converts / etc. and should guide you, the customer, through the whole process of creating a good looking and converting site, ie: if you have have a concept and you think it's cool and all but the designer thinks "man.. that won't convert - we tried that kind of thing in the past" - he should tell the customer and work out a concept/layout that WILL work. ..of course, all provided that the designer REALLY knows his stuff..

The way I roll is that if the design I do converts like crap... I re-do it. So far I've not had any re-dos :)

Detailed specs are by far the best thing to have when creating a paysite. I'm dealing with a client now that sent me 3 VERY detailed emails of what he wants and I cried a little I was so happy. I'm a designer not a mind reader ;)

You did Arabian Dicks? Very nice work. Bit higher pricing that some others but the work is awesome quality so Ive bookmarked you for when Im ready :thumbsup

I am thinking that the cheaper end of the market might be the ones that simply dont sell.

Actually your not even more expensive, the ones Im looking at are not 2 tours.

I first look designer portfolio, to see can he make what I have in mind, but , basically he make what I tell him to make.
For me, designer dont need to know how to make converting site, most important is to strictly follow my instructions. It is not that easy to find someone who will really listen :(