Naturally, being a web designer, I'm curious.

Where do you go first when you are in need of web design?

Where do you think people in general go? Where do you think people who are not internet savvy go?

Where can I get market stats that show where these people go?

I'd like to see if there's information out there, maybe market trends or stats talking about where people start their search for web design services.

I ask friends and on forums. If I usually see a site that attracts me, I would visit the design's firm web site.

So you never visit the web design directories and go through the design firms' websites? Look at their portfolios, etc?

i would go "Yahoo"
unless I know of a directory
That is "when i wasnt in this trade"

Now dont have to search, seems to have lots of Designer friends

Cool. I need to do some research on how the "average" person who wants to get a web presence goes about looking for a web designer. Any ideas on how this can be accomplished?

No, I never do that. BUT if you consider going to sites like eLance.com and such - then yes, I may look around. I try to keep it as practical as possible, because I guess I'm after good results and not just promises.

Best,

I've had both good and bad experiences on elance.

I think its always best (if possible) to work with someone local that you can talk to or have a face-to-face meeting with.

Hi,
I think your idea to use this forum also is not too bad :-)
If you are interested to look my works, please let me know.
Probably we have found each other :-)

More then that this time I'm selling my new work.
http://www.golosun.com/templates/forsale/template1.html

Thanks.
Serge

Serge: maybe you misunderstood my post. I'm actually in the web design business myself

Ooops... I'm very sorry

Same thing I do could not of said it better.

I think forums are the best place for recruiting talent / finding jobs. There is such good exposure on forums, especially nice places like this

I'd have to say the first place the majority of the people go are to yahoo and google. They probably mostly search for the keywords "web design" "website design". Hope that helps.

I think the "average" person must use their nephews, sons, or friends who know how to fix computers to do their site. I can only take so many animated cats running across a webpage. Or even better is that mailbox with the letters going in and out that links to their email address.

Depending on your area of expertise you may want to try Flashkit.com. The forum has been around for many, many years and has a strong standing presence. Their main concerns are showing work.