Are you wondering how to choose a web designer? You’re in the right place.
If you’re launching an online business or revamping your website, one of the most important decisions you have to make is picking a web designer that understands your needs and can craft a website that speaks to your target audience.
After all, having a great-looking site won’t mean much if it drives visitors away due to its slow loading time or lack of functionality! But with hundreds (if not thousands) of web designers vying for your attention, how do you know which is right for the job?
Here are 7 tips on how to choose a web designer so that you can find the best fit for both budget and purpose.
Get clear on your website’s needs and goals
Before diving headfirst into searching for a web designer, take a step back and consider your brand’s personality. Is your brand extroverted, meaning you’ll need a bold, stand-out design? Or is it more introverted, catering to a niche audience that prefers neutrals and minimalism?
Understanding your website’s needs and goals will help you find the right web designer. Plus, it’s always easier to explain what you’re looking for when you have a clear vision of what you want.
Don’t be the client who asks for something “cool” or “edgy” without knowing what that means. Be specific and let your website’s personality shine.
Decide on your website platform
So, you’ve decided to join the digital age and get yourself a website that shines online. Good on you! But before you start reaching out to website designers, you need to make a crucial decision (or at least get close to coming up with an answer to this decision): which platform do you want your website to be built on?
This is like deciding whether you want your pizza with or without pineapple (no judgment here, we promise). There are a lot of options out there – WordPress, Showit (our personal favorite), Wix, Squarespace, Shopify, and the list goes on.
Each platform has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to do your research and decide which one is the perfect match for your website’s unique needs. Trust us; you don’t want to realize halfway through the design process that you’ve chosen the wrong platform and have to start all over again.
Save yourself the headache and make this decision first, then you’ll be ready to start your search for the perfect web designer.
It’s also worth making this decision ahead of time because many designers only specialize in one specific platform.
Research web designer portfolios
Now, before you start filling out a designer’s contact form, take a deep breath and remember the importance of research. When it comes to choosing the right web designer for you, taking a peek at their portfolio is like checking out their online profile.
You want to make sure their style matches yours and that you’re not in for any surprises down the line. Make sure that you vibe with the websites that they’ve designed before, so you know exactly what to expect. So, get your scrolling finger ready and prepare to swipe right (or left) on some designer portfolios.
Review potential web designers’ client reviews
Next, when it comes to how to choose a web designer, you have to see what other people have to say. One way to ensure that you’ll love your website is to check out reviews from past clients.
You wouldn’t go to a restaurant with a one-star rating on Yelp, would you? The same goes for your website – you want to make sure your web designer has delivered stand-out websites for their clients in the past. Don’t just take their word for it, do a quick search and see what previous clients are saying.
After all, you’re investing in the future of your online presence, and you want to make sure you’re working with a pro, not a hack.
Ask questions about the web designers’ process, cost, and timeline estimates
Before you make any decisions, be sure to ask the right questions. First and foremost, ask about their process. Do they have a structured plan for creating your website so that you can prepare for what the project will be like?
Next, inquire about costs to make sure that they have offerings within your budget, or at least offer payment plans if you don’t have the budget to pay in full. How much can you expect to pay for their services?
And finally, don’t forget to ask about timeline estimates. You don’t want to be left in the dark, waiting for updates from your designer but not knowing when you’ll get your finished product. Some designers (like us) have short timelines between 1 and 2 weeks while others prefer to work for 2-3 months on your site.
Make sure you understand the type of services offered by the web designer
Make sure you understand the type of services offered by the web designer before hiring them. Don’t just settle for a designer who promises to make your website look pretty. You want a designer who will bring your vision to life, optimize your site for search engines, and create a user-friendly experience for your visitors.
Many web designers today also have a variety of different website services, so you’ll want to research and find the one that’s best for you.
Need a website quickly? Maybe a template customization or VIP day is your best option. Want something completely built for you? Then a custom website design may be the way to go.
Check their availability and make sure they can meet your deadlines
Now, as you start scouring the internet for a web designer who can bring your vision to life, there’s one thing you absolutely must keep in mind – their availability.
Trust me, you don’t want to fall in love with a designer’s portfolio only to realize they won’t be able to build your website in time for that big launch party you’ve been planning.
Make sure you ask your designer about their schedule and if they can meet your deadlines before you sign on that dotted line.
Now you know exactly how to choose a web designer. If you think we might be the right fit, click here to get in touch!
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KP’s design journey began in book publishing, but she fell in love with the truly limitless possibilities that web design presents. Since then, she’s been helping photographers and creatives become the no-brainer option for their dream clients before they even get on a call.
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4/24/23
Published On:
Krystianna Pietrzak
