So, you’ve decided it’s time to hire a website designer. But where do you start? Here’s a straightforward guide with tips to help you make the right choice.
How to Find the Right Fit
Choosing a website designer can feel like a huge undertaking and is honestly, quite stressful. Imagine the huge relief when you find the right one!
I’ve had many clients come to me after spending a lot of money on websites that didn’t work out or didn’t represent their business well. Others have spent countless hours trying to DIY, only to end up with something that doesn’t attract or convert clients, and just seems to miss the mark.
To help you as you search for the right designer for you, I’ll cover what a professional web designer should do, the benefits of hiring one, and some tips on what to look for.
Why Hire a Designer?
A professional designer will work with you to understand the mission of your business, what you're looking for in a design, and will work to bring your business to life in a website that's authentic to your brand. They will also have industry insight into how to reach your target audience by optimizing SEO (search engine optimization), helping you to make an impact in your industry.
The Benefits of Hiring a Website Designer
Here are some key advantages to working with a designer over DIY:
Clarity:
Having a clear brand message is crucial for creating effective content and presenting your business authentically to potential clients and customers. Working with a designer can help you fine-tune your brand message, including:
What your business does
What you offer
Who you’re targeting
Why you're the right fit for your ideal client
What sets you apart from everyone in your industry
They're the Expert:
A professional designer has industry insight into:
How to organize your pages, and what to include in the main menu and sub-menu for a cohesive look
Choosing trending fonts, color palettes and design elements that align with your brand
Increasing conversions with tailored call-to-action subscription boxes and messaging
Setting up systems like email and scheduling tools to help you automate your business as much as possible
It's a Timesaver:
Time is the most important asset in our business and it's non-renewable. Many clients have told me they spent days or even weeks struggling with their website. A designer can take this off your plate, letting you focus on growing your business so that you can be fully present for your clients.
Support and Collaboration:
For many solo entrepreneurs, having a supportive designer can be a huge boost. A designer who understands your vision will be a valuable partner in creating a website that truly reflects your business, and can help deliver the results you need to grow your business.
Key Tips for Choosing the Right Website Designer
Here are some things to keep in mind on your search:
Find Someone with Similar Values:
Look for a designer whose work ethic seems to align with yours. And working with someone who understands and actually cares about your journey can be inspiring!
Bigger Isn't Always Better:
Go with a smaller agency or design studio. Smaller agencies often provide more individualized service and may take on fewer clients so that they can produce quality, over quantity. They are also most likely entrepreneurs themselves!
Check Their Portfolio:
Take a look at their design projects and consider:
Do you like their website?
Do their projects have a design aesthetic that draws your attention?
Are their clients similar to you?
Would you want to work with their clients based on their website?
Understanding the Bottom Line
While hiring a designer might seem expensive, it’s truly an investment in your business. The cost of hiring a website designer can vary widely. When evaluating options, some questions to ask:
Do they have transparent pricing displayed on their site?
Do they provide a contract or guarantee their work?
Does the quality of their work seem to equate to what they charge?
Do you see value in the work for other clients they showcase in their portfolio?
Do they offer payment plans?
I hope these tips have been helpful. Choosing a website designer is a big step, but it's one that can help you grow your business and give your brand the polished presence it deserves.
My mission is to empower female entrepreneurs with stunning websites designed for success. If you would like a complimentary consultation, fill out this brief questionnaire. I would love to partner with you on your journey.