How to Choose a Web Designer

If you are looking to have a website built for your business, then there are a lot of things to consider. Planning and building a website design is no small task!

Selecting a web designer will be one of the most important steps in your process. The web designer that you choose will ultimately have a huge influence on the success of the project and the appearance of your web page.

A website builder can make all the difference when you choose the right one. You will get a website that meets your needs, meets the needs of your customers, and forms a solid foundation upon which you can launch very successful online marketing campaigns.

The wrong website development partner, however, can really cause pain for your business. Without someone that you can trust to work on arguably the most crucial part of your online presence, things can go sideways quickly.

That's why, when it comes time to choose a web designer for small business owners, you should take careful stock of what is important to you and what you will need out of the project to call it a success. This guide will walk you through what to look for in a website designer for your business and how exactly you can go about hiring one. We'll also help you navigate the web design industry and introduce you to some key terms and concepts.

Follow along for more information!

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What to Look for in a Web Design Partner

Development Skillset

A web designer with the right skill set is essential when you are looking for someone to help you with your Marketing websites. You should look for a web designer who has the following skills:

• An in-depth understanding of HTML and CSS
• An ability to think creatively
• The ability to create a working website from your ideas
• Patience (it takes time to build a great website!)

These are just a few of the skills that are absolutely essential for any web designer that you are considering hiring to create your website or landing page. If they don't have these skills, then you might want to look elsewhere.

Of course, skills aren't everything. When looking for a web designer, you should also consider other factors. For example, you will want to make sure that they have a good understanding of web design principles.

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Aesthetics for Website Designers

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Creating a website that looks good is important, but it isn't the only thing that you should be looking for in a web designer. You want your site visitors to have a premium experience when they land on your web page, along with having the key elements function properly. Aesthetics are important, but they are only one small part of the larger picture.

When you are looking at potential web designers, take a look at their previous work. See if they have created websites that meet your standards for aesthetics. 

Make sure the web designer you choose understands branding as well. Having a website that accurately reflects your brand identity is important since the website is an extension of your brand.

If you are unsure about whether or not a potential web designer has a good understanding of branding, then you can ask them about it directly. Any good web designer should be able to talk to you about the importance of branding and how it affects website design.

You should be able to tell in just a few seconds whether the designer can provide you with the visual elements and functional elements that will be important to your online success and will resonate with your target audience.

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Functionality & User Interface Design

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Another very important thing to consider when you are looking for professional web designers is functionality. You need an easy-to-use, well-functioning website.

When you are looking at potential web designers, see if they have created websites that are easy to use and navigate. 

It is also important to make sure that the web designer you choose has a good understanding of how to create a website that is responsive. The importance of responsive design in today's mobile-first world cannot be overstated.

If you are unsure about whether or not a potential web designer has a good understanding of responsive design, then you can ask them about it directly. Any good web designer should be able to talk to you about the importance of responsive design and how it affects website functionality.

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Experience in Your Industry

If you have an industry-specific website, then you will want to make sure that the web designer you choose has experience in your industry. Industry experience is not absolutely necessary, but it can be very helpful.

If you are looking for a web designer with industry experience, then you can ask them about it directly. Any good web designer should be able to talk to you about their experience in your industry, what they learned and their successes, and how it might affect your project.

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Web Page Affordability

Of course, you will also want to make sure that the web designer you choose is affordable. Website design can be expensive, so you will want to make sure that you are getting a good value for your money.

When you are looking at potential web designers, get an estimate of how much they will charge for your project. To determine if these estimates are within your budget.

It is also important to understand what you are paying for and compare them to your budget. Before you make a decision, make sure you understand what is included in the estimate.

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Reputation

Choosing a web designer with a good reputation is important. You can ask around for web design references, or you can look for online reviews. There are many web design tools out there to help you connect with a web design professional.

Many web designers are able to provide you with a list of satisfied clients. These clients can vouch for the quality of the designer's work. The last thing that you want is to invest in a slow website or one that doesn't function properly isn't responsive and doesn't have the right web apps. You want your particular website to be full of helpful design elements, an online store, different pages, and a UX design that enhances users' experience.

You can also look for online reviews of potential web designers. See what other people are saying about their experience with the designer. If you see a lot of negative reviews, then you might want to keep looking.

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Search Engine Optimisation

When you are looking for a web designer, you will want to make sure that they offer search engine optimisation (SEO) services. SEO is very important for making sure that your website appears in search engine results pages (SERPs).

If you have a website that is not optimised for SEO, then it is very unlikely that people will find it when they are searching for information online. This can lead to a lot of lost traffic and potential customers.

When you are looking at potential web designers, make sure that you ask about their SEO services. Any good web designer should be able to talk to you about how they can optimise your website for the search engines.

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Services Offered

Additionally, you will want to make sure that the web designer you choose offers the services that you need. Not all designers offer the same services, so you will want to make sure that you are choosing a designer who can meet your specific needs.

For example, if you need a logo designed, then you will want to make sure that the web designer you choose offers logo design services. If you need help with search engine optimisation, then you will want to make sure that the designer offers SEO services.

Make a list of the services that you need before you start looking for a web designer. This will help you narrow down your options and find a designer who can meet your specific needs.

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Communication

Last but not least, you will want to make sure that the web designer you choose is someone who you can communicate with easily. Designing a website is a collaborative process that requires input and communication from both sides. You should make sure to communicate with your web design partner exactly what you want to get out of the site.

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Additionally, you should expect the individual or company that you choose for your web design communicates well. They should be offering you options, providing you with helpful tips, and including you in the process of creating your web design.

If you are unsure about whether or not you will be able to communicate well with a potential web designer, then you can ask them about it directly. Any good web designer should be able to talk to you about the importance of communication in the design process.

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Choosing Web Designers: The Process

Now that you know what to look for in a web designer, it's time to start the process of choosing one. Follow these steps to find the best web designer for your needs.

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1. Define Your Needs

Defining your needs is the first step in choosing a web designer. What is the purpose of your website? How would you like your website to look?

Consider the goals you have for your website. Would you like to sell products online? Are you interested in showcasing your portfolio? Is your blog in need of a community? Do you know the platform you want to build on, like Webflow, Shopify etc?

Identifying your website's goals can help you find a web designer who is an expert and who can assist you in achieving them.

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2. Do Your Research

It's time to start your research once you know what you need. Look for web designers who have experience in your industry and are experts on the platform you wish to build on. 

If you can, find a web designer who has worked on a similar project to the one you have in mind. This way, they will be able to talk to you about their experience and how it might affect your project.

Additionally, you will want to make sure that the web designer you choose is affordable and offers the services that you need. Also a good reputation and ask around for recommendations. Any good web designer should be able to provide you with a list of satisfied clients.

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3. Make a List of Potential Candidates

Once you have done your research, it's time to start making a list of potential candidates or web design agencies. Create a list of web designers who you think would be a good fit for your project.

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4. Reach Out to Potential Candidates

Once you have your list of potential candidates, it's time to reach out to them and learn more about their services. The best way to do this is to set up a consultation.

During the consultation, you will be able to ask questions about the designer's experience, their services, and their rates. This is also a good time to get a feel for the designer's communication style and see if they are someone you can work with easily.

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5. Make Your Decision

After you have consulted with all of the potential candidates, it's time to make your decision. Choose the web designer who you think will be the best fit for your project.

Keep in mind that choosing a web designer is an important decision. Take your time and make sure that you choose someone who you can trust to do a good job.

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Key Takeaways

When choosing a web designer, it's important to consider your needs, do your research, and make sure that you can communicate well with the designer.

Keep these tips in mind and you'll be sure to find the best web designer for your needs.

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Contact us for more info on how working with our web designers can bring your website to life.