Choosing the right website designer: the ultimate guide

A great website isn’t just about looking pretty — it’s about standing out from the crowd, attracting your dream clients, and making sales happen effortlessly. (Well, kind of effortlessly. Nothing in business is effortless.)

For real though… your website should be doing the heavy lifting for you. It should make purchasing from you a no-brainer. It should be optimized to rank high on Google, so you don’t have to spend a fortune on ads. And of course, your website should reflect your unique personality and style, so you feel confident sharing it with the world!

That’s where we come in.

We’ll work with you to create a website that’s not only visually stunning but also strategically designed to achieve your goals. 💪

Here’s what you can expect from us:

• A custom design that reflects your brand: We’ll create a website that’s uniquely yours, capturing your personality and style.

• SEO optimization: We’ll make sure your website is search engine friendly, so you can attract more organic traffic.

• Conversion-focused design: We’ll design your website with the goal of turning visitors into customers.

• Expert guidance and support: We’ll be there every step of the way, offering advice and support.

But before we get into that, let’s talk about some common pitfalls to avoid when choosing a website designer:

Common mistakes when hiring a website designer

• Focusing solely on price: Sure, we all want a good deal, but don’t let price be the only factor. A cheap website can end up costing you more in the long run if it’s not done well.

• Not defining your goals: Before you even start looking for a designer, figure out what you want to achieve with your website. What are your goals? Who are you trying to reach? What do you want them to do? (Your designer can help you flesh ’em out, but you should have some idea)

• Relying on templates: Templates are great if you’re in the first year or two of your business, but beyond that — your website should be unique and reflect YOUR brand.

• Ignoring SEO: If you want people to find your website, it needs to be optimized for search engines. Don’t hire a designer who doesn’t know their SEO!

• Lack of communication: Communication is key in any relationship, including with your website designer. Be clear about your expectations, give feedback, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

• Rushing the process: A great website takes time. Don’t rush it. If your designer is trying to rush you, that’s a red flag.

Avoid these mistakes & you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect website designer for your business!

STEP 1 :: Define your goals & needs

Before starting your search, clearly outline what you want to achieve with your website. Think about your dream clients, your business goals, and the key messages you want to communicate. This will help you identify the specific skills and expertise you need in a designer!

STEP 2 :: Research & compare designers

Portfolio

I know, this FEELS like the most important thing, and it is important, for sure. If you want something cartoony and light, but the designer you’re considering does luxe, moody designs, maybe look around a bit more.

Review the portfolios of potential designers to assess their design style, experience, and the quality of their work. It’s literally a global marketplace and your perfect designer IS out there!

Client feedback

Look for testimonials or case studies from previous clients to get a sense of their satisfaction and the designer’s working style. (We have sooo many kind messages like these and opening up this folder makes my day every single time!)

Niche

If your business operates in a specific industry, consider hiring a designer with experience in that field. They’ll have a better understanding of your target audience and the challenges of your industry!

STEP 3 :: Ask the right questions!

When interviewing potential designers, ask questions to assess their:

Experience & expertise

How long have they been designing websites? What industries have they worked in?

Ideally, you’ll hire a designer that’s got some experience or knowledge of your industry — and if that’s not specifically indicated, hop on a call with them.

Make sure that they understand:

1. Your target audience — because the more they understand who you’re talking to, the more they’ll be able to tailor the design and copy to them; and
   
2. Your business goals — what got you here won’t take you there… you want to build for where you want to go!

Design process

What is their design process like? How do they involve clients in the decision-making process? Look for a designer with a collaborative approach… who’s also willing to put in the hard work when it comes to making sure that the final version of your site is absolutely perfect.

Technical skills

This one’s tough. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve seen a website proposal from a designer who’s stuffing EVERYTHING full of jargon to make it seem more valuable and I just… yuck. No.

Your website designer should be able to deliver (and explain to you in real-person language):

• Responsive design: This means your website looks great on all devices, from smartphones to laptops. It’s like having a website that’s size-adjustable, so it fits perfectly no matter what screen it’s on.

• User-friendly navigation: Think of it like a well-designed store. You want your customers to be able to find what they’re looking for easily and without getting lost. Your website should have a clear layout, easy-to-read text, and intuitive navigation.

• Seamless buying experience: If you’re selling products or services, your website should make it a breeze for customers to make a purchase. This means having a clear checkout process, secure payment options, and a smooth overall experience!

Communication

Communication starts from the MOMENT that you discover/reach out to a website designer.

Are they clear?

Is it easy & logical to take the next step in working with them?

IS THEIR COMMUNICATION FREE OF TYPOS? A tiny mistake is one thing, but if you notice errors throughout their communication they’re not going to be detail-oriented when it comes to fine tuning your site before launching and that step is sooo important.

How do they handle feedback and revisions? Are they open to your ideas and suggestions?

All very important factors when it comes to finding your perfect-fit designer!

STEP 4 :: Consider your budget

Website design costs can vary widely (honestly, ridiculously so) depending on the designer’s experience, the complexity of the project, and the scope of services.

Set a realistic budget — and be upfront about your financial constraints!

STEP 5 :: Trust your gut

At the end of the day, the best website designer for you is someone you feel comfortable working with. Trust your instincts and choose a designer whose personality and approach align with your values and vision!

Checklist of questions to ask potential designers

Design Process and Approach:

• How do you usually go about designing a website? Do you involve me a lot in the process?
• Do you have a specific style or look that you’re good at?
• How do you deal with changes or if I’m not happy with something?
• How many rounds of changes will I get?
• Can your website look good on phones and computers?

Experience and Expertise:

• How long have you been designing websites?
• Have you worked on websites like mine before?
• Can I see some examples of your work?
• What makes your websites special?
• What steps do you take to optimize a website for sales? (Look for answers that demonstrate an understanding of user behavior, calls to action, and A/B testing.)

Technical Skills:

• Which website platform do you recommend? Why? (A good answer will mention the platform’s features, ease of use, and scalability.)
• Can you make sure my website is accessible to everyone?
• How do you optimize websites for SEO? (A good answer will mention keyword research and on-page optimization including metadata.)

Communication and Collaboration:

• How do you like to communicate with your clients?
• How often will you keep me updated on how things are going? (A good answer will mention weekly or bi-weekly updates.)
• Are you open to my ideas and suggestions? (Look for a positive response and a willingness to collaborate.)
• How do you ensure that you stick to a schedule and finish the project on time?

Project Scope and Budget:

• How long do you think this will take?
• Can you give me a breakdown of how much it will cost?
• Are there any surprise fees or hidden costs I should know about?
• What happens if I want to change something after we start? (Look for a clear process for handling changes and associated costs.)

tl;dr

So, there you have it! Choosing the right website designer is a big deal. It’s like finding the perfect pair of shoes — you want them to look good, feel good, and help you get where you need to go.

Avoid the common mistakes, ask the right questions, and really think about where you want your website to take your business. If you do that, you’ll be well on your way to finding a designer who can create a website that’s not just pretty but also effective.

Remember, a great website is more than just pretty. (Even though let’s be real… it’s pretty too!) It should be optimized for search engines, user-friendly, and designed to drive sales.