How to Find The Right Web Designer
Whether you’re starting your own business, or you’ve had one for a few years, a website is an important aspect of your business. It’s also an important and scary step. Whether your business is well-established, or you’re looking to grow your business and get found, it can be an overwhelming experience. You’ll have a million questions, and that’s okay. The right web designer will be glad to answer them and walk you through the process. Let’s look at how to find the right web designer to help you with your business
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Sure, you can hire a big web design firm, but you’ll definitely pay for it. You’re not necessarily getting anything more from them than you would from a lone designer or developer. You’re likely paying for a lot of overhead. Don’t get me wrong, independent designers & consultants have expenses, but they are usually proportional to the level of their business. However, consultants aren’t paying for multiple employees’ health insurance, salaries, vacations, sick days, etc. Also, large design firms usually rent entire buildings. Someone has to pay to keep the lights on. That someone is you.
The Right Website Designer Will Be There
You’ll have a lot of questions. It’s natural. A good web designer will be there to answer those questions and should have the patience to work with you step by step. You should ask questions. If you understand the process, you’ll also understand what’s expected of you. You’ll be able to provide your web design professional with the things they’ll need to complete the project. This may be photos, product information, pricing tiers, and anything else important for your business.
How to Find The Right Web Designer
So how do you find a website designer? Your first instinct may be to hop onto Google and pick the 1st one you see. That’s not a good idea. Just like when you’re shopping for a home or for appliances, you should shop around. There are some designers that charge way more than they are worth, while others offer a great deal. Some offer a deal, but sacrifice features, options, or services. It’s important to find a good balance of everything.
Where to Look For a Web Designer
There are tons of services or Directories out there. You can find designers at specific designer service websites, or you can sift through the Google listings, but be selective. You’ll want to read their bios and look at their portfolios. You’ll want to make sure that their style matches the style of what you’re looking for in your own business. For example, if you’re looking for a design that is retro in style, you probably won’t want to hire a designer that specializes in minimalism or modernism.
Look For Testimonials (Satisfied Clients)
Most designers will have proof of their work and their effectiveness. You’ll easily be able to find a section where past clients have given them positive reviews. Here on G Squared Studios, I have full quotes from happy clients, which shows how satisfied people are with my past work. When a designer cares enough to make sure you’re happy with their work, you can be sure you won’t get stuck with a half-done project you’re ashamed of.
Also, a designer who has several positive testimonials is usually easy to work with. Think about it. Would you provide a positive review to a designer who you hated working with? I doubt it.
Look For Reviews, Too
People can leave reviews elsewhere, besides the designer’s website. You can find reviews on their Google Business page. You might also find reviews on Yahoo or Yelp, too. Before hiring a web design expert, check out these reviews. Take them with a grain of salt, though. It’s possible to leave a negative review without their knowledge. Without being aware, someone could leave a false or fake review, too.
Meet in Person With Your Designer
You’ll want to meet your new potential designer first before making any decisions. Hiring the right designer means hiring someone who is right for you. You have to mesh well with them personally, even though your relationship will be business-only. You’ll need to put your trust into them and know that they’ll deliver everything you need.
Some Money May Be Required Up Front
You may be required to put down a deposit on the project when they get started. This is standard, and it protects the designer from doing any work without getting paid. More people than you think will cut and run or will change their mind, wasting their time. However, you should never pay more than 50% of the total cost of the project up front. Most of the time the down payment will be between 25-50%. If they try to get more up front, that is a likely red flag.
The Right Website Designer is Out There
If you follow these simple tips, finding the right website designer won’t be such an arduous task. You’ll get much better results, because you’ll be able to make great choices based on more than a hunch. Do you need a web designer?
Call (865) 951 – 3077 or Contact Me