7 Things You Need To Consider Before Hiring a Website Designer
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So, you’ve decided it’s time to give your business a serious upgrade and invest in a custom website—huge move! But before you dive into hiring a website designer, there are a few important things to consider to make sure the process goes smoothly and you end up with a site that not only looks stunning but also works hard for your business.
Building a website is a big investment, and you want to make sure you’re set up for success from the start. From understanding the scope of what a web designer actually does (hint: it’s more than just making things look pretty) to what you need to have ready on your end, here’s what you should keep in mind before you hire.
1.
What Does a Website Designer Actually Do?
First things first: it’s important to understand the role of a website designer. A lot of people think that web designers do everything related to a website, but that’s more than often not the case. Web designers are focused on how your site looks and functions. Their job is to design a website that’s visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimized for performance. They’ll think about things like layout, navigation, mobile responsiveness, and user experience (UX).
However, here’s what many people don’t realize—9 times out of 10, your website designer will not provide copywriting. So if you’re expecting a designer to create all the text for your site, you might be disappointed. Some designers may offer copywriting guidance or partner with copywriters, but more often than not, the actual writing part is up to you. That means either you’ll be writing the content for your website, or you’ll need to hire a professional copywriter to do it for you.
Bottom line: A website designer is going to create the blueprint and visuals for your site, but you (or a copywriter) will need to provide the text content.
2.
You’ll Need Branded Photography
A beautiful website is all about visuals, and that means photography plays a huge role. Before you hire a web designer, make sure you have high-quality, branded photos ready to go. Stock images can work in a pinch, but nothing beats custom photography that’s specifically tailored to your brand. Your photos should be consistent with your brand identity—think about everything from your color palette to the mood you want to evoke.
Here’s why this matters: your website designer will create a layout that’s driven by the images you provide. If you don’t have solid photos, you’re putting the designer in a position where they either have to fill in the blanks with random stock photos or design the site in a way that won’t be as impactful. If you’re serious about making your brand look polished and professional, branded photography is a must.
If you don’t already have branded photos, it’s a good idea to invest in a brand photographer before you start the web design process. Your designer will thank you, and your website will look so much more cohesive and authentic.
3.
Think About Functionality
Before hiring a website designer, take some time to think about what you actually need your site to do. Are you selling products? Do you need a booking system? A blog? An email signup form? A portfolio? The possibilities are endless, but you need to know what features and functionalities are important for your business.
When you meet with a designer, they’ll want to know what the goals are for your website. Do you want to generate leads? Build an email list? Convert visitors into customers? The clearer you are on what you need your site to do, the better your designer will be able to create something that meets those needs.
It’s also helpful to think about any long-term plans you have for your website. For example, if you plan to start selling products online down the road, it’s good to let your designer know upfront so they can build the site in a way that allows for future e-commerce capabilities.
4.
Budget and Timeline
Like any big project, web design comes with a price tag and a timeline. The cost of hiring a website designer can vary a lot depending on the scope of the project, the designer’s experience, and the complexity of your site. Before you start reaching out to designers, have a rough idea of your budget. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for—an experienced designer will likely charge more, but the result will be a professional, high-performing site that you’ll be proud to share with the world.
Also, ask about the timeline. Depending on the designer’s workload, building a custom website can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Make sure you’re clear on how long the process will take and that it aligns with your own schedule and launch plans.
5.
Do Your Homework
Finding the right web designer for your business is like finding the perfect pair of shoes—it’s gotta be the right fit. Take some time to look through a designer’s portfolio and make sure their style aligns with your vision. If you love minimal, clean design and their portfolio is filled with bold, edgy sites, it might not be the right match.
It’s also worth reading reviews or asking for client testimonials to see what kind of experience other businesses have had working with them. You want someone who not only has the design skills but is also easy to communicate with and can guide you through the process.
6.
Be Ready to Collaborate
Building a website is an extremely collaborative process. Your designer is there to create the framework and bring your vision to life, but you’re a key part of the equation. Be prepared to provide your brand assets, photography, and copy, offer feedback, give input on design choices, and work closely with your designer throughout the process. The best websites are created when both the client and the designer are fully invested and working together to achieve the same goal.
7.
Consider Long-Term Maintenance
A website isn’t a one-and-done deal. Once your site is live, you’ll need to think about long-term maintenance. Will you be handling updates yourself, or will you need your designer (or another professional) to manage the site for you? It’s important to know what kind of support the designer offers after the site goes live. Some designers offer maintenance packages, while others might hand over the site and leave it up to you to manage. Make sure you know what to expect once the design process is complete.
Conclusion: Setting Yourself Up for Success
Hiring a website designer is a big step in growing your business, and it’s one that can make a huge impact on your brand’s success. By understanding what a web designer does (and doesn’t do), having branded photography ready, and thinking about the functionality and goals for your site, you’ll be setting yourself up for a smooth, successful experience. Do your research, collaborate with your designer, and remember: the more prepared you are, the better your website will be.
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level with a custom website or have any questions about the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to me at Eldermade Creative Studio. I’d love to chat about how we can bring your vision to life and make sure your site looks stunning and works hard for your business. Let’s make magic together!
