HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT WEB DESIGNER
Hey there, amazing business owner! 👋
So you’re in search of the ✨ perfect ✨ website designer to make your small business’s website. You want more than just “a good web designer” - you want a designer who fits your vibe, knows what they’re doing and aligns with your values. And you’re wondering, “Is this too much to ask for?...” We are here to happily tell you - NO!
It’s essential to ask for everything you want when looking for your dream web designer, and we can assure you that they are out there! Your website is SO important for your business - it’s your online hub and spokesperson - and it’s a significant investment. You absolutely should have high standards when it comes to who you choose to create your website.
Not every designer is for everyone, but there is a designer for everyone.
We want you to find the perfect designer for you who will make your dream website a reality! Here are some tips on how to find the best designer for you:
1. Clarify Your Priorities
What style, values, experience, project cost, location, website platforms, etc. do you want your designer to have? There are many designers out there, from freelance web designers to web design agencies to website developers and web design companies. But don’t worry about all the terms, just let your priorities be your guide. Start by searching on Google for designers who meet your prioritized criteria.
We recommend you look for a designer that meets the following:
Years of experience under their belt
An established brand identity
An impressive portfolio
Streamlined processes
Trustworthiness
*Provides an agreement or contract that both parties will sign when you hire them
*You might not be able to find out if they provide a contract until you have your introductory call with them, but this is extremely important. A proper contract will protect both you and your designer in various situations and will outline in detail the expectations each party has when working together.
2. Ask Others
Find brands similar to yours with websites you like and ask them who made their site. Ask friends and networking groups who they recommend.
3. Explore Pinterest
Look for web designs you like on Pinterest and see who made them!
4. Narrow It Down
Try to narrow down your options to 2 or 3 designers. Visit their websites to examine their vibe, communication style, and processes. Reach out to at least one of them for an intro call.
5. Meet With Them
Keep your priorities in mind when you chat with them to see if it’s a good fit.
Here are some questions to ask the designer:
How long have you been designing?
What website platform do you use?
Will you send me a contract if we work together?
Will you send me a quote or proposal after our call?
What makes a good client?
Will I get to request changes?
What are the phases or steps of the project?
6. Your Decision
Before moving forward with a designer, check in with yourself about how you feel. Do you trust them? Do you feel they will handle the project well? Do they feel responsible? Do their former clients seem happy (from testimonials, reviews, and their portfolio)? If the answers are yes, then go to the next step!
If the answers are no, that’s okay - just revisit step 4 and see if anyone else on your list could be a better fit. Or revisit steps 1 - 3 to start fresh. Remember that it’s worth taking the extra time to find the right fit because your website and brand matter. I know it’s hard to wait longer, but it’s so much better to be safe than sorry.
7. Time to Hire!
Once you have found your perfect fit, it’s time to hire your designer! Reach out to them to let them know you would like to move forward and work with them. They should let you know the project price and send you a contract for both parties to sign. Make sure to read the contract thoroughly before signing and paying the invoice. You can still back out or ask them more questions if it doesn’t feel right.
8. Have Realistic Expectation
Congratulations! You have hired your dream designer! 🥳🥳🥳 Once you start working together, remember to have realistic expectations, understanding that your designer is also just a person and life isn’t always perfect. Remember to give your designer grace, and hopefully, since you hired a designer you trust, they will give you grace too.
Woohoo! 🥳 We are so excited for you!
If you have any questions about how to find your perfect designer or any hesitations about a potential designer you’re considering, feel free to reach out to us for help! We want you to find the absolute best designer for your brand, so please reach out if you need assistance.
