Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. Choosing the right web designer can make the difference between a site that drives growth and one that holds you back. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
Start With Clear Requirements
Before searching for a designer, clarify what you need. Are you building a simple brochure site or a complex e-commerce platform? What’s your budget? Having clear requirements helps you communicate effectively and compare proposals accurately.
Review Their Portfolio
Look beyond pretty screenshots. Click through to live websites they’ve built. Are they fast? Mobile-friendly? Easy to navigate? Look for variety and consistent quality in their work. If you’re in a specific industry, relevant experience is a bonus, but strong overall work matters more.
Assess Technical Skills
A beautiful design is worthless if the website doesn’t function properly. Your designer should understand responsive design, basic SEO, performance optimisation, and accessibility. Ask how they approach mobile responsiveness and site speed-their answers reveal whether they’re thinking beyond just aesthetics.
Evaluate Communication
Pay attention to how responsive potential designers are during initial interactions. Do they reply promptly? Ask thoughtful questions about your business? A good designer explains technical concepts clearly and is open to feedback. If communication feels difficult before the project starts, it won’t improve later.
Understand Their Process
Professional designers follow a structured process: discovery, design, development, testing, and launch. Ask how many revision rounds are included and how they handle changes. Understanding their workflow prevents misunderstandings about timelines and costs.
Check References
Contact recent clients and ask about their experience. Did the project stay on budget and on time? Would they hire them again? Also check online reviews for patterns in feedback.
Consider Ongoing Support
Your relationship shouldn’t end at launch. Websites need maintenance, updates, and occasional changes. Ask about support options-some designers offer retainer packages, while others prefer project-based work. Choose what aligns with your long-term needs.
Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. You’ll be working closely with this person or team for weeks or months. Choose someone whose work you admire, who understands your vision, and who you feel comfortable collaborating with.
The right web designer is an investment in your business’s future. Take the time to choose wisely, and you’ll have a website that serves your business well for years to come.