How to Choose the Right Web Designer

Your choice of web designer can make or break your website. But how do you choose the right one?

Don’t fear, I’m here to help! First off, many may not realise that a web designer and web developer are two very different things.

Traditionally, a web developer focuses on the back-end of a website and will specialise in coding languages such as HTML, CSS, Javascript and Python.

Web designers traditionally focus on the front-end of a website. They essentially design the look and feel of the website and can focus on User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI). Most web developers are not web designers and vice versa. Both will usually collaborate together, with the developer bringing the designers vision to life through code. However, you do have some hybrid designers/developers like me, who can do both!

…if you choose a developer with no design experience you may be left with a functional, but not-so-pretty website

When choosing someone to create your website, it’s important to recognise this difference. As if you choose a developer with no design experience you may be left with a functional, but not-so-pretty website. Here are my top tips to help you choose a web designer for your website.

1 Research

The first step is to do your research. Look online and find websites that you like the style of. Usually a web designer will have their own website linked in the footer of a website they have designed. Each designer will have their own style and possibly even a niche. Check out their portfolios and make sure you love their design style and if you fit within their current client niche. For example, if you have a restaurant and the designer only specialises in beauty websites, you may not be the best fit!

2 Know your budget

Before reaching out to a designer, get clear on your budget. Like many things, in the world of website design, you get what you pay for. Web designer rates can vary vastly, depending on their experience. You can expect to pay at least €1500 and anywhere up to €10,000 upwards. It’s important to identify your top-line budget and be transparent from the get-go. This will save you a lot of time about who you can afford to work with.

If there is a designer that you absolutely love but they are out of your budget, you could always ask if they can work in stages on your website. This way you can spread out the costs over a year or two and just get the most urgent website pages up and running straight away.

3 Assess the vibe

When choosing a web designer, it’s important to assess the vibe. A good web designer will encourage collaboration and you will be in contact with them a lot over the course of a few weeks. You want to make sure that they are someone you will enjoy working with. Most designers will offer a consultation call first, which is an opportunity for you to ask any questions about their workflows, communication styles and so on. If you get a bad gut feeling after your first call, make sure to listen to it and walk away now!

4 Collaboration is key

Collaboration is also extremely important when building your website. This will ensure your vision is properly understood by the designer. Your designer will usually require content such as text and imagery from you before the project begins. Make sure you stick to these timelines and requests, otherwise your website launch will be delayed. If you have feedback for your designer, make sure it’s as clear as possible and don’t be afraid to jump on a call if needed. A designer will often give you expert suggestions as well, which may be different to your thoughts, but be open! A good web designer wants to make sure your website is the best it can be for you, so open communication is key!

If you would like to work together on your next website or creative project, get in touch here.