HIRING A WEBSITE DESIGNER
What To Look For?
Hiring a web designer is less about finding someone who can build a website and more about choosing a strategic partner who understands how your business grows. A professional website affects how clients perceive your credibility, how confidently you price your services, and whether visitors convert into real opportunities. The right designer brings structure, clarity, and strategic direction.
A Quick Checklist
If you are speaking with multiple designers, this list can help you compare your options. A strong web designer will offer:
✓ Clear pricing or defined investment ranges
✓ A structured process
✓ Thoughtful questions about your business
✓ Depth in their portfolio
✓ Design tied to messaging
✓ Realistic timelines
✓ A plan for post-launch support
More websites today than ever before look polished and professional, at first glance. Strong typography, beautiful images, and modern layouts are all widely accessible.
What separates an average project from a high-performing one is strategy.
Strong designers typically ask about your business before discussing solutions. They are curious about your goals and attentive to the details that influence outcomes. If conversations focus only on colors, fonts, and style preferences, something important is missing. Design should support business goals, not exist independently from them.
A Strong Portfolio
Portfolios matter, but it is worth looking beyond the surface. As you review projects, ask yourself:
Do the websites feel tailored to each business?
Is the messaging clear within seconds?
Can you quickly understand what each company offers?
Do the sites feel credible for their industries?
If projects feel interchangeable, the work may rely heavily on templates rather than strategic customization.
A Structured Process
One of the biggest sources of stress in a website project is uncertainty. A clear process removes that friction. A professional designer should be able to explain:
what happens first
what is required from you
how feedback is handled
what milestones to expect
how long the project typically takes
Structure signals experience. It also protects your time. When expectations are defined early, projects tend to move faster and with fewer surprises.
Positioning & Messaging
Most business owners underestimate how much clarity matters on a website. Visitors should not have to interpret what you do. Strong designers consider:
how headlines guide attention
how pages flow
how services are framed
what builds trust
Even if you provide your own copy, the designer should care about how that message is presented. A beautiful site without clear positioning often underperforms.
Post-Launch
A website is not a one-time event. It is an active business tool. Before hiring, ask what support looks like once the site goes live. For example:
Will you receive training?
Can updates be made easily?
Is ongoing support available if needed?
Will you feel confident managing the site?
The Right Fit
The right designer for one business may not be the right match for another. Differences in communication style, workflow, and expectations can shape the entire experience. Look for a partnership that feels like a good fit and is professional.