10 Things to Consider Before Hiring a Web Designer
*Post May Contain affiliate Links
So- you've made the decision to bring your online business to life and launch that amazing business you've been envisioning.
Before you hire a website designer, there’s a few questions you’ll want to consider in order to prepare yourself and your designer.
Don't worry, though— I'll guide you through ten crucial questions to ask yourself that will ensure you're ready to meet with your designer and have some answers ready to go.
What is the primary goal for your website?
What specific action do you want visitors to take when they land on your site? Do you want them to book a call, download a freebie, or purchase your new mastermind or course? It's crucial to be specific and clear about your desired action. Eliminate decision fatigue, streamline the user experience and increase your chances of converting visitors into customers by having one solid call to action per page.
What functionalities do you require for your website?
Apart from text and images, what other features do you envision on your site? Are you planning to sell products and services, schedule appointments, build an email list, or promote your social media presence? Considering these functionalities is important as they will impact the choice of website platform and design. Which brings us to the next question.
Which website hosting platform do you want to use?
There’s a ton of different options available—Squarespace, WordPress, Wix, Showit among many others—it's important to determine where you want your website to be hosted.
Keep in mind that you'll want to use the platform that aligns with your desired functionality and overall needs. You can do a quick Google search for comparison charts that can help you narrow down your choices.
You can also take advantage of free trials offered by many web building platforms to get a better feel.
👉🏼 After many years of building websites for clients, I now choose to design websites on Squarespace and have had massive success with my clients being able to take over their own sites and actually use them! (Business owner win!)
What content do you want to include on your site?
I hate to break it to you- but words- some words? are going to need to make it onto your site. It's important to note that not all designers offer copywriting services. So- you might need to take on the task of writing your web copy yourself. Not to worry, though—we’re not writing like we used to in High school and most website visitors tend to scan rather than thoroughly read websites.
This means you can focus on creating to the point, easily scannable information, and save the super long paragraphed content for your blog posts.
What is the scope of your project?
Consider the number of pages and the amount of content your website will need. Typically, web design projects are priced based on the number of pages involved. A smaller, four-page website will cost less than a larger site with ten or more pages. Begin by considering essential pages like the Home, About, Services, and Contact pages, and then determine any additional pages specific to your business needs.
Are your high-quality images ready to go?
High quality images and photos can make or break the professional appearance of your website. To ensure a cohesive and polished look, consider investing in professional photography services or, at the very least, source high-quality stock images that align with your brand. Websites like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pikwizard offer a vast collection of high-quality stock photos that can enhance the visual appeal of your website. Professional photos not only boost your credibility but also captivate visitors, increasing the likelihood of conversions. And we love conversions. Haute Stock is a great option for professional and modern imagery. Get 15% off here.
Do you have a logo or branding established?
While some website designers provide visual brand design as part of their packages, others may require that you have at least a logo and visual branding ready to go, and some designers are in between. Your brand identity plays a crucial role in how your customers recognize and connect with you, and how your designer will approach designing your site. (For my client’s, I just request that you have a logo ready to go- we can worry about colors together, if this is tripping you up). I suggest creating a private pinterest board that you can add websites that you like the look and feel of. This will help you and your designer figure out the vibe and feel of your new website.
Have you considered your target audience and what they need in terms of service and approach?
Understanding your target audience is key to creating a website that resonates with them. Let me say it again but in bold- Understanding your target audience is key to creating a website that resonates with *them*. I might take it step further and tell you that your website isn’t about you- it’s about them. Take some time to consider what service packages they need, their pain points and how they’ll benefit from what you’re offering. Your clients are not buying your super awesome mastermind. They are buying the benefit of what your mastermind, service, course provides. Consider what design elements, colors, and fonts would appeal to them.
By aligning your website with your target audience's preferences, you can enhance their user experience and increase the chances of engagement and conversions.
Have you researched your competitors' websites?
While I don’t want you to stay too long in the land of comparison- It's always beneficial to check out the websites of your competitors. Take note of the design elements, functionalities, and content they incorporate. This research can give you valuable insights and help you identify opportunities to differentiate yourself. By understanding what works well in your niche, you can ensure that your website stands out and provides a unique value proposition to your audience.
Do you have a plan for ongoing website maintenance and updates?
Building a website is not a one-time task. It requires regular maintenance, and updates to keep it running smoothly. Consider how you plan to manage your website once it is up and running. Will you handle the maintenance yourself? or would you prefer to keep your designer on retainer? Having a plan in place will ensure that your website remains secure, up to date, and optimized for the best user experience over time.
Figure these 10 questions out and you’ll have a leg up on your web design process without having to feel the “I-hadn’t-even-thought-of-that-panic” when your designer starts asking.
✨Ready to have a consultation with us? Contact us today!✨
