Given that we are in the web design business, we obviously have strong opinions on what qualities to look for in a web designer.
We speak often with people who are in the process of trying to find a designer who fits well with their business (and of course, we hope that they will choose us).
Having said that, we know the decision is a hard one. Technology has made the world a very small place and it is now possible to work with designers from all over Australia and even internationally. Increased choice does not always make the decision easier. In this case, it can often make the decision overwhelming.
So, without further ado, here are our tips when deciding on a website designer.
You Like Their Style
When choosing a designer, make sure that you look at their portfolio. Do you like what they’ve done in the past?
Of course, a good graphic designer will be able to work within a variety of different styles and will be willing to work with you on a design until you find something you like. However, knowing that you love their previous work will make the process easier.
They know responsive design
Having a website that is responsive (meaning that it adapts the way it looks, depending on the size of the screen that it is viewed on) is very important. Not only does it increase the usability of your website but it can also boost your website in the search engines. A good web designer can visualise and plan for this as they design your site.
They keep up to date with modern trends
Does the designer keep up to date with modern website trends?
Every single designer that has been around for longer than two years will have at least one outdated website in their portfolio. Design trends and technology progresses so quickly that websites built today look completely different to those built only a few years ago.
However, you still want to be confident that they can keep up with the latest changes in the industry. Can you see this progression in their portfolio? Do their latest designs take advantage of modern trends?
They take an interest in you and your business
Designing and developing a website is a process. A good graphic designer will work closely with you to discover more about your business and your ideal clients. Only when they have this information will they be able to create a design that truly meets your needs.
They offer ongoing maintenance
Modern websites have what we call “Content Management Systems” which means that they can be updated by anyone, without the need to have experience in HTML code. This has led to many designers having a business model that involves building the website but providing very little support afterward.
A website is NEVER a once off investment. It takes ongoing work to keep them performing well. You want to know that your website designer and developer will be around for the long term.
They provide a one-stop shop
Building a website includes so much more than just the designing process.
Before you start, you will need to register a domain name (for example, ours is www.bizboost.com.au). Once designed, a developer will need to build it. Once launched, the website will also need to be hosted on a server.
Finding a business that can provide all these services can save you both time and money in the future.
Having a professional website is crucial to your marketing success so it’s not a decision you can make lightly. We hope that these tips help you make a choice that you are confident with.