6 Questions to Find the Right Web Designer for Your Business

Choosing a web designer is more than finding someone who can create a nice-looking site; it’s about finding the right partner who understands your goals, industry, and brand. This guide will walk you through key questions to ensure you’re selecting a designer who can deliver a website that works seamlessly for your business.

Here are the 6 questions we answer in this blog: 

1. What do you want your website to achieve?
2. Should your designer have experience in your industry? 
3. Does the designer have the technical skills you need? 
4. What is the designer's process for building a website? 
5. How will the designer align your website with your brand? 
6. Does your designer's communication style match yours? ​

​Let's dive in! 

What Do You Want Your Website to Achieve?

Before you even start interviewing designers, it’s essential to be clear about what you want your website to accomplish. Think about:

• Clarify Your Goals: Are you looking to generate leads, make direct sales, or serve as a digital brochure? This will help you and the designer understand the site’s main purpose.
  
• List Required Functionalities: Do you need specific features, like appointment scheduling, e-commerce capabilities, or customer forms? A designer with experience in these functionalities can help you implement them effectively.
  
• Platform Preferences: Consider if you have a preference for certain platforms like WordPress, Squarespace, or Wix. Not all designers work with every platform, so knowing this upfront will streamline your search.
  
• Logo and Brand Kit: Do you have a logo and brand that works for your current offerings? If you don't, consider finding a website designer that also does brand design as they will be able to help you create brand cohesion. More on this below!
  

Should Your Designer Have Experience in Your Industry?

Experience in your industry can be a valuable asset. While some design principles are universal, industry nuances can impact design choices and user experience.

• Relevance Matters: If a designer has worked with businesses like yours, they’ll likely understand industry standards and customer expectations. Ask if they’ve worked with similar clients and what they’ve learned from those projects.
  
• Research Process: Designers who haven’t worked in your industry should be able to articulate a thorough research process to get up to speed. Ask them to walk you through how they would approach learning about your industry and understanding your business’s specific needs.
  

Does the Designer Have the Technical Skills You Need?

Different projects require different technical skills. Clarify what kind of support you’ll need and whether the designer’s skill set aligns.

• Platform and Coding Experience: For more complex needs, ensure the designer is comfortable with the platforms you plan to use. For instance, WordPress-based sites often require more coding knowledge than templated sites like Squarespace.
  
• Designer vs. Developer: Do you need a designer (focused on aesthetics and user experience) or a developer (focused on complex functionality)? Some designers provide both, which can be helpful for small businesses that need a hybrid solution without hiring two people.
  

What happens after launch: Depending on your business needs, you might require ongoing support from your designer to make sure all the plug-ins or widgets on your site are well maintained. Check in with your designer or developer on their fees for maintenance post launch and if it's required or optional. Sites built on WordPress will need more ongoing maintenance than a site on Wix or GoDaddy. ​

What Is the Designer’s Process for Building a Website?

A strong process leads to a smoother, more successful project. Ask the designer to break down their workflow, including research, design, and revisions.

• Detailed Workflow: Inquire about each stage of their process, from discovery and planning through to wireframing, design, and revisions. This should give you confidence that they have a structured approach and know how to manage the project’s timeline.
  
• Examples of Past Work: Ask for samples similar to your project needs, especially if you’re in a niche industry. Seeing their portfolio can help you gauge if their process aligns with your expectations.
  

How Will the Designer Align Your Website with Your Brand?

Consistency in branding is essential for any business. If you have an established brand guide, a good designer will work within it to create a cohesive look and feel.

• Working with Your Brand Guide: If you have a brand guide, ask if they’re comfortable using it to ensure consistency in your design. If you don’t, see if they can help you establish brand elements (colors, typography, style) as part of the website design.
  
• Brand Cohesion: Misaligned branding can confuse customers. Talk to the designer about how they approach creating a website that reflects your brand identity across all elements, ensuring that it aligns with any other materials like brochures or social media visuals.

Does your designer’s communication style match yours?

Effective communication is critical. No one wants to be left wondering if their project is on track, so setting expectations around communication from the start is a must.

• Setting Clear Expectations: A responsive designer who communicates regularly is essential. Ask how often they plan to check in and what their preferred communication channels are (email, meetings, messaging apps, etc.).
  
• ​Real-Time Feedback: Many designers offer live sessions to discuss design feedback, which minimizes miscommunication. Ask if they’ll be available for real-time check-ins at major project milestones to make sure everyone is on the same page and that revisions are handled efficiently.

Conclusion

Finding the right web designer means more than hiring someone with design skills; it’s about choosing a partner who can meet your specific business goals, brand identity, and budget. By asking these questions, you can ensure your website project is a success from start to finish.

Looking for daily expertise? 

A coworking community is a great place to get great advice. Curious to learn more about how coworking might work for your career? We wrote a piece about how coworking can help you along your journey. 

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Expert Author

Dina Liberatore (she's a member!)
Freelance Web Designer, Idena Designs

Dina is a freelance web designer with a passion for helping small businesses succeed online. She specializes in designing user-friendly, responsive websites that showcase products, services, and values. Her journey includes over 6 years of experience as a Director and Manager of customer service teams, where I honed my skills in operations, customer experience, and holistic leadership.

Email: [email protected]
Web: www.idenadesigns.com