Before You Hire a Web Designer: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself

Creating a new site? Do you need someone to make changes to the site? Or looking for someone to be an administrator of your website? A couple of questions may be asked when you are looking to change and create your business's vision. Before connecting with a web designer, there are a couple of more questions that you must ask yourself before starting the process. Here is a list of questions that you will have to ask yourself:

1. What is your vision of what you would like to see for your website?
2. What is your budget and timeline?
3. Do you have a branding or content ready?
4. How much involvement would you like to have in the site creation process?
5. Will you need an ongoing site after it is launched?

With these questions, it will be helpful in the long run when creating a plan or timeline for the project. Additionally, have a brief understanding of what is required to ensure that all the client's attributes or features are met. 

What is your vision of what you would like to see for your website?

Having an idea to show your business services and products to the world. Having some idea will make the process easier, and if it is well communicated, then the project may be completed sooner than expected. There are a few things that you can do to make it easier:

1. Have all the media you would like to include on the site. Even if your stock or royalty-free media.
2. Have a media kit ready. From that, the designer can gather the fonts that you would like to have for the site and the colors to be used.
3. Have some examples of sites, a couple of sites that you like, and a competitor's site.

The designer will be able to craft a couple of drafts to present to you, which could be your following site. 

What is your budget and timeline?

When working with a web designer, it's essential to keep your budget in mind. Requesting a detailed website with numerous pages and e-commerce features for selling products and services can increase costs and may necessitate adjusting the project timeline. The timeline also affects the overall price, since the designer estimates the time needed based on your specifications. If you need to expedite the project, additional fees may be charged.

 

Do you have a branding or content ready?

Having a brand and content ready is essential when creating a website. Having this information about the brands will make it easier to create the website. So, having a color scheme with up to 3 - 4 other colors besides black and white. Additionally, you will want to select a font that is easy to read. Additionally, having media ready to go, the more the better, is crucial when choosing to represent a business or a person's persona.

How much involvement would you like to have in the site creation process?

Involvement is always welcome, but it should be approached in a friendly and professional manner. Whether it is hands-on participation or having a meeting to exchange information and updates, clear communication is key. It is up to the web designer to determine how comfortable they are during the creative process. Some prefer minimal involvement, providing feedback only when milestones have been reached. On the other hand, others like to be involved from start to finish, offering input and ideas throughout the project. Flexibility and mutual understanding help ensure that the collaboration is successful and enjoyable for everyone involved. 

Will you need an ongoing site after it is launched?

It's always a good idea to consider this important aspect early on. Hiring a professional to back up your website's files can provide peace of mind, knowing your data is safe. Please note that an additional fee may apply for these services, which could be a one-time payment or a recurring monthly charge. Taking these steps can help ensure your website remains secure and well-maintained.

In conclusion

Before hiring a web designer, it's crucial to evaluate your needs and expectations to ensure project success. Begin by clarifying your vision—consider how you want your business, products, or services to be showcased online. Having a well-defined direction, along with prepared assets like media kits, brand colors, and sample websites, allows your designer to work more efficiently and creatively. Also, establishing a clear budget and timeline creates realistic expectations and helps prevent misunderstandings or delays. Finalizing your branding and content—such as imagery, fonts, messaging, and logos—save time and promote a consistent, professional brand presentation.

Think about your preferred level of involvement in the design process. Whether you wish to be fully engaged or prefer a hands-off approach, clear communication fosters better collaboration. Finally, consider the long-term: will you need ongoing support after the website launches? Planning for maintenance, updates, or backups now can save time and resources later. Addressing these key areas upfront demonstrates professionalism and preparedness, enabling your web designer to deliver a strategic, polished final product aligned with your long-term business goals.

Why Your Small Business Needs a Professional Website

I'm new to this, so please bear with me as I blog. This topic has been pressing for years for small business owners: Is it better to create a page on a social media platform like Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), or LinkedIn? Hosting a website can be expensive (not just in cost but also in know-how) for a small business. They can both be beneficial in numerous ways, and they can also work together to attract customers.

When I'm on social media, I receive a notification to follow a friend's page, which often turns out to be a small business venture they've started.  Then, when I go to their page, I see no website. If they have goods, they usually share them via the ma
rketplace or want the person to contact them directly. I can see some of the advantages of using social media. With social media, you can engage with your clientele and provide a brief overview of your business live without the cost of hosting a site or the extra overhead associated with it. However, one major drawback is that you are limited in the products you can sell, as you must abide by the platform's rules and regulations. Additionally, what about individuals who do not have social media accounts? With those limits, you are reaching part of your potential.

On the other hand, having a website can be costly.  Either have someone build one for you and your brand or attempt to do it yourself. It will cost time and money, but it is yours. You don't have to be restricted by what you sell due to rules and regulations or pay additional fees through specific platforms. Don't get me wrong, there are some restrictions, but that's only if you're hosting through a service like Wix or Bluehost, as they have different storage tiers. 

In all, they both have their pros and cons for using them. Social media is an excellent tool for engaging users and providing a brief overview of your company, goods, and services. However, there are limits to what you can show and the information you can provide. When it comes to hosting or creating a website, you can provide more information about your business, including your goods and services. It can be used as a hub for other social media platforms. Overall, both are great tools. They can be used to share your information with the world and to engage with your clients, generating new leads.