Your website is your online storefront, so it is essential that it can project your image and brand accurately. This is your primary marketing tool that will support your traditional materials like business cards and brochures. As a business owner, you want to have the best site, and hiring a web designer can help you do that.
Your web design is integral in giving your visitors a good experience and potentially converting them to leads. When your website is not working properly, or your visitors can’t immediately find what they are looking for, they will leave immediately.
So what should you do before you hire a web designer to take care of creating your website?
1. Identify your goals and priorities for your website
Know what your goals and priorities are for your website before you contact a web designer. Will it be for selling products and services or providing information? First, think about why you want to create a website. Then, draft an outline of what you want your website to feature.
2. Create a vision board and a design wish list
To help you visualize how your website will look like, you can create a vision board. It will contain the fonts that you like, slogans or phrases you want to use, and graphics that you plan to use as part of your marketing strategies. Create a wish list of the design elements you want to see in your website, including social media buttons and brand icons you need to promote your business online. The vision board and the wish list will give your web designer an idea, and the estimated time it will take to produce your idea.
3. Set your budget
Building your website can cost more than expected, but be prepared and set your budget. Do your research on the standard rates web designers charge for this kind of project. With a budget set, you can narrow down your list of web designers. You can get quality work at a reasonable price, but some who have extensive experience can be expensive.
4. Ask for recommendations
You want someone with proven experience, so tap your network and ask around for a web designer they highly recommend. There are thousands of web designers you can find online from all over the world, so it is easier to narrow down the options by asking for recommendations from people you know.
Instead of Skype call or chat, you can meet the local web designer in person and sit down on how you plan to design your website. However, if you don’t mind hiring someone virtually, then you can check out freelancing job sites. Alternatively, think about a particular website you like, contact the owner for information, and reach out to the web designer directly.
5. Create a launch plan
Think about how you plan to launch your website and use it to your advantage when it is completed. You can create an event to launch your website and create a buzz about your brand. You can also ask for testimonials from your customers through written or video content, which you can share on social media and link to your website.
Conclusion
Having a website with the right design can give your brand a good impression among visitors. A web designer can help you create a site with the best user experience for your visitors. Keep in mind the tips above before you hire a web designer. It is always better to be prepared.
If you’re looking for a website designer in Birmingham, get in touch today for a free consultation!
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