Hiring a website designer is like going on a first date. You'll want to get to know that person a little better. You're looking for the perfect match — someone who understands your vision and recognizes your goals. The whole process can be a little daunting, for sure. So how do you find "the one?" Here are three ways to meet the web designer of your dreams.
1. Choose the Right Person for the Job
There are more than 146,000 website designers in the United States, and they come in all forms. Some are creatives who develop bold designs and innovative concepts. Others are more technical. They code and program. They manage the "nuts and bolts" of your website. Choosing the right person for your project all depends on what you want to achieve. Are you looking for someone to design a brand-spanking' new website from scratch? Or just someone to make a few tweaks to your site? Are you prepared to pay the big bucks and hire the world's top talent? Or are you on a limited budget? It's a good idea to create a brief for your website design project. This will help you find the right person for the job.
2. Assess Skills and Experience
There's no one route to becoming a web designer — every journey is different. Some web designers have college degrees; others are self-taught. Some are just starting out; others have been creating websites for five, 10, even 20 years. It's important, however, to assess someone's skills and experience before you hire them. Here are some things to look out for:
Has the web designer worked with many high-profile clients in the past?
Does the web designer utilize the latest design techniques like parallax scrolling, responsive design, and mobile optimization?
Does the web designer outsource any of their work?
You should find the answers to these questions on the web designer's own website. If not, give them a call or drop them an email. Alternatively, get someone to do all the hard work for you. Hired connects your company with the industry's top tech talent, so you don't have to spend hours looking for a web designer on the internet. This way, you can discover designers who have the skills and experience you need. In fact, you could find the perfect person for your project in just 15 minutes a day.
3. Look at Job Samples
Consumers are more aware of website design than ever before. If your website isn't up to scratch, it could jeopardize the future of your business. In fact, 94 percent of people say a company website's design influences whether they trust that brand. Make sure a web designer understands the factors that will shape the success of your new site. You can do this by assessing a designer's previous web design projects. Then, put yourself in a consumer's shoes. For each website you view, ask yourself the following:
Would you place an order from this website?
Is the website easy to use?
What design features do you like the best?
This is a great way to discover whether the web designer is a good match for your business. Looking to hire a web designer? Follow the three tips on this list, and you'll be good to go. Finding the perfect designer for your project doesn't have to be a challenge. Just choose the right person for the job, assess their skills and experience and look at job samples.