How to choose a web designer? - Gorgeous Geek Web Design

Do you need to find someone to design your coaching website, and wonder how to choose a web designer that is perfect for you?

I hear stories similar to these all the time:

My biggest frustration was that it wasn’t getting done. It’s took ages from the moment I told my idea to the designer until I’m saw something …which was like… never.

My first web designers didn’t understand my vision and the idea in my head. They tried to convince me that it should look a like this and that, instead of listening to what I told them I wanted it to look like. I felt very frustrated and helpless.

I tried to do it myself, failed miserably, stressed for months, hired relatives, relatives failed, and I still have a shit website.

Make sure you get a better start

You don’t want to end up being super scared to hire someone. To save yourself having a bad experience, learn how to evaluate if a web designer is a good fit for you.

Checklist: How to choose a web designer

Does the web designer have experience building websites for the kind of business you have?

This can be a great benefit, as they will have better knowledge of what a website like yours need to engage and attract your ideal clients.

Does the web designer offer a free, no-obligation consultation session?

It is a great advantage because you can find out this next most important thing:

Do you feel you connect with this person who is potentially going to do your website?

Do you feel you can have a calm conversation with him/her where you can explain what you want, how you want it, safely express your concerns and visions and feeling good about it?

Do you feel you can trust this person?

You want to find someone you feel you can trust, who really listens to you, understands you, has the right skills and who will deliver on time.

Look at the web designer’s portfolio, and talk to the owners of these websites if you can. Were they happy with everything?

Is it clear from the proposal what is and is not included in the price?

If you don’t understand some technical stuff or have doubts, feel comfortable to ask – a professional web designer will understand that it’s important.

What is the time-frame for getting the website ready to launch?

Sometimes it’s a few weeks, sometimes longer – ask about it if it’s not stated anywhere in your proposal.

When can the web designer start your project?

Right away, or how long do you have to wait?

What is expected from your side during the process?

Do they have a plan for what is expected of you by when in terms of content (content, images, call to action messages etc. Read more about this in part 3 of this blog post: What does a quality website need).

What kind of support and communication can you expect during the process

Will you have regular meetings? Is communication done per phone, email, Zoom?

What kind of support is available after the website is up?

A website tends to keep needing stuff after the initial setup. Will that person teach you how to maintain it, or be available to help? Do they offer maintenance packages?

Do you like the sense of style of the web designer?

Look at other websites the web designer has built, including his/her own. Do you like the style?

Will the website be mobile responsive?

It should be – most people operate mostly from their phones and tablets.

Tip: Learn the basics before contacting a web designer

It will make you feel a lot more confident if you understand the big picture of what a quality website needs. You can learn more in this blog post: What does a quality caoching website need.