What to Do When Hiring a Web Designer

If you have a business in the alternative health and wellness space and are looking to hire a web designer, you’re in the right spot. Whether you need a brand new website or a refresh of an existing one, it can be overwhelming to pick the right designer or agency for the job.  

This article will give you all the info you need to make a smart and informed choice before you spend any of your hard-earned money. Feel free to read straight through or jump right to the section that’s most important to you.

Contents

(1) Understand Your Needs and Goals

(2) Know What to Look for in a Web Designer

(3) Assess Their Process and Approach    

(4) Evaluate Their Understanding of Your Industry

(5) Consider the Full Package

(6) Common Questions About Web Design

(7) Understand Industry Jargon  

(8) Budget and Pricing

(9) Red Flags to Watch Out For

(10) Final Steps and Making Your Decision  

(1) Understand Your Needs and Goals

Define Your Goals

Before you look for a web designer, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you want from your website. Are you aiming to attract new clients, showcase your services, or sell products online? Perhaps you want to create an engaging platform for sharing content with your audience or establish a strong brand presence. Defining these clear goals will help you effectively communicate your needs to the designer and ensure the final product meets your expectations. Additionally, consider the style and functionality you envision, and think about how the website will integrate with your existing marketing strategies. Having a well-thought-out plan will ultimately lead to a more successful collaboration and a website that truly serves your business objectives.

Identify Must-Have Features

What are some features that you think you need your website to have? Do you need a contact form so people can easily reach out, a way for clients to book sessions or appointments, a blog, etc? Keep these must-haves in mind when you talk with potential designers. Also remember that it’s okay if you’re not fully sure what features your site needs! The important thing is that you give some thought beforehand to what functionalities you need, and a good web designer should be able to help you figure out what features would be best for your website based on those functionality needs.

Consider Your Brand and Audience

Your website should not only match your brand but also resonate with your target audience, creating a seamless and engaging online presence. To achieve this, it’s important to find a designer who understands the nuances of your particular niche.

Picking a designer who knows your niche means they understand your industry’s trends, what your audience likes, the specific challenges you might face, and which aesthetics will look good for your niche. This lets them craft designs that are more tailored and effective. With this specialized insight, your website can stand out and connect better with your audience, boosting engagement and success.

(2) Know What to Look for in a Web Designer

Experience and Portfolio

When checking out web designers, it’s a very good idea to take a good look at their past work. This will help you see if they have experience in your industry and what their design style is like, both of which are important if you want a design that clicks with your audience.

A solid portfolio of similar projects not only shows off their skills but also gives you confidence that they can deliver what you need. You can also consider reaching out to their previous clients for testimonials or case studies to get more insight into their design process and client satisfaction. A designer who gets the alternative health and wellness industry—and your niche in particular—can craft a more tailored and effective web presence for your business.

Technical Skills and Expertise

Ensure that the designer possesses the necessary technical skills to create an effective website. Here are a few key things to look out for in a good web designer:

• They know how to perform basic website SEO—also known as on-page SEO—to enhance your website’s search engine visibility (note that this is not the same thing as an SEO campaign). On-page SEO involves optimizing individual web pages through elements like content, keywords, and heading tags to improve search rankings.
• They understand mobile optimization to ensure your site is accessible and functional on all devices.
• They have solid grasp of user experience (UX) design to create an intuitive and engaging user interface.
• They have either practical experience or at least the theoretical knowledge needed to integrate certain features your website might need, such as a contact form, a way for clients to book sessions or appointments, a blog, etc.

Design Style and Flexibility

Look for a designer whose style matches your vision but can also adapt to different needs and project requirements. As previously mentioned, this is one of the main reasons to check out a designer’s previous projects.

It’s key to have someone who mixes creativity with practicality, making sure your website looks great and has a unique style while staying intuitive and user-friendly. This balance is crucial for engaging visitors and giving them a smooth browsing experience that keeps them exploring.

A great designer will get the importance of both form and function, crafting a digital presence that meets both your style and functional needs.

(3) Assess Their Process and Approach

Initial Consultation and Communication

An initial consultation is very important to seeing if a designer understands your needs, and it helps both of you decide if you’re a good match. In a consultation, you can talk about your vision, preferences, and any specific requirements you might have. A good designer will ask specific questions to fully grasp your goals, listen carefully to your ideas and concerns, and offer valuable insights. Consultations tend to be cheap or free and usually last around twenty to thirty minutes.

Something that is less common but serves the same purpose—and then some—as a consultation is a roadmapping session. You can think of a roadmapping session as a really in-depth consultation.

A roadmapping session is a collaborative talk where you and the web designer lay out the steps and strategies to needed to hit specific goals. During this session, the designer pinpoints key objectives, potential hurdles, timelines, and necessary resources for your project. The goal is to craft a clear, actionable plan, making sure everyone is on the same page with expectations and outcomes.

Roadmapping sessions don’t have any set format, but they tend to take longer and cost more than a typical consultation. The trade-off, though, is that you gain a comprehensive understanding of your  project scope and a well-defined path forward. This investment in time and resources ultimately leads to a more efficient workflow and better results, as potential challenges are anticipated and addressed early on. By the end of a roadmapping session, both you and the designer will have a solid foundation to commence the project with confidence and clarity, should you choose to move forward with them.

Regardless of whether a designer offers a more standard initial consultation or does roadmapping, this initial interaction helps both you and the designer to understand the needs and scope of your project and to see whether you both are a good fit for each other or not.

Design and Development Process

Look for a designer who has a clear, structured approach to keep your project smooth and efficient. Usually, this involves a few key steps:

• A discovery phase where you chat about goals, objectives, and scope
• A wireframing stage to plan the design layout
• A development phase where the actual building of your site happens

Knowing their workflow gives you a complete picture of what to expect at each step, helping set realistic timelines and expectations for finishing the project. Each designer will have a different process, but at the end of the day, the important thing is to make sure of is that the designer you are talking to has some kind of process in the first place.

Collaboration and Feedback

A collaborative approach ensures your feedback is valued and effectively included in the design process. Look for a designer who requires regular check-ins and welcomes revisions. This makes the process more transparent and keeps it aligned with your vision and goals. By fostering open communication and a partnership mindset, you can be confident that the end result will truly reflect your ideas and expectations, leading to a more satisfying and successful outcome.

(4) Evaluate Their Understanding of Your Industry

Knowledge of Your Niche

A designer who understands your niche can address certain needs like specific design elements, client engagement strategies, and HIPAA compliance if necessary. Their industry knowledge can make a big difference in the effectiveness of your website.

Case Studies and Success Stories

Ask for case studies or success stories that showcase their work with past clients. This will help you see how their expertise has translated into tangible results for businesses similar to yours.

(5) Consider the Full Package

Additional Services

When you’re searching for a designer, depending on your needs, look for someone who offers more than just the basic designing of your website. Look for someone who also can handle things like development (building the website), branding, copywriting, etc.

These extras can provide a unified approach, making sure everything about your online presence—from visuals to content and SEO—works smoothly together. A designer with a broad skill set can create a comprehensive digital experience that not only looks amazing but also connects with your audience and boosts your brand's visibility.

It’s important to note that not all web designers will offer a wide range of services, and that’s perfectly okay. This definitely does not make them low quality; it just means that you might have to work with more than one person for different aspects of your project.

Maintenance and Support

Ongoing support is important for keeping your website up-to-date and running smoothly. Check if the designer offers maintenance packages post-launch, so you can prevent problems and avoid handling any issues on your own.

(6) Common Questions About Web Design

What’s the difference between web design and web development?

The term web design can specifically refer to the visual look and feel of a website, but it’s also often used as an umbrella term encompassing both design and development aspects.

Web development refers to the actual building and technical details of a website.

Combining both web design and web development ensures a site that’s not only functional but also attractive.

How long does it take to build a website?

The timeline varies depending on different factors like the complexity of the project, the skill and experience of the web designer, how long it takes you to provide project assets to the designer, etc. A simple brochure site might take a few weeks, while a much more sizable and advanced site with more functionalities could take a few months.

It really all depends on a variety of factors, and there is no single answer to this.

Do I need to provide written content for my website, or will the designer handle that?

This is another thing that will vary from designer to designer.

Some web designers offer website copywriting/content writing services, while others expect you to provide the written content for your website. It should be noted that website copywriting is a specific skill that not just anyone can do well, and it’s not uncommon for web designers to not offer this service.

Make sure to clarify upfront whether or not a designer offers copywriting so that you’re not caught off guard.

What is SEO, and why is it important for my website?

SEO (Search Engine Optimization) improves your website’s visibility on search engines like Google, which makes it easier for potential clients to find you and helps to drive organic traffic to your website.

There are also two main kinds of SEO: on-page SEO and SEO campaigns.

On-page SEO focuses on optimizing individual pages of your website to improve their search engine ranking. This involves things like refining the written content on the pages of a website, optimizing technical things on a site like heading tag hierarchy, and properly structuring elements like images and internal links.

An SEO campaign, on the other hand, encompasses a more comprehensive strategy that includes things like content marketing—like a blog on a site—and link-building, both of which improve overall site ranking over time.

While on-page SEO is essential for achieving a good SEO ranking by enhancing page and overall website quality, SEO campaigns are optional. However, SEO campaigns can greatly improve rankings over an extended period of time by boosting overall site authority and reach.

What are responsive and mobile-optimized websites?

Responsive design means that your website lis deigned to look great on any device, and mobile optimization means that your site is built to work well on smaller devices like tablets and smart phones.

Given how often people view websites on their phones, it’s absolutely essential that your website is responsive and mobile friendly!

What happens after my website goes live?

While this is another thing that varies from designer to designer, post-launch steps typically include things like testing, maintenance, and updates.

A lot of designers provide maintenance packages after launching a site. These packages might cover regular updates, performance checks, tech support, and security measures to keep the site running smoothly and securely.

(7) Understand Industry Jargon

Some Common Terms and What They Mean

• UX/UI: User experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design focus on creating a positive and intuitive experience for users.
• Wireframes: Wireframes are basic sketches or blueprints of a website’s layout; you can think of a wireframe as the skeleton of a website that just shows the basic structure and layout of a site without any design elements applied.
• Responsive Design: This means that a website adapts to different screen sizes on different devices. (see section 6 above for more details)
• Mobile Friendly: This means that a website looks good and functions well on smaller devices like smart phones. (see section 6 above for more details)
• SEO: Short for "Search Engine Optimization" (see section 6 above for more details)
• CMS: Short for for "Content Management System," a CMS is a software tool used to easily create, manage, and modify digital content on websites (for example, think of a blog on a platform like WordPress or Webflow)

Why Understanding Jargon Matters

Knowing some common terms like these helps you make smart and informed decisions, allows you to talk easily with designers, and ensures a smoother project experience once you decide on a designer to work with.

(8) Budget and Pricing

Understanding Costs

Web design costs can vary tremendously depending on things like the project's scope, complexity, and the features you need.

For example, simple websites with basic functions might only set you back a few hundred dollars. These could be static pages with minimal interactivity, perfect for small businesses or personal blogs. On the flip side, complex sites with lots of pages and features like e-commerce capabilities, interactive elements, and custom integrations can cost over ten thousand dollars. These sites usually need more effort in design, development, and testing to ensure a smooth user experience.

When thinking about web design, it’s good to remember that the designer’s expertise also really affects the cost. Experienced designers with a solid portfolio generally charge more because they have a proven track record of delivering top-notch work.

They might also offer specialized services like SEO optimization to boost your site’s search engine visibility or branding to keep visual and messaging elements consistent with your audience. Custom functionality—such as unique plugins or tailored features—can also increase the cost but significantly enhance your site's usability and appeal.

To get the best bang for your buck, it’s super important to talk with potential designers about your needs and priorities upfront. This helps set expectations and ensures you're on the same page.

When talking to different designers, make sure you understand what's included in their services. Ask detailed questions about the design process, timeline, and any extra costs that might come up. Choose a designer whose offerings and pricing fit your goals and budget, making sure the end results meet your business needs effectively.

Value Over Cost

While sticking to a budget is obviously important, it’s also important to prioritize value over simply going for the lowest price.

Choosing the cheapest option might seem appealing initially, but it can come with compromises in quality, which could potentially hurt and cost you more in the long run.

Investing in a high-quality website that aligns with your business goals is a worthwhile decision, as it can enhance user experience and boost your brand’s credibility. Such an investment is likely to deliver better long-term results, ensuring your website remains effective and relevant as your business grows.

(9) Red Flags to Watch Out For

Lack of Transparency

Watch out for web designers who aren’t upfront about pricing, timelines, or what they’ll deliver: these can be red flags that might lead to misunderstandings or project delays.

Transparency is key for a successful project, helping both parties stay aligned and work well together. Open and honest communication from the start is important to avoid surprises and build a solid working relationship.

Make sure the designer gives you some kind of detailed outline about the project, so you know what to expect.

Poor Communication

Responsive and clear communication is essential. If a designer is slow to respond or unclear in their communication, consider it a red flag.

Don’t take this particular warning sign lightly.

Overpromising

Avoid designers who guarantee unrealistic results or seem too good to be true unless they have solid proof to back up their claims. Honest, realistic expectations are key to a successful partnership.

(10) Final Steps and Making Your Decision

Making Your Shortlist

Narrow down your options to a few top picks by looking at things like expertise, style, and budget. Take a good look at each candidate’s portfolio to check out the quality and relevance of their past work, and read client testimonials to get a sense of their reliability and professionalism.

Some careful evaluation will help you make a smart choice that suits your needs and expectations.

Schedule Consultations

Arrange consultations or roadmapping sessions with top candidates. Remember to ask questions to get a feel for their understanding of your needs, project costs, and how they’d tackle your project.

Trusting Your Gut

After thorough reflection and due diligence, you ultimately should choose a designer you feel comfortable with and trust in their ability to successfully deliver on your project.

This decision should be based not only on their technical skills but also on how well they understand and align with your goals and aesthetic preferences. Building a good rapport with your designer can lead to more effective communication and a successful outcome.

What Should You Do Now?

Hopefully after following this guide, you feel well-equipped to find a web designer who aligns with your goals and brand.

If you’re interested in seeing if MindBody Digital could be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out with any questions you have or set up a roadmapping session so we can figure out the best way forward for your project together!