Hiring a Web Designer? Here are 5 Non-Negotiables to Look For
Investing in your business’s website is one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make as an online entrepreneur. It’s often the first impression someone has of your business, and showcases all the good you’re doing in the world.
But if you’ve been in business for a few years, chances are the DIY website you threw together in your early days no longer reflects the work you do today. If you’re finally ready to design the website of your dreams, hiring the right web designer is key.
Consider this your ultimate guide for choosing the right website designer for YOU. Let’s dive in!
5 Signs It’s Time to Hire a Web Designer (Instead of DIYing)
As a web designer myself, I understand that a custom website isn’t the right fit for every business owner. There’s a time and place for DIY—especially when you're just starting out.
But as your business grows, your website needs to grow with it. If any of these sound familiar, it’s probably time to work with a pro:
You’re embarrassed to share your website
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard this from my own web design clients. The quality of their work has evolved—but their website hasn’t. As a result, they’re mortified to share their site with colleagues and potential clients.
If you cringe every time someone asks for your website link, you’ve definitely outgrown it. Your website should be a confident representation of your brand; not something you're trying to hide!
You’re pivoting or rebranding
If you’re offering new services, targeting a new audience, or simply stepping into a bigger and shinier leadership role, your current website might be sending the wrong message.
A professional designer can help you choose a personal aesthetic, messaging, and brand strategy that aligns with where your business is headed, not where it started. A custom website also looks more professional, stands out from your competition, and reflects the value only you can provide.
Updating it is a nightmare
Contrary to popular belief, a well-designed site should be easy to maintain, even if you aren’t super tech-savvy. If the thought of updating your website makes you want to hurl your computer out the window, it’s time for an upgrade. A web designer can help declutter the backend of your site, making it easier to use and maintain in the future.
It’s not converting well
My number one goal as a web designer is to make sure your site does its job: help you make sales. You’d be surprised how many websites I see that are difficult to navigate, or worse, fail to communicate what the person is actually selling.
Having a clear call to action is one of the most basic, yet important goals every website should have. If your website isn’t helping you grow your business or book more clients, it’s worth investing in professional support.
You simply don’t have the time
Let's be honest, designing a website from scratch (even with templates) can take hours of your time. There’s a lot more that goes into building a site than colors, photos, and fonts. There are things like SEO, accessibility, and mobile optimization to consider. If your to-do list is already jam packed, you don’t have time to learn the skills needed to design a fully functional site.
Where to Find a Quality Web Designer
Once you’ve decided it’s time to hire a designer, the next question becomes: Where do I even find one? The good news is, you don’t need to rely on the first person who pops up on Google. The right designer for your business is out there…here’s where to start looking:
Ask your business friends and peers
In my opinion, the best place to start looking for a web designer is in your own network. Do some research and make a list of friends’ websites you love. Reach out to them and ask who their web designer was. This should give you a starting list of people to consider.
**Pro tip: Most websites have a line at the very bottom in their footer crediting the designer and linking to their own website.**
Explore online business communities
If you can’t find any referrals, try reaching out to online networking communities and see if anyone responds. You can also post inquiries in Facebook groups, Slack channels, and online forums geared towards your industry. This approach might unearth some hidden gems you won’t find with a simple Google search.
Don’t rule out Google—just get specific
Searching “web designer” alone will likely give you a list of big-time agencies or corporate firms. But specific search terms like “web designer for coaches” or “Squarespace designer for service-based businesses” will narrow it down.
You can also explore platforms like Pinterest or Instagram for a more visual representation of a web designer’s work. Explore their style and approach, and if it aligns with what you’re looking for, add them to your list!
Looking for a strategic design partner who understands both branding and backend systems? Learn whether I’m the right web designer for you!
5 Non-Negotiables to Look for in a Web Designer
Just like anything in business, not all web designers are created equal. Each has a different design style, approach, and price tag that will impact your decision to work with them. Some designers work with specific web hosting platforms like WordPress or Showit, and some work in specific industries.
Here are 5 non-negotiables to look for before signing on the dotted line:
Proven experience
While everyone has a different budget, you want to make sure the person you hire has the right experience to deliver on what you want. Make sure this person has:
A portfolio that reflects the design style and functionality you’re looking for
Testimonials that speak to the process of working with them and the results they deliver
Experience working in an industry like yours, or the capability to adapt to what you need
Pricing that reflects the value of their work
If the pricing seems too good to be true, it probably is. Experienced designers understand the value of their work and charge accordingly!
A clear and collaborative process
Although the designer is the expert in this situation, designing a website is still a collaborative process. You need someone who goes the extra mile to understand YOUR unique vision, including your specific goals, and how your website supports the way your business runs.
Make sure to ask questions like:
Exactly what’s included in the design package (pages, strategy sessions, revisions, etc.)?
What’s the project timeline, and how often will you check in?
What information do you need from me to make sure the website reflects my goals?
How do you handle revisions or changes if something isn’t quite right?
These questions will help you understand the designer’s specific process and policies so you aren’t hit with any surprises during the project.
Strategic thinking
Website design without a strategy is simply aesthetics. And unfortunately, aesthetics isn’t enough to sell your offer or program. Make sure your designer is asking strategic questions and understands:
How to structure your site map based on your customer journey
SEO basics so you’re not invisible on Google
Mobile optimization and accessibility
How the design will integrate with the website copy
Ability to integrate systems
Working with a web designer who knows how to connect your backend systems to your site is a game-changer. Make sure you work with someone who can integrate your:
Scheduling and booking tools
Lead magnets and email marketing platforms
E-commerce and checkout pages
I’m not going to lie, it’s rare to find someone who specializes in both web design and systems. And that’s what sets BizMagic apart!
If you need help deciding which tools are best for your online business, check out our custom service, Tech Magic.
Post-launch support
A beautifully designed, custom site is useless if you don’t know how to use it! Make sure your web designer offers some type of post-launch support like:
Training or tutorials so you can make basic updates
A clear window of time after the launch for questions or minor tweaks
Optional ongoing support or a recurring maintenance plan
At BizMagic, we offer monthly website maintenance to our clients to make sure their websites are running as optimally as possible. Learn more about our ongoing maintenance packages here!
Why Custom Design Is an Investment in Your Business Growth
At the end of the day, your website is one of the most powerful tools you have to attract aligned clients and grow your business. You deserve a site that looks, sounds, and feels like you.
One of the biggest things clients say after working with me is that they felt deeply seen—even when they weren’t sure how to put their vision into words. Because here’s the truth: If your website doesn’t reflect the unique personality behind your brand, it won’t attract the right people.
If you’re ready to give your outdated site a much-needed facelift, I’d love to help you design the website of your dreams. I’ve been designing professional sites for about 10 years, and specialize in custom Squarespace designs.
Click below to learn more about my web design services, view samples of my work, and book your consultation today:
