Learn what questions you should ask and how to set your expectations. This article should help you understand all the fine details when choosing a web designer.
Understand the difference between a freelancer and a web design company
Before you start asking questions, make sure you know the difference between a freelancer and a web design agency. This will clear up many misconceptions about what you need versus what you will get.
In general, a freelance web designer will:
- Be more affordable
- Have more time to spend on an individual project
- Create a personal connection with their clients
At the same time:
- They might have problems delivering large projects on time because they work alone
- In some situations, the quality might be lower
When it comes to a web design agency, there is a whole team of people behind your project. However, keep in mind that they also work on other projects simultaneously so that they won’t dedicate all of their time to a single client, unlike a freelance web designer. Furthermore, the cost of a web design agency is higher.
Now that you understand the difference let us see what questions to ask to find a good web designer!
Where are they located?
Why should a location play an important part in choosing a web designer? This might seem like a strange question to ask, but it is necessary.
If you are looking for a web designer near you, you won’t have any communication issues. However, if they are in a different time zone, that might not be the case.
Remember that you can only communicate with them during specific hours. This is why location is important. Make sure to specify your available hours for communication, and try to align with their work time.
Ask to see their portfolio
There are many important questions to ask a freelance web designer. However, per moverstech.com, if you want good service and a quality website, you need to see their portfolio.
The first reason is to see how much experience they have. A freelancer with a single project behind them might not be the best choice, even though there are exceptions to this rule. However, if you see many completed projects, that is a good sign.
Next, you can understand what their style of work is. It is a huge bonus if it aligns with your needs and if you like how the websites look. Even the best web designers might prefer a different style of work, which can cause issues sometimes.
Finally, by looking at the portfolio, you will see who their previous clients were. You can always contact them and ask if they can share some information about the web designer and was the shared experience pleasant or not.
Find out how much time they can spend on your project
If you find a freelance web designer whose style you like, check if they are available. They might already be working on another project. It is crucial to ask when they will be available, how much time they can spend on your project, and when they can deliver.
At this point, it is crucial to decide for yourself whether you have time to spare or whether you urgently need someone. For example, if you recognize the signs that it’s time to redesign your website, you cannot wait for a month or two before someone starts to work on the project.
On the other hand, if you are not in a rush, it might be worth waiting for the designer, especially if you like their style.
Ask for the total price
One benefit of freelance web designers is that there are no hidden costs. You can openly ask for the total price of the project. Furthermore, you can also ask what factors might change the price, so you can account for additional expenses in case something happens.
Another clever thing would be to ask what happens if they deliver past the deadline. In some cases, they might agree to lower the cost. However, you should also understand that this is a possibility and be prepared for it.
What is included in the cost?
While you are discussing the price, it is a smart move to ask what is included in the cost. Some web designers will work based on your ideas, while others will also give you suggestions or create a complete design.
Always know what is included in the cost. That is the best way to avoid unpleasant situations and misunderstandings.
Understand the design process
We mentioned before that every web designer has a personal work style. That applies both to the style of design and the processes. Every project has different stages. You want to be familiar with every stage just so you can stay informed about the project.
It is a common thing that you get reviews and ask for changes when they work. However, you should not check in every day. The designer will usually work for some time, complete one phase, and then ask for a review.
It is essential to understand the entire process, so there is no miscommunication on either end.
Check everything before hiring a freelance web designer
Hiring a freelance web designer is an easy process, but you should not rush it. Always ask all of the questions you can think of. There are no stupid questions. As a bonus tip, make sure that you get transparent answers. If it seems like the web designer is hiding something or is not clear with their answers, you should look for a better opportunity. Best of luck finding the perfect match for your website and business needs!
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