Guide: How to Find a Web Designer in 2023?

Having a cutting-edge website — no longer an option in 2023. Learn how to find the best web designers to build your next website.

"If your business is not on the internet, then your business will be out of business," wise words from the co-founder of Microsoft (Bill Gates). Sounds harsh, but doesn’t make it any less true. Every company, regardless of size, needs a professionally designed website.

Finding a web designer and getting your website off the ground can be a challenge, especially if you’re a solopreneur or a small and medium-sized business (SMB). The common denominator between business owners reluctant to hire a web designer: the cost.

Others simply don’t know where to look for one.

Whatever your roadblock, we’re here to help. This guide covers how to find the right web designer and the best practices to keep in mind.

Why find a web designer?

When new customers land on your website, everything from thewebsite designto thecontentwill determine whether you’re trustworthy. Your website also enhances brand awareness and drives prospects to explore your product or services.

Yet, creating a high-quality website that’s impressionable (in a good way) isn’t so simple for the layperson. Busy entrepreneurs (such as yourself), don’t have time to learn the skills and best practices. So the next best thing is to delegate website creation to a top-level website designer.

This is also the right move if you:

• Lack time to build your own website

• Don’t have the required skills or experience to create a website

• Want a website with a distinctive look to stand out from the rest

• Need a website optimized for various interfaces, including mobile devices

• Aren’t sure how to drive results leveraging your site

Do any of these ring true for you? Then it’s time to tap into the expertise of a web designer or a web developer. Don’t worry — we explain the main differences below.

Web designer vs. web developer: what’s the difference?

Web designers andweb developers一个re often used interchangeably. While there’s some overlap in their responsibilities, web designers and web developersperform different functions.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Web designers are responsible for creating your website’s visual appearance and feel. They focus on design elements, such as layout, colors, fonts, graphics, and functionalities and features of the website. Top-level web designers are proficient in using front-end development technologies and graphic design tools while possessing a solid capability in conceptualizing and executing creative ideas for clients.

Conversely, a web developer deals with the technical aspects of the website to ensure it runs with no loading issues or downtime.Web developers一个re versed in using up-to-date programming languages, such as Javascript, Python, C#, and PHP, among others. They also have a solid understanding of bestsearch engine optimization(SEO) practices (to help your website rank in Google) and hands-on experience identifying and solving technical problems.

Freelancer vs. agency vs. full-time web designer

Another critical factor to consider: the advantages and disadvantages of various hiring options for web designers.

Weigh your budget, project scope, and specific demands before deciding between a freelance web designer, agency, and in-house web designer.

Let's explore the pros and cons of each.

Freelance web designer

Opting to work with a freelance designer provides immediate tangible benefits to solopreneurs and SMB owners with tight budgets. According toDeloitte Global Outsourcing Survey,57% of businessesoutsource projects to freelancers and independent contractors to unlock the benefits of reduced costs.

Outsourcing website design to a freelancer means you benefit from competitive prices. Freelancers have lower overhead costs, so the savings pass down to you. Since freelance designers are running businesses, they’re committed to providing the best quality for your projects.

Unlike working with an agency (which has multiple stakeholders involved in your website project), you can liaise with freelance designers directly without needing to jump through hoops. This speeds up website creation and reduces errors caused by miscommunication.

Yet, some business owners are reluctant to hire freelance web designers because they can’t oversee the progress of their website coming together or fear being ghosted. Sure, both situations are possible, but it’s less likely with top-tier web designers with solid testimonials and strong work ethics.

Web design agency

Tasking a web design agency with digital asset creation is another route business owners explore. Web design agencies bring a fusion of technical know-how and access to the collective experience.

But there’s a downside — the price of web design agencies is usually higher than working with a freelancer.

In-house web designer

Have a complex site needing frequent updates? Then employing a full-time web designer makes perfect sense. If not, contracting a full-time web designer isn’t financially feasible for most businesses.

Unlike a freelance designer, a full-time employee costs more to your business. You must pay their salary and cover taxes and benefits, such as social security, holidays, and sick pay.

How much does it cost to hire a web designer?

The cost of hiring a web designer depends on the complexity of your website, the expertise required, the project timeline, and your budget. Web designers typically charge by the hour or on a project basis.

Thestarting hourly wagefor a freelance web designer is $28, with an average rate of $75 for an experienced professional. Web designers who apply a value-based pricing model (charge per project)can cost youbetween $500 for a simplelanding page design一个nd as much as $5,000 (or more) for a more advanced website.

同样,一些自由网页设计师提供了佛罗里达州t fee per page.

How to hire web designers

After you've perfected the job description and identified the ideal applicant profile, go on to the next hiring process step.

Interview the candidate

Interviews help you get to know the website designer on a deeper level. During the interview, ask questions to determine whether a person is a good fit for the job and whether you have a common ground.

Building a strong rapport will ensure successful collaboration, minimizing any potential hiccups.

Consider asking the following questions:

• What prompted you to become a web designer?

• What types of websites do you create?

• Why should we choose you over other candidates?

Look for hard and soft skills

Finding a web designer with the necessary technical acumen is a must. But that’s not everything.

Soft skills,including time management, communication, creative thinking, and problem-solving, play a critical role in a fruitful collaboration.

According toLinkedIn,91% of talent professionalsbelieve soft skills are essential to the future of recruitment and success of a business. The argument resounds with business owners claiming good communication skills are paramount.

“A good rule of thumb is that if someone isn’t professional in their communication or demeanor towards you or your project, they are not the right fit for you or your website design needs,”shares Ryan Biancone, Manager of Business Affairs at Victory Tractor Implements.

Request access to their portfolio and client testimonials

Work speaks for itself, right? Don’t shy away from asking the freelancer to share their portfolio of previous projects to assess their true capabilities and skills.

Wendy Ha, CEO of the virtual accounting firm AgileCPA, said,“I look for a designer with experience, ideally with a portfolio of their previous work. My goal is to see their design’s creative and technical side and determine if their values align with mine.”

Client testimonials and reviews also determine how satisfied past customers were with the outcome. On Fiverr, portfolios and reviews are visible when viewing either the seller profile page or a seller gig page.

Inquire about their rates

You found a freelancer that fits your project. Great. But can you afford them? The cost of hiring a freelance web designer varies based on the type of website you need, their experience, and the project scope.

Establish your website requirements and ask for a ballpark estimate to see if it fits your budget.

Always shop around

Until you discover the right person, you shouldn't stop looking. Facts. The right match for your website design could be lurking around the corner. For one-page websites, consider a junior freelance web designer to get a competitive rate

Website design by Top-rated Sellerchirag8838

Likewise, if you need sophisticatedweb design services, look for somebody with specific skills and fluency in a particular programming language.

A website design project by Fiverr’s Pro Sellerdetrend

把他们的能力测试

Ask the candidate to showcase their web design skills by working on a small test project for you. This lets you evaluate their core strengths, aesthetics, and ability to follow directions. Make sure to provide constructive feedback and see how effectively they can implement adjustments.

Top places to find web designers

You have the best hiring practices and tips. Where should you start your search for an ideal web designer?

The good news: you’re spoilt for choice. Let’s walk you through the proven places to find web designers for your next website project.

1. Search engines

全能者谷歌或必应most popular way to search for freelance website designers or web design agencies. With a quick search, you can access hundreds of freelance candidates and design agencies. You are only left to decide which suits you best.

2. Job Sites

Specialized job sites are another option for finding a freelance web designer. Whether you’re a solopreneur or a small business, you can list a job and wait for applications to flood in. But, the process can be time-consuming as you'll have to go through each application manually.

3. Social media

Social media recruitment is on the rise. Use social media channels like LinkedIn to follow and engage with freelance web designers, learning more about their work processes and past projects. If you have your eye on somebody, reach out to them.

4. Fiverr

The biggest global freelance services marketplace, Fiverr, is where you’ll discover thousands of web designers who are ready to work.

Fiverr has a range of designers, fromWix web design expertstoWordPress specialists.

Focus on what you do best—running your business—and hire a professional to handle your web design project. With a few clicks, browse through Fiverr’s web design experts, compare prices, read reviews, and book your first gig. Plus, you can manage and pay one or more freelancers from a single dashboard.

How do you keep a good web designer?

It's not just about finding a good web designer, it's also about keeping and fostering a great relationship with them, good talent is hard to come by, so it's important to create a positive and productive working dynamic.

Buruk, a web designer on Fiverr一个dvises clients to avoid setting tight deadlines, as they can negatively impact the quality of the project. "Give your project and designer time to work on it. I believe that well-thought-out and unhurried work produces the best results," he explains.

Another important tip for working with a web designer is to break down revisions into smaller tasks. "When giving revisions, be clear and concise with your instructions. Avoid overwhelming the designer with too many changes at once," Buruk suggests. "A simple 1-2 sentence explanation will suffice."

The bottom line

Building a solid online presence is a no-brainer. Your customers look for you online, and you must make a great first impression when they find you. You only have one chance — take it!

Your best bet is to partner with an expert freelance web designer to avoid costly mistakes. Can’t spare time scouting for the best web designer or an agency? Fiverr is here to help!