When I first started working for myself, the idea of outsourcing anything seemed like a hugely daunting task. Not only am I fiercely independent and really don’t like asking for help at the best of times, but I was always worried that I’d hire the wrong person.
The whole endeavour would be a waste of my time and/or money; I can do that task kind of OK on my own, so why would I outsource it to someone else?
A few years in and I’ve conceded that there are certain things on my to-do list I’m better off leaving to the experts. Some of them are obvious and easy to hand off (bye-bye, taxes!), and some of them still freak me out a little bit (I still can’t imagine having someone else handle my emails or Instagram!). But having hired a few people here and there now, I know that ultimately it’s the right thing to do.
But it never changes the fact that parting with my hard-earned cash, especially as a self-funded woman in tech, is scary as hell.
So I get why you’d hesitate to hire a website designer.
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Hiring anyone is daunting, and a website designer, in particular, can be an expensive mistake if it turns out you don’t vibe with them at all. With that in mind, I wanted to share with you some questions I think you should ask any designer before you work with them (whether it’s me or not).
- Which platform do you specialise in? (WordPress, Squarespace, Wix, etc)
- Why do you recommend that platform over the others?
- What is your website design process from start to finish?
- How will we manage the handover? Is there training included? What about support?
- What additional security and backup measures will you be taking?
- Can you take care of integrations like linking to my CRM/email platform?
- What SEO measures will you be taking? How will you make sure my website runs quickly?
- Will my website be accessible and functional for all people, including people with disabilities? How?
When hiring a designer, it can be easy to want to choose the most affordable option, or the design style that looks the prettiest, or even just the person you personally like the best. All of those things are important, of course. I certainly prefer to work with people that I personally like and vibe with, both when outsourcing and working with clients.
But there’s a lot more that goes into good, functional website design than just aesthetics! Finding that perfectly “you” slice of online should include bringing together strategic marketing and design choices, with inclusive accessibility and aesthetics that wow your community.
Thanks to my 8+ year career in digital marketing, I am well-placed to make strategic design choices for your website that not only look good but actually allow your website to function like automation. I’m talking about your personal corner of the internet that tells your dream customers and clients exactly who you are, while guiding them on a journey that empowers them to make an informed decision about working with you.
Through all my years of on-the-job training and self-investment in online courses, I have always sought to work with and learn from industry leaders who are passionate about what they do, and the impact they have.
Related: 4 Things Your Website Designer Needs Before They Can Start >
Are you ready for a custom website design that captures the unique essence and remarkable soul of your brand? Get in touch today to get started. I can’t wait to see what we create together!
Until next time, be kind to yourself and create something remarkable!
Laura x
