How to Find a Good WordPress Web Designer?
Every business is different and some companies have a specific way of operating that isn’t right for every brand. Finding a good fit for your business can be challenging and that’s what makes it so special when you do.
More and more brands are realizing the benefits of having a dedicated web designer on staff. Having a visual brand for your company web page can be invaluable, and oftentimes, the right designer can be the key to gaining better traction with your target audience. But what exactly is a web designer? How can you determine whether or not you’ll be able to find the right person for the job? What should you look out for?
Here are some of the things you might need to consider before making a hire.
Experience
You won’t believe how many times a web designer’s experience level can vary. Some designers may only have minimal design knowledge while others could have tons of experience. Designers who have graduated with a formal education in graphic design may not possess the hands-on experience that some small businesses value so greatly. Knowing what you’re looking for can help narrow down the field of candidates significantly. A good rule of thumb is to request a portfolio and look for recent examples of the designer’s work. This way, you can get a sense of their creative energy and how well they can conceptualize a design project.
Portfolio
Let’s face it — no one is an expert in every area and being a good web designer doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to be an expert in graphic design as well. Design is only one aspect of web design. Just because a designer is skilled in Photoshop doesn’t mean that they’re necessarily going to be able to produce an effective layout for your product or service website. As a business owner, it’s your job to ensure that you’re making the right decision for your company. One of the best things that you can do for yourself is to build a strong rapport with your web designer so that they can effectively communicate your needs and goals. Having a clear picture of what you’re aiming for can significantly improve the quality of your website and how quickly you’re able to achieve your goals.
Another important factor to consider when hiring a web designer is the level of experience and training that they have in working with different platforms and technologies. Just because they can use one tool doesn’t mean that they’re equipped to work with all of your company’s various platforms (i.e. desktop, cell phone, tablet). When seeking a web designer, ask yourself, “Does this person have experience working with all of my target audiences and platforms?”. Before making a commitment, take some time to research the designer’s relevant qualifications and experience. Being upfront about your needs and the requirements of your project will help ensure that you’re working with someone who is a good fit for the job.
Creativity
Creativity is an important trait in any professional, but especially a web designer. Creative individuals are often regarded as being more valuable than those who are not because creative people are able to utilize their talents in many different ways. A good web designer is going to be able to translate your ideas into something unique and, as a result, effective.
When seeking a web designer, look for someone who has a proven track record of consistently delivering creative quality work. You don’t want to hire someone who is going to frustrate you with poor quality work or delay the completion of your project. By being organized and knowing what you’re looking for, you can significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to find the right designer.
Communication
Every good business and professional relationship is founded on good communication. From the very first meeting, until the project is finished and ready to be launched, you should be able to clearly communicate with your web designer about what you’re looking for and what you expect from them.
Sometimes, business owners will have a good idea of what they’re looking for and they’ll have a clear picture in mind of how the finished product should look. Other times, they’ll have less specific ideas and this is why they need someone to help them. A good web designer is going to be skilled in gathering information and using their creative genius to help you discover the right solution that fits your needs perfectly.
Above all else, be sure to look for a good fit. Every business is different and some companies just don’t seem to work well together. By finding the right person for the job, you’ll be able to significantly improve the quality of your business and your life in general.