How to Hire a Website Designer

If you are planning on starting a new business online, it's essential to have a professional-looking website. This may sound obvious, but you would be surprised at how many business owners don't realize that their website is their first impression to potential customers. In fact, approximately 75% of the sales in e-commerce happen within the first 1 minute of a visitor arriving at your site.  

With this in mind, it's no wonder why hiring a website designer is so important. Not only does it provide your business with a professionally designed online presence, but it also gives you the opportunity to present yourself in the best possible light to your prospective customers. So, how do you find a website designer? How do they empower your business with greater aesthetics and performance? To help you better understand, below we discuss some of the most important things to look for when hiring a website designer. 

What A Website Designer Does

A website designer is a creative professional who specializes in designing and developing websites, web applications, and other online content. They are the creative force behind your website and are responsible for making sure that the design is user-friendly and functional.  

While there are many roles that fall under the umbrella of web design, the one you need is the one that focuses on aesthetics, usability, and overall user experience. As a business owner, you should look for a website designer who has experience in your industry. This way, your business will be able to leverage their skill-set to get the most out of your website. Enlisted are some essential tasks that every professional website designer can handle: 

1. Wireframing 

 An early stage in the design process, wireframing is a visual representation of the entire website. This might seem simple, but it's a crucial skill that allows designers to better understand the user's needs and wants. Think of it as the "building blocks" of your website that will eventually lead to the finished product.  

The importance of this cannot be overstated because it will eventually shape the entire look and feel of your website. Further, once the website is live, there will be no going back. That's why you want to make sure you are getting a professional who has experience in this area. 

2. Color Schemes 

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Another element that designers are known for is their ability to create a solid color scheme. In addition to being a crucial skill for any designer, it's also extremely important for business owners who want their website to be attractive and eye-catching. This is because it helps to ensure that the color scheme of your website works well with the branding and overall aesthetics of your business. Further, you want to find a designer who has experience creating different color schemes for different purposes. This way, you can rest assured that your brand resonates well with the general public and delivers a consistent look and feel. 

3. Programming 

 From basic HTML to advanced JavaScript frameworks, designers know their way around programming to bring life to their designs. From creating functionality to integrating marketing strategies, these designers will design and develop your website from the ground up. With their expertise in code, they will make sure that your website is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and performs well across all devices. 

Understanding The Common Terminology Used in Website Design & Development 

1. Web Developer 

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A web developer is a highly skilled professional who specializes in coding and diagnosing web applications. They are the creative force behind the website and are responsible for making sure that the design is user-friendly, functional, and, most importantly, optimized. They are also responsible for coding the website and creating the appropriate back-end systems and applications that will support the front-end design. From a business owner's perspective, a web developer is the one person who will be able to make or break your website. Therefore, it's essential to choose your web developer wisely.

2. Content Writer 

The lifeblood of any website is its content. Content is what makes the website appealing to visitors and induces them to take action, such as signing up for a newsletter or purchasing a product. And to generate content, you need a writer. A content writer works closely with a website designer to create the right content for the right section of your website. He/she is also responsible for producing quality, informative and engaging blog posts, product descriptions, landing pages, and other content-based pages. In essence, a content writer is the bridge between the business and customers and helps take your website from being just another website to a personalized experience that delivers results. 

3. Photographer 

Although the advent of digital photography has led to an abundance of great photos being taken, there are still a few good ones that stand out from the rest. A good photographer can take the mundane and turn it into something unique and special. They can bring life to a listless room with their insight and creativity. They can capture an ordinary event and make it memorable. They can add a personal touch to a corporate portrait or shoot the perfect holiday card. As a business owner, you want your website to be the best it can be. A photographer will help your business stand out from the rest by enriching it with business-oriented photos that capture the essence of your brand. 

4. Web Designer 

A web designer is a creative professional who specializes in designing and creating websites. They are responsible for envisioning the overall design of the website and are responsible for bringing that design to life. A web designer is in charge of designing the front-end of the website and is the creative force behind it. They have a keen eye for aesthetics and can help you create a unique brand identity for your business. They are also responsible for producing all the visuals that will help tell your brand's story, such as animations, seamless scrolling, parallax effects, and so on. 

What Are Some of the More Popular Website Design Styles? 

1. Minimalism 

 Minimalism is the complete opposite of clutter. It's about taking the extra steps to rid your design of all unnecessary elements. It's about finding that perfect balance between content, design, and function. It's about creating a visually pleasing experience that works well on all devices while enriching user experience with white space, well-organized elements, and thoughtful use of colors. 

2. Parallax 

Parallax is a scrolling effect that gives the impression of depth. It's created by moving the images on a website at different speeds to create the illusion of depth - much like the way a 3D movie creates the illusion of depth when you watch it on a flat-screen. It's hard to implement and thus helps businesses build on their brand's personality and creates a more visually appealing user experience. 

3. Content Focused Design 

 Content-focused design is all about creating a visually appealing and functional website that focuses on your content. Instead of wasting time on animations and shadows, and useless icons, you could be promoting your products and services or collecting leads and revenue through the power of your content. These types of website designs are also known to be most engaging. It's all about giving your audience an excellent user experience that helps you build relationships, earn trust, and achieve your business goals. 

Conclusion 

There are many website designers out there. Finding the right one for your business can be difficult and time-consuming, but it's a necessary evil. After all, your business is your most valuable asset, and you need to take good care of it. So, take time to test your designers and make sure they have the needed skills to empower your business with greater aesthetics and performance. Remember, your business is your responsibility, so don't leave it to chance. 

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