Choosing the correct freelance web developer for your business can be tricky. The internet is crowded with web designers from all over the world that range from startup one-man-bands to established aw
Choosing the correct freelance web developer for your business can be tricky. The internet is crowded with web designers from all over the world that range from startup one-man-bands to established award-winning agencies. A simple Google search throws up a whopping 1.8 million results for “web designer” alone!
Fear not, I’ve wrote 7 points which will help you choose the right person for you.
1) Are They Highly Experienced in Web Design?
It is important that you as a customer do your homework first. Look at their portfolio, are they active on social media, do they have good reviews?
Most professional freelance web designers will have a web design portfolio of previous work on their websites or social media, so you can browse and see if you like their work. Look out for ideas or approaches that you like and see if you recognise any of the brands/businesses featured.
A good freelance web designer will build a site that’s custom and bespoke to your brand requirements, so look for variety in their designs.
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2) What Web Platforms Do They Build On & Will It Be User-Friendly?
I understand when looking for a new web designer, they’ll throw some big words at you and different platforms like WordPress, Magento, Javascript - the list goes on. Your chosen web designer should also design your website within a content management system such as WordPress, Drupal, or Magento. (We are strictly a WordPress designer/developer for many reasons.)
Without a content management system, you will have to rely on your developer to make every single update your website needs from now until eternity.
3) How Much Functionality Does Your Website Require?
When considering a web designer, it’s important to ensure that they have the skills to create the website to meet your needs. You may require bespoke functionality, such as a booking system, or even an online learning hub for your customers.
It is also helpful to have a clear scope of how your business may scale up, and what functionalities you may require later down the line.
4) Do They Have Experience In Working With Similar Businesses?
Having a web developer with experience in your business sector can have many benefits, such as being able to see working examples of what you want to achieve with your own website, as well as them having an understanding of your business and the direction you want to take your website. I specialise in a variety of sectors, the main ones including personal training / online coaching, SPMU, accountancy firms & dentistry.
Its important to remember that it is not always essential for them to have experience with businesses similar to yours, as there is a lot of scope for transferrable skills within web development. I will always have fresh ideas, no matter what your sector, and will work to ensure I have a good understanding of you, and your business to create a site that works for you, and your customers.
5) Would You Benefit From Ongoing Web & Marketing Support?
If you need a full package of design support for your branding, and then ongoing web design, SEO & social media management, it can be time consuming and expensive to source all of these individually. Choosing a web designer who is able to offer a one-stop shop to all of these resources at an affordable cost will save you time and money, whilst only having to deal with one company! This creates a streamlined service for you and your customer.
6) Are Their Web Design Services Reasonably Priced?
Price is one of the main factors business owners will consider when looking into web design. By choosing a freelance web developer, you are more likely to receive a reasonable price in comparison to an agency.
This however does not impact quality, freelancers just have less overheads to cover! My prices start from £1000 for a basic website ranging up to £2500+ depending on the type of ecommerce platform you’re after.
7) Are You Looking For a Web Designer Who Can Offer You That Personal Touch?
Last but certainly not least, choose a web designer that actually wants to get to know you and your business. A developer who understands your business will strive to present you with a dynamic and attractive website, that provides an excellent user experience for your customers.
Choosing a web designer over sites such as Wix, will mean that your website is responsive and built to be exciting and engaging and attract your ideal customer. An eye for detail and design specific to your project is what you can expect from a freelance web developer.
This is something you may not get with a large agency, with whom you can expect to be dealing with multiple people trying to build your site.
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