7 Things you need to do before hiring a web designer
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It's time. You've finally decided to sweep your online business princess feet off the ground and get that website you've been daydreaming about.
That's amazing!
But before you go and hire a website designer, there are a few things you need to do to get ready.
Don't worry.
I've mapped out seven questions for you to ask so that by the time you're done reading this post, you'll know exactly what to do.
Shall we?
1. What is the # 1 goal for your website?
Put simply, what do you want people to do when they're on your site? Book a call? Download a freebie? Buy a dozen scented candles that all smell like Christmas?
Whatever it is, you need to get specific.
Decision fatigue is real. And when website visitors land on your page, you want to roll out the red carpet for the exact action item you want them to take. Make it a no-brainer for them, and it's more money in the pocket for you.
2. What functionality does your website need?
Besides text and photos, what do you envision on your site? Are you selling products and services, booking appointments, building an email list, promoting the gram?
These are all things to consider since setup will vary on different platforms, which drives me to my next question.
3. What website hosting platform do you want?
"What is web hosting?" Check out: What is website hosting and why do I need it?
Squarespace, Wix, Weebly, WordPress, Showit; there are so many options to choose from. It all depends on the mixed cocktail you're looking for in functionality. Some quick google searches of comparison charts can start you on the right path.
Or my favorite alternative, if you have the time, is to try it out for yourself. A lot of these web building sites offer free trials.
You can sign up for a free trial of Squarespace here. Save 10% off your first subscription to a website or domain using code PARTNER10. (That's an affiliate link!)
4. What is the scope of your project?
Meaning, how many pages do you need? And perhaps, how much content is going to go on those pages?
Generally, web design projects are priced on the number of pages created. A 3-page website will be far less than a 20+ page website.
Try to think through the basics: about page, services page, contact page, etc., and then any additional pages your specific business might need.
5. What do you want to be written on your site?
That's right. Even though you might be planning to hire a web designer, not everyone offers copywriting services. This means you'll need to bust out that sparkly pencil and Lisa Frank notebook, a.k.a. your computer, and get to writing.
But don't freak out just yet. Your web copy isn't a high school English paper. Most website visitors don't even read websites.
Say what? Yep. See this blog post here for all the deets: Why a professional website matters and the facts to prove it
So, in reality, you're just creating concise, scannable information rather than wall-to-wall paragraphs of text.
6. Are your professional photos ready to go?
The cream of the crop, the magnum opus, basically what will make or break your website...
Your photos.
If you want a website that looks professional, then you need to get professional photos taken or, at the very least, find some high-quality stock images that are on-brand.
Check out these websites for high quality stock photos.
Trust me, it's worth the investment. Professional photos give you credibility in your industry; they also engage website visitors for longer, making it way more likely that they will buy your products or services.
7. Do you have a logo or any branding?
While some website designers offer brand design as part of a package deal, some do not. It's worth looking into beforehand to make sure you're getting what you want.
After all, your brand is how your customers will recognize you.
Take some time to look at the web designers you want to work with; do they offer branding? If not, you'll want to work with a brand design agency or graphic designer first.
And that’s it!
Need help bringing your creative vision to life?!
I know how overwhelming it can be to start your online business. That's why I decided to create a simple and easy process. Together we’ll build a stunning website that you can launch in just two weeks!
Book your free consultation call today! Chat with me about your website goals and together we’ll navigate the best solutions for your business.