How to Know When It’s Time to Hire a Web Designer

Deciding to invest in professional web design for your creative business is an important decision, but it’s also an exciting one! Given that it’s a significant investment, choosing the right designer to help you bring your vision to life and knowing when to hire a web designer is important.

So, how do you know when the time is right to leap into the custom web design process? If you can answer “yes” to the following 3 statements, there’s a good chance it’s time:

1. You Feel Like Your Current Website Doesn’t Match Your Brand
2. Your Website is Holding You Back Instead of Serving Your Business and Helping You Grow
3. You Have the Budget & Time to Invest in Professional Web Design

Let’s unpack these 3 points a bit more.

#1: You Feel Like Your Current Website Doesn’t Match Your Brand

Do you remember when you were a teenager, and you decided that your “kiddie room” just wasn’t right for you anymore? That’s how it feels when your business outgrows your website.

I recommend not investing in professional design if your business is super new, because you haven’t had a chance to really get to know your audience well and develop a brand. It’s common to pivot your business as you start getting more experience; you will clarify what you do and who you serve. (I know I certainly have – Maya Palmer Designs started in 2017 as a hand lettering shop!)

However, when your business does outgrow your current site, or when it’s time to invest in your first site, you’ll know. Your website is your online home, and it should match your branding and have the features needed to serve your clients well.

#2: Your Website is Holding You Back Instead of Serving Your Business and Helping You Grow

A well-designed website that is tailored to your brand and the needs of your audience can have a huge impact on your business. Likewise, a website that isn’t right for your business can hold you back.

Take a look at your current website + answer the following questions:

• Is your current website easy to use on desktop + mobile? (nothing should be cut off, hard to read, or look out of place)
• Is the main goal of your website clear? (Can someone easily tell what you do, who you serve, and how they can work with you/buy your product? If you’re not sure, ask a friend or family member for feedback.)
• Does your website make interacting with your business easier for your clients? (Ex: contact information is easy to find, link to online booking, access to forms, answers to FAQs, etc.)

If your website doesn’t meet the “criteria” above, it’s might be time to hire a web designer to create a site that works for you, You don’t have time to fuss over a website that’s causing you (and potentially your audience) headache and stress. You’re busy enough as it is!

#3: You Have the Budget & Time to Invest in Professional Web Design

This last point is one that business owners often like to skip over, but it’s important! Let’s talk about the investment of your time and budget.

Do some research to see what features other business’ similar to yours have on their sites. Then, make a list of what features you think will serve your clients best. Take a look at a few different web designers’ sites to find someone with a style and design process that you like. Make note of the typical design investment / amount for the quality of site that you want.

Also consider any additional costs, like the monthly plan for your website platform, hiring a professional copywriter and/or photographer to help create content for your site, etc. I design websites on Showit, and often recommend the $29/mo plan.

At this point, it may feel like the costs are adding up quick. I encourage you to remember that quality web design is a worthwhile investment. Once your site is set up, it can become an avenue to help you connect with + book more clients, while saving you time!

Another important investment to consider is the investment of your time. Most designers (myself included) will want to get your feedback throughout the design process. If it’s a busy season in your business, consider scheduling your new website design for a time when you can be more available to dedicate attention to the process.

Ready to Begin Your Custom Web Design Experience?

Phew, we just unpacked a lot, didn’t we?! If you’ve made it to the end of this article and feel like the time is right to hire a web designer and invest in a quality site for your creative business, take a look at my Custom Showit Web Design Services.

If you’re not quite ready for a new site yet, that’s okay! Save this article for later so that as your business grows, you’ll know when it’s time for a custom site.

No matter what you decide, I’m cheering for you!