6 tips for working with a web designer

Did you know that  38% of people will stop interacting with a website if they find the layout unattractive? 

While website builders are a quick, easy, and cheap way to build a site, we know that sometimes you need something with a little more edge. That’s where using a web designer or web development agency is really worth the investment! Web designers take your ideas and turn them into a professional, user-friendly experience. 

But as with any business relationship, working with a web designer could bring about its own problems – how can you be sure you’ll get what you want? Is there a way to make sure everything goes smoothly? You don’t want your website to end up like a bad haircut, with you smiling painfully as you realize, too late, that it’s not how you imagined at all.

We’re here to put those fears to rest. This article will give you helpful tips on how to set up a smooth relationship with your web designer and communicate your ideas clearly, so both sides go home happy.

1. Have some ideas in mind

The first step should be to plan your project well in advance. In fact, we wouldn’t say ‘plan’ – you need to put together a brief with some clear ideas on what you want. Even if it’s early stages, you should think about the basics of what you need for your site, such as:

• How many pages you need
• What features you want
• If you need ecommerce functions
• Any extra services you might need

Think about which fonts, colors, and styles you like or dislike, and why. Think about your target audience, and whether you already have any branding you want to bring forward to your new site. It’s also worth putting together your favorite examples of websites to show your designer what you like.

2. Scope them out

A great way to set yourself up for success early on is to find the right web designer for your project. You don’t want a clash of creative ideas, or to regret your choice later down the line.

Don’t just choose the cheapest web designer you can find, as it likely won’t save you money in the long run if you’re constantly having to make changes. Do your research, read up on testimonials, look at examples of past work, and see if the agency matches your requirements, style, and general vibe!

3. Make it official

Make sure you sign a contract with your web designer. This guarantees you’re both on the same page, and protects both sides from misunderstandings or problems further down the line. Make it specific and be clear on deadlines, expectations, and the project’s goals and outcomes.

Your contract will be unique to you, your project, and your agreement with your web designer, but here are just a few things you might outline:

• Is it a one-off job for your web designer, or will you be paying them a monthly fee to maintain the site in the future?
• Project objectives
• Budget calculations
• Payment terms
• Project timeline
• Who’s responsible for what
• Deliverables – outline exactly what it is you’ll be getting
• Ownership of content
• Cancellation agreement

4. Be thorough

As with all great collaborations, communication is key. Be clear about your ideas, your business, your audience, and your brand. Web designers are professionals and experts in their field, but they’re not mind readers!

Usually, you’ll fill out a survey early on to give your designer an overview of the project, covering everything from your brand to your target audience and beyond. You should go into as much detail as you can, and dedicate a proper amount of time to filling it out.

5. Trust the expert

We're not saying you should be totally hands-off – it’s all about staying involved in the project, without stepping in every five minutes and trying to do your web designer’s job for them.

Of course, you should give feedback and be clear on what you like and don’t like, but you should also listen to your web designer’s recommendations and consider them carefully. There will be good reasons they’ve suggested this or that, so make sure to listen before making judgements.

This means you can sit back and relax knowing your site is in the best hands, and your web designer can do what they’re best at. After all, they’re the experts, and constantly requesting minor changes will only slow your project down.

6. Pull your weight!

But you just said to sit back and relax! Yes, well, while you can put your feet up when it comes to actually designing your site, there’s still lots you can be actively involved in. Much of the project will rely on you meeting deadlines as well as your web designer.

Here are a few of the things you can do to help out your designer:

• Get the copy done in time
• Provide resources like images or branding needed for the project
• Dedicate time and effort to reviewing designs
• Give clear, constructive feedback
• Sign off on designs on time
• Take part in testing the website

You can’t do your web designer’s job, but you’re still an important part of the work. By taking an active, positive, and hands-on approach, you’ll make your web designer’s life much easier, and encourage a productive relationship. Basically, together you’ll get things done!

A well-crafted website should be at the heart of your digital business

No matter what your specific needs are, Prism's custom design and development services will provide you with a slick visual layout that fits your site’s content like a glove. Whether your company’s products or services require a lot of copy with a few images, or is concise copy, bursting with visuals, we will create an experience that communicates your message in the clearest way possible.

Book a call with us now.