When it comes to impressing customers online, businesses are increasingly investing in their websites. However, hiring the right web designer for your unique needs can be challenging. Here are six things you CANT miss before you pull the trigger.
1. Doesn’t Optimize for Conversions? DON’T WORK WITH THEM
If your designer doesn’t put conversions at the helm, that’s a problem. A beautiful website is only part of the equation. Your site should also be designed to drive conversions—whether that means filling out a form, making a purchase, or booking a consultation. A good web designer knows how to incorporate conversion-oriented elements such as clear calls to action, user-friendly navigation, and a smooth checkout process. Before hiring, review a designer’s portfolio to see if their work is optimized for conversions. Don’t miss the importance of this one!
2. They NEED to Prioritize SEO
If you’re targeting customers in specific locations (you should be doing this), make sure your web designer understands local SEO. Local SEO will help your website appear in searches related to your business. Ask potential designers about their experience with local SEO strategies like keyword integration, optimizing for “near me” searches, and using localized content. A well-optimized site brings in more organic traffic from users in your area, meaning more visibility and potentially more customers.
3. Custom Designs Over Templated Designs. All Day.
You don’t want your site to look like everyone else’s, right? Not all website designs are created equal. While template designs are affordable and quick to craft, they suffer consequences such as slower site speed. Custom website design is a tailored approach that aligns with your brand’s unique style, voice, and goals. Custom sites are built from the ground up, giving you full control over layout, functionality, and user experience. If your goal is to stand out in a competitive market, get a custom design. (We custom design all our sites *wink wink*)
4. Visitors Will Leave Quicker than 123 IF…
Your website doesn’t look good on mobile! You’ll BLEED sales if your web designer doesn’t optimize for mobile. According to MobiLoud, mobile devices account for over half of all web traffic, so a responsive design is no longer optional. Businesses from tech companies to local retail stores need sites that perform seamlessly on all devices. Make sure your designer prioritizes mobile optimization, so your site looks and functions well on smartphones, tablets, and computers. Test some of their past work on mobile to ensure it’s genuinely responsive.
5. No Maintenance, No Problem. NOT!
What good is a website if it doesn’t stay online? Not very good! Websites need regular updates and occasional fixes to stay secure and functional. A good web designer should offer maintenance and support services or at least guide you on managing updates after launch. Talk to prospective designers about their post-launch support plans, including options for updates, backups, and troubleshooting. This is especially important for businesses with customer-facing websites, where an issue could impact business reputation and user experience. Contact us if you need help maintaining your website!
6. Track User Activity and Reap The Reward$
You’re falling behind your competitors if you’re not tracking your website’s performance. Understanding this is crucial to refining your online strategy. Before hiring, ask your designer if and how they will set up and track key metrics, such as visitor counts, bounce rates, and conversion rates. Many businesses benefit from analytics reports, which provide insights into how visitors interact with the site. A designer who can implement tracking tools (like Google Analytics) and guide you in understanding the results will help you see the ROI of your custom website.
In Conclusion
Custom website design is a valuable investment for businesses ready to elevate their online presence. By discussing these essential topics, you’ll find a web designer who understands your vision and can turn it into a high-performing website. Ready to take the next step? Book a free consultation with us and let’s discuss how a custom design can benefit your business.
