Looking to hire a web designer? Not sure where to start? There are – quite literally – millions of web design services and designers out there. So how can you make sure that you partner with an experienced, reliable, and trustworthy designer?
In this article, I’ll take a look at 4 helpful tips which can help you find an Edmonton graphic designer who will truly be able to bring your vision for your website to life. Let’s get started.
1. A Great Portfolio Of Past Work
You can interview all of the designers you want – but at the end of the day, you’re not going to be paying them to be eloquent over the phone, or to answer all of your questions. You’ll be paying them for their design skills.
And that means you need examples of their past work. Any website designer who is worth paying should have a comprehensive portfolio of past jobs they’ve worked on – everything from website landing pages, to redesigns, rebrands, and other such work.
You should take your time, browse their work, and ask yourself questions. Does it look sleek? Modern? Is their style consistent? By doing so, you’ll be able to get a much better understanding of a prospective designer’s capabilities and experience.
2. Positive Customer Testimonials
Another thing you should look for when hiring an Edmonton web design professional, once you’ve completed your initial portfolio review, is customer testimonials. Most web designers will be able to show you some past reviews and feedback from their past clients.
But I recommend going a step further, and asking them if you can contact a few of their past clients directly. Most designers will be happy to do so – and interviewing their past clients will help you learn more about them, and what you can expect from the process of working with them.
3. Consistent Communication
Whether you’re interested in working with an agency that specializes in web design in Edmonton, or an individual freelancer, one of the keys to a successful project is communication.
Does your prospective designer communicate clearly? Are they available for calls? Do they respond to emails, Skype and Slack messages, and other communications quickly?
Inconsistent or slow communication is a big red flag, especially if you’ll be working with this designer remotely. You should only hire a professional who shows a clear dedication to providing a great customer experience.
4. A Designers Who Develops Websites You Can Update Yourself – With Help, If Needed
A website is not a one-time investment. Your website will need future updates. You may need to tweak the theme, add new content pages, update the website, and do other basic maintenance. That’s why you should look for a designer who uses a modern platform like WordPress or Wix, which can allow you to handle most of these small changes yourself.
If you’re not technically savvy, it may also be a good idea to hire a designer who is willing to support your website on a retainer basis. You can pay a flat monthly fee to your designer, and they can help you with basic things like updating content, making new pages, and so on.
Follow These Tips – And Hire The Right Designer!
I could go on for hours about what else you should look for in a web designer in Edmonton – but these four tips are a good place to start.
If you choose a designer who can show you great work, provide you with positive customer testimonials, shows a dedication to great service, and is willing to work with you to provide ongoing website support, chances are that you’ll be hiring a true professional – and your investment will pay off!
Want to learn more – or inquire about my own web design and branding services in Edmonton? Take a look at my portfolio and contact me here!