Working with a web designer isn’t just about paying someone to set up your website for you. It’s an investment in your business and your ability to create a strategic marketing tool. For us, it’s a partnership. It’s an experience.
If you’re a new entrepreneur, your web designer can also become a valuable resource for information and guidance.
When you hire a designer to create a website for your small business, the most obvious benefit you get is not having to worry about figuring out all of the tech on your own. This gives you the time you need to actually work on growing your business, focusing on your zone of genius instead of being frustrated and overwhelmed with your website.
The first thing required from our clients is a commitment and dedication to investing and growing their business. We need to both come to the table ready to make our work together a wonderful experience.
What else do I need from a client to committ to a web design project?
Let’s get to it! What does your web designer need from you?
1 – A strong understanding of your business.
The more your web designer knows about your business and has what they need, the better they will understand how to build you the best website that is going to serve your needs. All websites are not created equal. Trust me on this one… I’ve seen some hot messes!
A professional web designer can process all of the information you give them and help you make the most logical choices for your website.
2 – The most important things you want people to do on your website.
Getting people to take action on your website is a big part of converting your visitors into clients. You need to identify what actions you want people to take so your web designer can make it easy for your visitors to follow your lead.
3 – A signed contract and deposit
Most web designers won’t even start the development phase of a project until your deposit clears, so be prepared to pay something up front. A common payment structure is 50% deposit to start your design project and 50% upon completion. Some will also accept a 50%, 25%, 25%.
4 – Your website content
Gathering content is the first phase of any design project, and it’s the part of the project where the client has the most homework and responsibility.
The more you can prepare in the beginning, the more smoothly your project will run. This includes images, logos, videos – all the content around your written content.
5 – Your website copy
Submitting copy to your web designer is just as important as giving them your other content. Most web designers are not copywriters, and unless you are going to invest in a copywriter, you need to write your content and get it to your web designer.
6 – Your email opt in & list
Your email opt in offer is the main thing that transforms your website from a static info site into a marketing tool that works 24/7. It’s imperative that you have a free opt in with a focus on building your email list.
Once you’ve created your email opt-in offer, your web designer can set up the tech to connect your website to your email service provider (there are many, and I recommend FluentCRM).
This client management/email marketing plugin is in WordPress so there are no additional fees for a separate platform – only a yearly subscription. Plus, you are not limited to subscribers.
I’ve also used Mailerlite and ConvertKit and both are great. I fell in love with FluentCRM and haven’t looked back.
Final Thoughts
Working with a web designer isn’t just about paying someone to set up your website for you. It’s an investment in your business and your ability to create a strategic marketing tool.
For me, it’s a partnership, an experience. I know I am creating not only a website, but developing a relationship with my clients so I can provide the best results for their business.
And, since we also host and maintain WordPress websites, we are there with you for the long game. We are invested in you.
No matter who you hire to designer your precious online home, make sure you feel a real connection to the person. Like a first date, you know right away if there is hope for the relationship. Pay attention to your spidy senses!
Thinking About Hiring A Pro?
Hey there! It's Lisa! I'm over 10 years into this whole website design thing and I've been around the block with digital strategy, website design, automation, email marketing and social media.
We Offer
Effective website design, marketing solutions, and systems that will maximize your impact and help your business grow with confidence and ease.
