Hiring a web designer doesn’t mean you hand it off, disappear for three weeks, and come back to the perfect website.
(Wouldn’t that be nice though?! 😜)
The best website projects are a team effort. What YOU do before, during, and after the project makes a huge difference in having a positive experience — and how much you end up loving your new site.
Here are some tips to make this whole experience a total win.
Before You Hire a Web Designer
A little clarity before the project begins makes everything easier and helps you end up with a website that actually works for your business.
1. Get clear on what you want your website to accomplish.
Before you think about design, think about results.
- Do you want more leads?
- Booked discovery calls?
- Online sales?
Your website should support your business goals, not just “look nice.”
2. Think beyond your website’s design.
It’s easy to get starry-eyed over beautiful websites on Instagram (been there!). But how it actually works matters just as much.
Think about things like:
- What do you want someone to do when they land on your site?
- How should your website guide them from one step to the next?
- What features do you need (like contact forms, online scheduling, or selling products)?
A beautiful website is great… but if it’s not clear and easy to use, it won’t do much for your business.
3. Plan your content ahead of time.
Your designer can’t design around blank pages. (Trust me, I’ve tried. It doesn’t go well.)
You don’t need everything to be perfect. But having your content ready (or close to it) before the project starts will help your designer create page layouts that fit your content and make a better user experience.
4. Don’t overlook your branding.
Your logo, colors, fonts, and overall vibe shape how your website looks and feels.
If you’ve already got that figured out… great! If not, this is something you’ll want to include in your web design project. It plays a big role in how everything comes together.
5. Gather some inspiration (but stay open-minded).
It’s helpful to share websites you like. It gives your web designer a feel for your style.
Just keep in mind: your website should be designed for your business, not a copycat of someone else’s.
6. Be honest about your budget.
Being upfront about your budget helps your designer point you to the right option from the start. It also avoids unnecessary back-and-forth on things that may not be realistic for your project.
7. Understand what’s included (and what’s not).
Every web designer works a little differently, so it’s important to know what’s part of your project and what isn’t.
Make sure you understand things like:
- How many web pages are included
- How many rounds of design revisions you get
- Whether copywriting and images are included – or if you need to provide them
- What you need to do and when
- How additional changes are handled
- What support looks like after your site goes live
Getting clear on this before your project beginshelps avoid confusion and keeps your project running smoothly from start to finish.
8. Choose a web designer you trust.
You’re not just hiring someone to build a website. You’re trusting them with a really important part of your business. The right web designer will guide you, support you, and create something that truly supports your business, not just something that looks good.
Pay attention to things like:
- Whether they take the time to answer your questions clearly
- How they communicate (and how quickly they respond)
- If their personality feels like a good fit for you
- What past clients say about working with them
- Whether they ask you thoughtful questions about your business and goals
And watch for red flags, like:
- Vague answers or unclear processes
- Poor communication
- Not taking the time to understand your business
During the Design Process
This is where the magic happens! Your designer is head-down building your dream site. And what YOU do on your end makes a bigger difference than you might think
1. Trust your designer’s expertise.
A big part of your designer’s role is to bring strategy, experience, and an outside perspective to your project. Being open to their recommendations (even when they’re different from what you had in mind!) often leads to an even better website.
2. Keep your feedback organized.
Try to consolidate your feedback into one place instead of sending a stream of separate emails. This helps avoid confusion, keeps things moving along, and prevents things from falling through the cracks.
3. Give specific, helpful feedback.
(Please, we beg you! 😂)
Instead of “I don’t like this,” try to explain what feels off. The more specific your feedback, the more effectively your designer can make it right.
4. Limit how many people are giving input.
Getting input from a trusted person can be helpful. But too many voices can slow things WAY down and make decisions harder. You hired a designer. Trust the process!
5. Respect the timeline.
Delays in content or feedback can push the whole project behind schedule. Staying on top of your to-do’s helps keep everything on track. Ain’t nobody got time for a project that drags on forever!
6. Speak up early if something feels off.
It’s so much easier to adjust things along the way than to completely redo something after it’s been finalized. If something feels off, say something. Your designer wants you to love this!
7. Ask questions when you need to.
You don’t need to understand every techy detail — that’s literally what you hired someone for. But if something isn’t clear, ask! A good designer will walk you through it.
After Your Website Goes Live
Cue the confetti! Your new website is live and you’re finally proud to share it with the world.
But heads up: your website isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation. It needs to be maintained and updated to keep supporting your business. Here’s what to keep in mind:
1. Actually USE your website.
Send people to it. Link to it everywhere. Share it in your social media bios, your email signature, and your content.
2. Plan for ongoing website maintenance.
Websites need regular TLC to stay secure and humming along behind the scenes. Things like plugin updates, backups, and security checks may not be glamorous; but they’re essential.
If you don’t want to deal with the tech stuff, that’s totally valid. Handing over the website maintenance to someone you trust means one less thing on your plate.
3. Keep your website content current.
Your services, offers, and messaging will change over time, and your website should reflect that. Keeping your content up-to-date helps your website stay relevant and aligned with your business.
4. Pay attention to what’s working (and what’s not).
Over time, you’ll start to see which areas of your website people respond well to. You may also notice people not taking action, asking the same questions, or getting confused about what you offer.
Those patterns can help you see what’s working and where something could be clearer, whether it’s your messaging or how things are set up.
Use that information to make small improvements that strengthen your site.
Working with a web designer doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
When you go into the process with a little clarity, stay engaged during the project, and continue supporting your website after it’s live, everything just works better. The end result is a website you’re proud to send people to, and that actually helps your business grow.
Ready to get started?
If you’re looking for a web designer who’ll guide you through the whole process — without the tech headaches or the overwhelm: let’s chat.
Download my Services & Pricing Guide to see if we’re a good fit!
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