What to Look for When Hiring a Web Designer, Developer, or Agency.
Sep 21, 2024
Joey Cantu
What to Look for When Hiring a Web Designer, Developer, or Agency: Avoid Common Traps & Make Informed Decisions
In today's digital age, having a strong online presence is vital for any business to succeed. A professional, well-designed website is often the first impression potential customers will have of your brand. But with so many options out there, from DIY platforms like Wix and Squarespace to freelance designers and full-scale web agencies, it can be overwhelming to choose the right path. This blog will walk you through the key considerations and common traps to avoid when hiring a web designer, developer, or agency.
DIY Platforms: What They Don’t Tell You
DIY website builders like Wix, Squarespace, and GoDaddy may seem like a cost-effective solution on the surface, but they often come with hidden challenges. These platforms lure you in with introductory pricing, only to inflate costs with add-ons that are essential for a functional website. Want custom features, faster speeds, or better security? That’s going to cost you extra.
Here are a few pitfalls to keep in mind:
Hidden Fees: Introductory pricing looks attractive, but these platforms often nickel-and-dime you later on. Need extra storage or premium templates? Get ready for additional charges.
Limited Customization: DIY platforms offer basic design tools, but they are often too rigid when you need specific features or scalability. If your business grows or you want a unique feature (like a customer portal), you may find yourself hitting a wall.
Time Investment: Building a website isn't as easy as the commercials suggest. It takes hundreds of hours to tweak, optimize, and learn the ins and outs of the platform.
Customer Support Delays: When something goes wrong, you're left relying on customer support, which can be slow or unhelpful. Instead of focusing on running your business, you’ll spend time troubleshooting.
SEO & Performance Issues: DIY websites frequently suffer from slow load times and poor SEO optimization, both of which hurt your search engine rankings and user experience.
What to Look for in a Web Designer or Developer
When you're ready to move beyond DIY solutions, hiring a web designer or developer is a wise investment. But not all designers and developers are created equal.
Here’s what to consider:
Technical Expertise: A site can look visually appealing, but that doesn't mean it’s functional. A good designer ensures your website is not only beautiful but also optimized for speed, usability, and security.
Custom Solutions vs. Templates: Many designers rely on pre-made templates, which may limit the uniqueness and functionality of your website. Look for someone who can offer custom solutions tailored to your business needs.
Responsive Design & SEO: In today’s mobile-first world, your site needs to be responsive, meaning it works seamlessly across all devices. Additionally, having SEO built into the site’s foundation is crucial to improving your visibility on search engines.
Why Website Maintenance & Security Matter
A website isn't a “set it and forget it” investment. Websites require regular updates and maintenance to ensure they remain secure, fast, and functional.
Ongoing Support: Without regular updates, your website can become outdated and vulnerable to security threats. Having a maintenance plan with your developer helps you avoid these issues, ensuring your site remains in top shape.
Peace of Mind: A website maintenance plan offers peace of mind knowing that updates, backups, and security patches are handled. You won't have to deal with the stress of fixing issues on your own or wait for customer support.
Security Threats: Websites are frequent targets for hackers, especially those without the latest security updates. By regularly updating your site, you significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and downtime.
Content Updates & Flexibility: A professional developer can make content updates for you, ensuring your site’s messaging stays current. This is far more efficient than wrestling with a DIY platform where even minor updates can become time-consuming.
Why It’s Better to Invest in a Professional (Even on a Budget)
One of the biggest mistakes business owners make is trying to save a few dollars by opting for a DIY website or hiring an inexperienced designer. While it may seem like a budget-friendly choice initially, the long-term costs can be substantial.
Long-Term Savings: When you invest in a professional from the start, you avoid the need for costly fixes later. A poorly designed website can lead to missed business opportunities, slow loading speeds, and the need for expensive re-designs.
Expertise Saves Time: Why spend hours learning how to build a website when you could be focusing on growing your business? An experienced designer or developer can get the job done faster and better.
Better User Experience = More Conversions: A well-designed site not only attracts more visitors but also keeps them engaged. Fast load times, intuitive navigation, and clear calls to action lead to higher conversion rates.
Avoid DIY Mistakes: Many business owners who try to go the DIY route end up with broken links, poor performance, and a site that fails to convert visitors into customers. Hiring a professional avoids these pitfalls and ensures everything works as it should.
Final Thoughts & Recommendations
Hiring the right web designer, developer, or agency is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your business. Even if you don’t hire Can2Web, I strongly recommend working with a professional who can guide you through the complexities of building a site that not only looks good but performs well.
Whether you're looking for custom solutions, ongoing support, or just a transparent pricing structure, make sure you're choosing a partner who will help you achieve your digital goals.
Need help building a website that drives results? Let’s talk!
