What to Look for in a Website Designer: 7 Things Every Business Owner Should Know
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Whether you're a small business owner, a startup founder, or a creative entrepreneur, your website is often your first impression. It’s your digital storefront, portfolio, and marketing hub all in one. So when it comes time to hire someone to build (or rebuild) your site, you need more than just "someone who knows how to make it look pretty".
You need a strategic partner.
Here’s what to look for in a website designer—especially if you want a site that’s beautiful, functional, and built to grow with your business.
1. A Portfolio That Matches Your Style
A good web designer doesn’t just build functional websites—they build websites that reflect your brand personality. Browse their past work and ask yourself:
- Do their sites look modern, clean, and mobile-friendly?
- Do they adapt to different industries or only one style?
- Can I imagine my business fitting into their design style?
👉 Pro Tip: Ask to see full live websites, not just homepage screenshots.
2. Strategic Thinking, Not Just Design Skills
You don’t just want pretty—you want purposeful. Your designer should understand:
- User experience (UX) and how visitors will move through your site
- Calls-to-action that lead to conversions
- Site structure for both humans and search engines (SEO)
The best web designers ask questions like:
“What is the #1 goal for this site?” or “How do you want customers to feel when they land here?”
3. Mobile-Friendly and Responsive Design
More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t optimized for phones and tablets, you’re losing business.
Make sure your designer:
- Designs mobile-first or mobile-responsive
- Tests the site across multiple screen sizes
- Doesn’t just “shrink the desktop version”
4. SEO Awareness (Even If They're Not an Expert)
Even if they aren’t doing full SEO strategy, your web designer should know:
- How to structure content for search engines (headings, alt tags, clean URLs)
- The basics of site speed optimization
- How to include keywords in the right places (meta titles, headers, image names)
If SEO is part of your growth plan (and it should be), find someone who builds SEO-ready sites.
5. Clear Communication & Collaboration
A good website project isn’t one-sided. Look for a designer who:
- Asks thoughtful questions
- Offers realistic timelines
- Explains tech in plain English
- Responds promptly and respectfully
You’re trusting someone with your business image—chemistry and clarity matter.
6. Post-Launch Support & Flexibility
Ask what happens after the site goes live:
- Will you be able to make your own edits?
- Do they offer training or documentation?
- Can you contact them for future tweaks or updates?
A reliable designer won’t ghost you after launch day—they’ll be a resource for your growth.
7. Transparency in Pricing & Process
A reputable web designer should be upfront about:
- Project scope
- Timeline
- Payment schedule
- What’s included (and what’s not)
Avoid vague pricing or hourly billing with no cap. Instead, look for flat-rate or clearly outlined packages.
Final Thoughts: Find a Designer Who Gets Your Vision
Hiring a website designer isn’t just a transaction—it’s a partnership. Whether you're launching your first site or rebranding an existing one, look for someone who:
- Understands your goals
- Respects your budget and timeline
- Has a process that keeps you in the loop
- Builds with scalability and strategy in mind
Ready to Hire a Website Designer in Sioux Falls?
If you're looking for a web designer who combines creativity, strategy, and results, I’d love to connect. I specialize in building clean, custom websites for businesses in Sioux Falls and beyond—whether you're just starting or leveling up.
