What to Know Before You Hire a Website Designer

If you’ve never worked with a website designer before, the whole process can feel a bit fuzzy. Do you need a full brief? A Pinterest board? Should you simply say, “I need a simple website,” and hope for the best?

Truth is, hiring a web designer isn’t just about getting a site built. It’s about finding someone who’s actually on your side: someone who understands your business, your goals, and the people you want to reach.

One of the biggest things that helps me as a designer is when a client has a clear understanding of what their business is really about. Not just the product or service, but the purpose, the personality, and the people behind it. That kind of clarity makes everything run more smoothly. Content becomes easier to write. Design decisions become obvious. The whole process feels more focused and less overwhelming.

It’s one of the reasons I’ve started collaborating with Angelique from Kitsa Creative. She’s a marketing consultant who helps small business owners clarify their message, services, and audience through her Marketing Blueprint. When clients go through that process first, they enter the web design stage with significantly more clarity. I can then translate that into a website that not only looks good, but also connects with the right people and supports real business goals.

Of course, I understand budgets are real, and not every business is ready to bring in two people at once. However, working with both of us often saves you time and money in the long run. You won’t need to redo your website because something wasn’t clear the first time around. You get it right from the beginning.

Many people come to me saying, “I just need a simple website.” But simple isn’t always simple. There’s a significant difference between a website that exists and one that functions effectively. A few words and a couple of plugins won’t do the job if there’s no clear goal, no structure, and no sense of who the site is actually for.

That’s why I ask questions. Not to upsell, but to help you figure out what you actually need, right now. We can start small, build smart, and leave room to grow later. Websites should grow with your business, not weigh it down.

The best results always come from clients who know who they’re talking to. If you have a clear understanding of your audience and your message, we can create something that makes sense, feels right, and delivers results.

If you’re preparing to hire a designer, my biggest piece of advice is this: Find someone who’s truly on your side.

I’ve heard too many stories from people who chose the cheapest option, only to be left with a rushed job that didn’t accurately represent their business. No strategy, no support, just a site slapped together and handed over.

I like to stick around after launch. Every client I work with receives post-launch support for a fixed period. If you'd like to keep me in your corner longer, I offer cost-effective support plans that make it easy.

You don’t just need a website. You need a partner: someone who understands your business and helps it appear online in the best possible way.

If you're thinking about working with a designer, and want someone who's on your team from day one, let’s talk. I work with businesses that care about clarity, connection, and long-term growth. Whether you're just starting or levelling up, I can help you figure out what you actually need.

Get in touch here.