6 Mistakes To Avoid When Hiring A Web Design Consultant

Mistake #1 - Not Paying Enough

Occasionally, businesses may offer lower compensation to web design consultants because of budget limitations.

Budget-friendly web consultants.

If you are in need of a web design consultant, it is important to allocate sufficient resources for hiring the appropriate individual.

This is because hiring a web consultant with low-quality services can lead to various issues, such as misleading information and causing problems.

• Slow website speed
• Security vulnerabilities
• Incomplete website infrastructure
• Subpar user experience (UX)
• Hidden charges
• Lack of SEO optimization
• Lack of scalability
• Neglect of mobile optimization
• Outdated software

While it is important to find reasonably priced website consultants, it is crucial to understand that low-quality web consulting can have negative impacts on your business.

It is advisable to carefully consider the opportunity cost and risk when seeking services with high discounts.

Opportunity Cost and Website Design

Collins Dictionary defines opportunity cost as, “the cost of not being able to do other things with time and resources because of doing the chosen activity.”

Translation:

Every choice you make comes with potential benefits and drawbacks.

In web design, the decisions made by you and your web design consultant can greatly impact your project, from choosing a design aesthetic to selecting plugins and more.

The issue of opportunity cost presents two main risks when hiring a web design consultant.

1. Your web design consultant may make choices that prioritize certain projects over others, potentially diverting time and resources.
2. Some web design consultants may add unnecessary tasks to prolong projects and increase fees. This could result in not only financial loss but also missed opportunities if a different web designer had been chosen.

Web design consultant scams

In addition to errors and unethical fees, there is also a potential for being deceived when hiring a web design consultant.

To be fair:

While it is not highly probable if proper precautions are taken during the hiring process, it is still a possibility.

Web design consultants can be unpredictable and varied, similar to the Wild West.

Scams occur due to the lack of regulations and the open-source nature of platforms like WordPress. This allows anyone to create a website, advertise as a web design consultant, and falsely claim expertise.

An example of a web design consultant scam.

A common web design scam includes the use of a fabricated portfolio, where scammers may display copied designs to create an illusion of legitimacy.

After gaining the attention of a client, they will request a significant upfront payment.

Regrettably, after receiving payment, these consultants often disappear without a trace or, at best, provide work that falls short of the promised standard.

Adhere to the Golden Rule when hiring a web design consultant.

When considering hiring a web consultant, it is important to keep in mind the rule of not relying solely on unknown individuals with no reviews and extremely cheap prices.

When something doesn't work, choosing a cheaper option can end up being more costly.

Save money in the long term by investing in professional web design.

Choosing a web design consultant who is skilled, trustworthy, and open to fair pricing is recommended.

For more information about our pricing, you can book a Discovery Call. We offer a free and no-pressure consultation.

Mistake #2 - Paying Too Much

It is possible to pay too much for a web design consultant. The price does not always reflect the quality.

Expensive web consultants may not always be superior.

Paying the right amount is essential when hiring a web design consultant.

This is because there are many skilled professionals employed by small, reasonably-priced web design consulting companies who can provide excellent services for you, often comparable to designers at larger corporate firms.

Giant companies may add additional fees to cover their overhead costs, which can make them more expensive than necessary.

The expenses for their office, staff, and lounge room are paid for by you.

Therefore, the key is not to search for an excessively pricey consultant to construct your website. Rather, it is about locating a reliable and proficient team that can provide you with reasonable prices while adhering to industry standards.

Please inquire with your web design consultant about the reasons for their pricing.

When encountering a web design consultant with prices significantly higher than the average rate, it is important to inquire about the reason.

There is a risk of paying for another person's rental space.

Discover the charges for your web design consultant's services.

When considering costs, it is advisable to itemize expenses. If you have engaged a web design consultant and have not yet itemized charges, it is recommended to do so promptly.

A final word about pricey web design consultants

Price considerations are important, but ultimately, what matters is having a website that meets your satisfaction.

The choice of whether to build a website with a smaller or larger company depends on factors such as budget and personal preference.

Note to startups

Certain companies may make claims about creating a unique website that is unparalleled by any other. While there may be rare instances where this is true, it is more probable that someone is attempting to sell you something if you hear such promises.

Smaller designers who are skilled can typically offer the same level of design quality at a more affordable price.

Mistake #3 - Hiring a Web Designer Instead of a Web Developer

There are reasons to consider not hiring a web designer to build your website. Let's explore them.

Web development necessitates a specific set of skills.

You may be curious about the potential drawbacks of hiring a web design consultant to build the core components of your website.

A web designer and a web developer have distinct skill sets.

Here is a comparison:

The primary responsibility of a web designer.

The main job of a web designer is to be a graphic artist.

Some individuals may have differing opinions on this description, and it should be acknowledged that it is not flawless. It is important to note that web design and graphic design are distinct disciplines.

Both design and user experience emphasize the visual appeal and usability of a website.

With that in mind:

It is worth noting that certain web designers also engage in web development and are commonly known as front-end designer-developers.

Many people who hire web design consultants mistakenly believe that every designer is also a developer, resulting in them hiring the wrong individuals.

A web designer and a marketer have different roles.

Another noteworthy point is that web designers and marketers are distinct roles.

They may possess expertise in their field, but it is possible that they lack comprehension of the fundamental purpose of your website, your target audience, and the required features for your website.

Because a web designer may not have knowledge about marketing, it is crucial to provide them with information about your products and services. This will allow them to design your website in a manner that aligns with your brand.

When making a hiring decision, it is important to select someone who has a clear understanding of your business.

Regarding marketing, it is advisable to have a consultation with your designer to discuss how they will integrate marketing-friendly design techniques into your project prior to finalizing a contract.

Questions to ask include:

1. Are you familiar with the intended target audience?
2. What steps will be taken to ensure that the website design is optimized for SEO in order to enhance the visibility of my site?
3. What is your strategy for including effective and easily identifiable Call-to-Actions (CTAs) on the website?
4. Can you add social media sharing and other features to improve my online engagement and reach?
5. What is your plan for website design to capture leads, and is it compatible with email marketing systems?
6. What is the approach to designing for mobile-first indexing, considering its significance for SEO?

If you have less focus on marketing, additional questions to consider are:

1. Do you have any additional skills besides web design?
2. Are there any costs associated with ending the website's lifecycle (EOL)?
3. Do you engage in outsourcing to third parties?
4. Could you please provide the timelines for your project?
5. What is your strategy for meeting progress benchmarks?
6. Are you able to handle both on-page and technical SEO tasks?
7. Is a website redesign necessary?

Mistake #4 - Failure to Utilize a Content Management System.

It is advisable to get a content management system when hiring a web designer as it allows for necessary edits to be made.

Content management systems are commonly used for ongoing web development.

It can be frustrating when you are unable to make simple updates to your website, such as changing the text on a page.

Regrettably, many website owners find themselves in this situation.

Here's why:

Web designers often prioritize the aesthetics of a website and may sometimes overlook the Content Management System during the site's build phase, despite their talent.

Website owners may feel unsure about what to do once their websites have been published.

Not having a CMS can be a challenge as website owners often require knowledge of HTML, CSS, and sometimes other programming languages to make changes, which may be intimidating for those without a technical background.

Content management systems are typically straightforward to set up.

One interesting aspect of this situation is that content management systems are generally known for their ease of setup.

In fact:

WordPress is a widely recognized content management system that can be easily learned through free online tutorials by most individuals.

Prior to hiring a web design consultant, it is advisable to inquire about their knowledge of your CMS.

When considering a web design consultant, it is important to inquire about the content management system and backend that will be provided.

There is a notable difference between a website that necessitates custom coding for basic elements and a straightforward backend that allows for extensive editing capabilities. It is important to acknowledge this distinction.

WordPress as a CMS

WordPress is a widely popular content management system that is easy to use, and it is the primary CMS we use.

Shopify as a CMS

Shopify is an ecommerce platform that provides various benefits to online merchants.

Mistake #5 - Failure to Thoroughly Research and Investigate.

One effective strategy is to review the online feedback of your web designer.

Performing thorough research when hiring a web design consultant.

When hiring a web design consultant, an important initial step is to review feedback from reliable sources such as Yelp and Google.

The next step is to evaluate the designer's website. Does it meet the required standards?

There are certain indicators on websites that may raise concerns.

• Outdated design
• A poor user experience (difficult navigation, slow load times, or broken links, which may indicate a lack of technical skills or attention to detail.)
• Lack of portfolio
• No client testimonials
• No contact information
• Spelling and grammar issues
• Lack of responsive design
• No SSL certificate

The privacy policy or terms of service are not provided.There is a lack of clear pricing or service information.A web design consultant should have the ability to answer any questions you may have.After finding someone you are interested in, it is recommended that you create a list of questions, such as:

• Can you provide a description of your design process and the methodologies you utilize?
• What steps will be taken to improve the security of my website?
• What is your approach to managing website performance and page load times?
• Could you provide information about your experience with various Content Management Systems (CMS)?
• What is your process for website testing across various browsers and devices?
• Could you provide some examples of your work?
• Could you please provide me with professional references?

Offering an opportunity to a web design consultant with less experience.Based on the responses you receive, you may develop a preference for a particular web design consultant and consider hiring them, regardless of their level of experience.In that situation, it is recommended to proceed (while considering the associated risks). It is not necessary for your web designer to possess all knowledge. They simply need to be skilled in their field and proficient at problem-solving.A designer with problem-solving skills can effectively fulfill your requests and create an impressive mockup, regardless of their experience in your specific niche.It is important to clarify the terms of the contract before the project begins.WarningIt is important to clarify all the details of the contract, including the designer's tasks, fees, and project timeline, before signing.

Mistake #6 - Choosing a Web Design Consultant Who Does Not Set a Good Example

It is advisable to select a web design consultant who demonstrates their expertise through their actions.

Select a web design consultant who is a leader in their field.

A competent web consultant possesses qualities that extend beyond technical expertise.

Here are some factors to consider when hiring:

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Proactivity involves anticipating challenges and taking action in advance to mitigate them, ensuring the project remains on schedule.

Effective communication is essential for a web designer, as it should be strong, clear, and timely.

The best web designers actively seek solutions to unique project challenges.

A web designer with strong leadership skills will make decisions that positively impact the project.

It is important to understand and prioritize your goals when working with a web designer. A skilled web designer will collaborate with you to ensure that your website design aligns with your vision.

A web designer with leadership qualities stays updated on industry changes and adjusts their approach to utilize the latest tools and trends.

Accountability, or taking responsibility for mistakes and fixing them, showcases integrity and responsibility, which are admirable qualities in a web designer.

Please reach out to our web design consultants for assistance.

If you are in need of a skilled web designer who prioritizes your needs, this is the right place for you.

Whether you own a small business or run a larger organization, we have the capability to create an exceptional website for you.

The types of businesses we collaborate with.

• The businesses range from small to medium-sized, with a few larger ones included.
• People who are in need of new websites.
• People who are interested in a website redesign.
• Individuals who are involved in website management and are seeking to enhance their organization's online presence.
• More!

Dog and Rooster possess a variety of skills.

• Front-end development
• Back-end development
• Website speed optimization
• Responsive web design
• User experience (UX) design
• User interface (UI) design
• WordPress CMS
• Ecommerce solutions
• Custom theme and plugins
• On-page search engine optimization
• Cross-browser compatibility
• Social media integration
• Web security and maintenance
• Database management and optimization
• Web analytics and performance monitoring are important tools for tracking and analyzing website data.
• The topics of A/B testing and conversion rate optimization.
• Dedicated web hosting

You can further explore your digital journey by visiting our Web Design service page.Looking for SEO?If your website is not receiving any traffic, you may want to consider implementing on-page SEO or an SEO-friendly web redesign, as both can be beneficial.Please visit our SEO service page for additional details.You may visit our Contact page to communicate with our team.