Web Designers Near Me: How to Choose the Right One
Hiring a web designer is more than just a Google search. Typing “web designers near me” is a start, sure. But being local does not always mean that they are the right one.
Finding someone who is actually a good fit for your business takes a bit more effort. You need someone who understands your goals, builds for results, and is upfront about what they are offering.
He are a few tips on how to sort through the noise and actually choose a web designer (freelancer or web design agency) who will build a site that works for you.
Web Designers Near Me: How to Choose the Right One
Look at their own website first
Before you even reach out, take a good look at their own site. Does it look modern? Or does it look like it hasn’t seen an update in the last few years? The same goes if it feels awkward or confusing to use. Even if you can’t put your finger on it, does it just feel “off”? Trust your instincts. If you feel unsure while browsing their site, your customers might feel the same about yours.
You don’t need to like their visual style, but you should at least see signs of solid layout, basic SEO and it should be easy to navigate.
Watch out for prices that seem too low
You’ll see ads like “Get a website for R1500” or “Full website design for less than a night out.” Sounds tempting. But there usually is a catch.
Low-cost websites often come with trade-offs.
You are likely to get a cookie-cutter site with a limited amount of pages, generic templates, no SEO, no control or ownership, and very likely some hidden fees that will crop up later.
That doesn’t mean budget-friendly options are always bad. Some freelancers and agencies offer lean starter sites that work well for small businesses. The key is to know what is included.
A few questions to ask are:
- Do I own the website once it goes live?
- Will I be able to update the content myself?
- Can I move it to another host?
As the saying goes, if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Ask about subscription models – renting vs owning
Some web designer freelancers and agencies offer sites on a subscription basis. You pay monthly, and they take care of hosting, updates, support, sometimes even content updates too.
It’s not necessarily a bad thing. For some businesses, it’s a decent option if:
- You want low upfront costs
- You don’t want to manage tech stuff
- You’re okay with ongoing monthly fees
But there are downsides.
For starters, you usually don’t own the site, and if you miss a payment, the site disappears. Another point to consider is the control of the domain name
Another point to consider is the control of the domain name (the website address like southpointdigital.com). If you’re renting a website, you usually don’t own the domain name, which is generally your company’s name. It’s often registered in the provider’s name, not yours. That can make it hard to move or fully control your online presence later.
Before signing a contract, be clear about the website ownership and who controls it.
Check their portfolio
Don’t skip this part. Look through examples of their work. I doesn’t matter if they are a freelancer or an agency, what matters is the output.
Focus on these search engine ranking factors:
- Clear, uncluttered layout
- Good use of space
- Good colour contrast ratio
- Easy navigation (a concise menu with short drop-downs)
- Mobile responsiveness
- Fast loading
Visit some of the sites yourself. Try them out on your phone. Read the text. See how fast you can find contact info or services. You could even verify one of the sites
When browsing their portfolio, keep in mind that clients sometimes make changes after launch that affect the look or function of a site. Instead of judging one project in isolation, look for consistency across several projects. If the design quality is poor, it usually shows up in all their work.
Clarify what you get
Freelancers and agencies include different things. Some build the full site, do keyword research and optimise for SEO, set up Google tools, and offer support. Others will just build the site and hand it over to you.
For example, a common misconception is that web design projects automatically include the writing of the content and supplying images for the website too. Another one is that your website will automatically be found on Google once it’s up and running. Neither of these are always true.
When discussing the project, it’s best to get the answers to your questions upfront and agreed upon before any work is started. Get it all in writing, preferably in a contract. Just to avoid surprises and protect both parties involved.
Talk about your purpose
Your website is not just a nice-to-have. It should serve a purpose.
Discuss what you want the website to do. Should it bring more leads for your business? Ask how it will do that. Do you want all of your services shown in detail? Then a one-page website might not be the best solution.
Pay attention to the little things
Design & technical skills matter. But so does how they handle projects.
Are they quick to reply? Do they explain things clearly? Do they ask questions about your business?
Your peace of mind when dealing with a web designer is just as important as the work itself.
Get a timeline
Every designer works differently. Some freelancers offer faster project delivery times since they often work on one project at a time. Agencies might take longer due to internal processes.
Ask about their typical timeframes and when they can start.
Also bear in mind that your own input affects timeframes. If they need content or photos from you, delays can go both ways.
Best web designers for small business
The best web designers for small business understand that you may not need an overly complicated website, you need one that works well and looks great. They focus on clear messaging, fast loading times, and layouts that guide visitors to take action. Look for someone who asks about your goals, your customers, and how you plan to grow. A good designer will build with that in mind, not just what looks nice.
You could also check if they’ve worked with other small businesses and maybe even specifically in your niche. While it’s not a dealbreaker, it may lend to your confidence that they understand you and your business better than an all-purpose designer.
Freelance web designer vs agency
Choosing between a freelance web designer or an agency can be an easy choice if you know what to look for.
A freelance web designer often gives you direct access, fewer layers of communication, and a more personal touch. Larger agencies usually have a big team, so they can offer extra services, but the process might feel more structured or less flexible. Smaller agencies offer the same personal touch that you may get from a freelancer, while some agencies might outsource the actual work.
So it comes down to who you’re dealing with, not just the label. Ask who does what and how they handle projects from start to finish. This should help you with your choice between freelance web designer vs agency.
South Point Digital: A web design partner you can trust
If you are looking for a web design team that understands small business, you’re in the right place. We build websites that are clear, fast and designed to help you get more clients. You’ll know exactly what you’re getting, with no confusion or hidden extras. Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit for your business.
How to choose a web designer
We hope this article answers your questions about how to choose a web designer for your business.
If you liked this, you may want to check out the other articles on our blog.
