Let’s discuss how to find the right web designer for 2023. The first thing to consider is a budget that is not only affordable but adequate for the website project. You’ll need to consider specific features you expect as well as the functionality you require.
Why hire a professional web designer?
If you are just starting out and require only a site with basic information for the visitor regarding your brand. We sometimes refer to this as a calling card web design or a starter site. This is a very simple website with three or four pages.
Although it is a starter site we still recommend you hire the right web designer. Most companies today must compete with many already online and the more professional your site is, the more success you can expect. Your first site might consist of a home page with brand information, a services page listing different products or services available, an about us page to introduce the team, and a contact page.
There are many “free” web design builders for this purpose such as WIX and others. We do not recommend this route simply because you may not be happy with the result. Be sure you understand the pros and cons of using these free options.
Need an e-commerce website?
Small companies with only a few products to sell online may not need to have an e-commerce website. They can easily show off the few products that can be purchased through PayPal, Stripe, or another gateway software. You won’t need to learn any specific software since the buyers can simply click on the payment gateway to make a purchase.
Larger companies and those selling many products online could benefit from an e-commerce website. An e-commerce platform uses the internet to place an order quickly displaying all products available to purchase. However, if you have hired a professional web designer to create and publish your e-commerce site you’ll also need someone to handle the inventory. This means they will need to learn the software and be able to edit the online store adding and deleting products as needed.
If no one is available to run the store then someone else will have to be hired and this could become costly. Most web designers do not get involved in the day-to-day e-commerce inventory operations. They usually develop and publish the e-commerce site and turn the site over to the client. It is important that you inquire as to whether your professional web designer is open to managing the site once it is published. If they do not manage the site you’ll have to learn the software yourself or hire an outside professional to handle this service.
What features are best for e-commerce sites?
E-commerce is very competitive so it is crucial that you maintain the website properly for the best results online. There are FYI e-commerce platforms that you can set up yourself. But beware, these may not have the professional features that gain top visibility. We suggest hiring a professional web designer for your next e-commerce site.
Your site should be free from clutter and should be easy to read by using the right font. The professional web designer will be using plain HTML programming and be sure to keep an aesthetic easy on the eyes. Stay clear of huge images which could slow down the load time and add call-to-action verbs which help the visitor focus on the items they need in a hurry.
Good navigational menus help the products stay organized. Another great tip is to add links to other pages of interest. Additionally, adding categories and separate product pages also helps to navigate the site effectively.
User experience and professional web design:
The overall user experience must benefit the consumer which will lead to the all-important conversion rate increasing sales. The site owner should also consider a search bar to enhance the navigational usability. The quicker a consumer locates the item they need, the quicker your ROI will improve and visitors will become buyers.
A professional web designer with a diverse portfolio is the best choice for top brands and understands what features work best. These professionals know how to adapt to the latest Google algorithms and know how to increase the user experience. Consider their expertise based on their considerable portfolio of finished websites. This tells you that they have the knowledge to bring fresh ideas to the forefront of new design.
Professionals stay current with the smart technology of today and are better equipped to design seamlessly across many devices platforms and screen sizes. Another sign of success is to read the testimonials of their many satisfied clients.
Do your due diligence when choosing the right professional to design your website. To look professional online your site must be developed in a professional manner. Be smart and stay connected to Orlando Website Design for all things design and programming. We will do our best to be responsive to your needs, and attentive to your concerns. We’ll partner with you for success this year.
Contact us this fall for your next great design project. Our talented professionals look forward to meeting with you and bringing your vision to life.
Stay tuned for more next time!
.Jean Holland-Rose
Chief Creative Officer & SEO Professional