How to choose the right website designer for your small business

Not sure who to hire when your website needs a facelift? No worries, learn these tips on how to choose the right website designer for your business.

Learning how to choose the right website designer for your small business can feel overwhelming. With so many options out there, how do you find someone who truly understands your vision, has the right aesthetic, and can translate your brand into a visually cohesive and high-converting website? Whether you’re starting from scratch or refreshing your site, the designer you choose will play a pivotal role in how your business is represented online.

In this guide, I’ll help you navigate the process of finding a website designer who aligns with your brand and business goals. By the end, you’ll have actionable tips to narrow down your search and ensure that your website reflects your brand’s true essence.

Why choosing the right designer matters

Your website is the face of your business online. It’s the first impression potential clients get, and if it doesn’t immediately capture your brand’s personality, values, and professionalism, you could lose valuable leads. Beyond looks, a well-designed website should help you achieve your business goals—whether that’s building trust, driving conversions, or attracting your ideal clients.

Finding the right website designer is about more than just aesthetics. It’s about partnering with someone who understands your business, knows how to create a website that’s functional and beautiful, and can deliver a seamless experience for your users.

Actionable tips to find the right website designer for your small business

1. Get clear on your brand first

Before you start your search for a designer, make sure you’re crystal clear on your own brand. What are your mission, values, and core offerings? Who is your target audience, and what do they care about? If you’re unclear about these foundational elements, it’ll be harder to find a designer who can translate your vision into a cohesive design.

Pro Tip: Use my Pre-Project Checklist in this blog post to help you get super clear on your brand before you approach any designers. This will ensure you know exactly what to communicate, and it will make the process much smoother.

2. Look for designers who specialize in your aesthetic

Every designer has a unique style. Some may specialize in clean, minimalist designs, while others lean toward bold, vibrant aesthetics. When reviewing portfolios, make sure to choose a designer whose style aligns with your brand’s aesthetic.

How to do it:

• Review the designer’s portfolio to see if their previous work matches your vision.

• Pay attention to the types of clients they’ve worked with before. Have they worked with businesses similar to yours?

• Look for versatility. Even if their portfolio showcases various styles, does the designer have the ability to adjust their aesthetic to match the unique needs of each client?

If their design style doesn’t resonate with you, no amount of tweaking will result in a site that feels aligned with your brand.

3. Focus on communication and collaboration

One of the biggest frustrations small business owners face when working with a website designer is a lack of clear communication. You need someone who listens to your needs, offers insights, and keeps you in the loop throughout the project. Now, this could be challenging to determine from a designer’s website so it might be necessary to book a discovery call and speak to the designer directly.

Questions to ask:

• How does the designer prefer to communicate? Do they offer regular updates?

• Are they open to feedback and willing to make revisions as needed?

• Do they take the time to understand your business and brand before starting the design process?

A strong designer-client relationship is built on collaboration. If you feel like the designer isn’t listening to your needs or doesn’t understand your goals, it’s a red flag.

4. Look for testimonials and reviews

Don’t just rely on the designer’s portfolio—seek out testimonials or reviews from past clients. This will give you an idea of their professionalism, how they handle challenges, and whether they deliver on time and within budget.

Things to look for:

• Testimonials that speak to the designer’s ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

• Reviews that highlight their professionalism and ability to meet deadlines.

• Insight into how the designer solved challenges during the project.

Testimonials can provide insight into the designer’s process and what it’s like to work with them, helping you make a more informed decision.

5. Evaluate their understanding of website strategy

A website that looks great but doesn’t function well won’t do your business any favors. Your website needs to be strategically designed to meet your business goals, from converting visitors into leads to ensuring seamless navigation. Make sure the designer has a deep understanding of both the design and strategy behind a high-performing website.

What to ask:

• Does the designer focus on user experience (UX) and conversion optimization?

• Do they understand the goals of your business and how to translate that into functional design?

• Can they create a site that not only looks good but drives results?

By ensuring the designer understands your business’s strategic goals, you’ll end up with a website that’s more than just a pretty face—it’s a tool for growth.

The right designer will translate your vision into reality

The right website designer will not only create a visually stunning website but also understand your brand and business goals. They’ll take the time to listen, collaborate, and deliver a site that aligns with your brand’s identity and drives results.

Before you start working with a designer, make sure you’re fully prepared. If you haven’t already, check out my blog post, A Pre-Project Checklist Before Hiring a Brand or Website Designer. This checklist will help you clarify your brand’s mission, values, and target audience, making the process of finding the perfect designer much easier.

Ready to take the next step? I specialize in creating beautiful, high-converting websites that align with your brand’s values and goals. Book a consultation today, and let’s bring your vision to life!