There are many reasons you might want to hire local web designers. Maybe your site is looking dated, or it’s not performing well in search results. Or maybe you just don’t know what to do about the design of your site. Whatever the reason, there are times when hiring a freelance web designer makes sense. If you’re interested in hiring me as your freelance web designer then by all means feel free to contact me to get a non-obligation proposal.
Do I need to hire a web designer or should I use an agency?
First, let’s go over the pros and cons of both. A web designer tends to be less expensive than agencies because they usually work alone (or in very small teams).
Freelance web designers working for agencies generally work on several projects at once, so their costs are split up among their clients. However, you get what you pay for; there is a reason that some web designers will charge £40 per hour while others ask for hundreds per hour.
You also need to think about your timeframe when hiring either type of web designer. If time isn’t a factor then it doesn’t matter if you hire web designers or an agency – just do whatever is best based on the quality of their previous work.
If you need your site done quickly, or if there are some specific features you want to be included in the design, then hiring a web design agency might make sense because they have more resources than web designers.
Pros
- The pros of hiring web designers are that they generally work for themselves or in very small teams.
- They tend to be less expensive than an agency because their costs are split up among clients.
- They also typically provide excellent service and can accommodate your needs on a short notice.
Cons
The only downside to hiring a freelance web designer is that they usually don’t have the same capacity as a larger agency. So if your project is especially large or needs to completed very quickly it might make sense to hire an agency to build your new website. Just bare in mind that Agencies tend to charge way more than a freelance web designer.
For more information on this topic check out this blog post https://www.thelonelypixel.co.uk/freelance-web-designer-vs-agency/
What about using a free website builder?
Using a free website builder can be helpful if you want to design your site and don’t know where to start. You might also use one of the many builders that offer free templates as a way of getting started with web design quickly and easily (and without spending any money). You could also look at buying a theme like Divi or any other thousands of premium templates to get you started.
However, building your own is usually not advised for multiple reasons: firstly because it takes time; secondly, it doesn’t look professional; lastly but most importantly – those sites will never perform as well in search results!!!
If you think about how Google works, they reward high-quality websites which are original. A poorly designed template from some unknown company isn’t going to help you rank higher than the competition! So stick with hiring an agency or freelance web designer.
Pros
- A free website builder is usually totally free for the user which can be a huge benefit.
- You do not have to pay anything upfront and you don’t have to spend too much time working on your site.
- There is also an increased level of trust since the software is created by a trusted company.
Cons:
- Time: Build your site and it will take time to learn HTML and CSS.
- SEO: If you rank in Google, then you want the site to be original and not a free template.
- Design: An agency or freelance web designer can create a professional-looking design for you.
I’ve written a blog post that goes into why you shouldn’t use premium templates on your website design project here.
Should I just hire an in-house web designer?
Well, this question depends on your company’s size. If you are a small business with no web design experience, then hiring an agency or web designer might be the best way to go because they can help you with everything from web design and web development of your site right to search engine optimization (SEO).
However, if you have some web design knowledge already then it probably makes sense for someone in-house to do the work – especially since that person will also become more knowledgeable about how websites should look as well!
Pros
Hiring an in-house web designer is beneficial for many reasons, but mainly for the following three:
- If they are already familiar with your company then they will have a better understanding of the needs that you require to be met.
- Hiring an in-house web designer can be significantly less expensive than hiring an agency because you are only paying the designer’s hourly wage.
- If you have some web design knowledge already then it probably makes sense for someone in-house to do the work – especially since that person will also become more knowledgeable about how websites should look as well!
Cons
There are many advantages to hiring an in-house web designer, but there are also some disadvantages.
- The main disadvantage is that the in-house web designer will require more time. This means it will take longer for your site to be completed and could lead to problems with meeting deadlines.
- Another problem is that the in-house web designer will not be able to work on other projects because they are dedicated solely to yours.
- The last problem is that the in-house web designer may not be as knowledgeable about how websites should look like because they are working exclusively inside your company.
What are the steps to my hiring process?
The first step is deciding on your budget, timeframe and what features you want to be included in your site. Then you need to figure out if it makes more sense for you to hire an agency or a good web designer (or maybe both).
Once that is done, do some research online to find good websites which have similar content/categories as yours so they can be used as examples when talking with designers. When contacting them make sure that they include their pricing model up front instead of making you ask about it.
Also, try not to contact too many companies at once because this might affect how much time they will spend on responding quickly; additionally having several people working for one company might also slow down the design process.
Once you decide on a company then it’s time for them to do their magic and create your site! They might start by sending you wireframes that will show the layout of how they plan to build your website, and once that is finalized (and approved) they can move on to building it out using HTML/CSS.
Testing will be done after every step until all bugs are ironed out, so this could take up some extra time as well. Then when testing is finished, content goes in and voila – your new web designer built an amazing-looking site for you!!!
How much does a web designer cost?
A good web designer can cost anywhere from £40 to around £100 per hour. It depends on the type of company you are working with, so make sure that when contacting them upfront they include their rates/hourly estimates (if not – ask for it!).
Also, keep in mind that this is very dependent on where you live since costs will be different if you’re living in London vs somewhere like Scotland! You wouldn’t expect to pay the same price amount to both web designers.
For more information on this topic and to get example prices please checkout my post here – https://www.thelonelypixel.co.uk/how-much-does-a-website-cost-2020/
What can a freelance web designer do?
A web designer can be hired for a variety of things: you could get them to build your whole site (from scratch), they might also do content and optimization and/or maintenance, or maybe you just want them to design the logo.
If everything is done properly then it’s better to hire someone who does more than one thing because that way your original investment won’t go down over time as their prices increase!
1. Website Design & Development
Website development can be broken down into three main categories:
Front-end website design – This involves creating the look and feel of a site, as well as user experience. Front-end designers are responsible for ensuring that content is easy to read and navigate, while also making sure that the overall appearance of a site looks professional. They may also create custom designs or templates for clients.
Back-end website design – These involve developing the back end of a site, such as databases, server configurations, and other technical aspects. Back-end developers ensure that all of the information stored on a site is secure and accessible by users. They may also help with SEO, which helps improve traffic to a site.
2. Graphic Design
Web designers are responsible for coming up with creative concepts for products, advertisements, logos, etc., and then converting those ideas into high-quality images.
3. Content Writing
Content writers are responsible for writing articles, blogs, press releases, etc., for businesses. They usually focus on topics related to their industry, but there are plenty of opportunities outside of your niche.
4. Search Engine Optimization
SEO specialists write copy that encourages readers to click through to a company’s website. They analyze competitor sites and determine ways to optimize a site so that it ranks higher in search results.
5. Social Media Marketing / Digital Marketing
Social media marketing experts create campaigns focused on driving traffic to a business’ Facebook page, Twitter feed, YouTube channel, etc.
6. User Experience Design
User experience designers create interfaces that make it easy for visitors to interact with a site. UX designers often collaborate with front-end designers to make sure that both sides are working together to create a seamless user experience.
7. Mobile App Design
Mobile app designers create apps for smartphones and tablets. They come up with unique features that attract potential customers and keep existing ones engaged.
8. UI/UX Design
UI/UX designers create wireframes and mockups that show how a product will appear when viewed on a computer screen or phone.
9. Branding
Branding specialists develop a brand identity that represents a company’s values and personality. They may also come up with taglines, slogans, icons, etc., that capture a company’s target audience.
10. Animation
Animation specialists create short animations that explain a point or demonstrate a feature.
12. Motion Graphics
Motion graphics specialists create graphical elements, like text, buttons, video backgrounds, etc., that add life and style to web pages.
13. Website Maintenance
Website maintenance specialists check websites regularly to fix any bugs, update broken links, etc.
WordPress development specialists build custom themes and plugins for WordPress.org, the most popular CMS out there.
How long does a freelance web designer take to build a website?
It depends on what features you want your site to have. A simple e-commerce website with a blog might take around four weeks, while an advanced web application could take six months or longer. You can find out estimated prices for different types of sites here.
How do I find a web designer near me?
The best way to find a freelance web designer for your project is to post the job exclusively on sites dedicated to web design. You can find them by doing a simple Google search.
The most important thing is finding someone you can trust. If they don’t have any reviews or samples of their work, be wary—no one starts at the top! Look for designers who specialize in your industry and always check portfolios before hiring anyone. And remember: there are no perfect web designs, just ones that fit a company’s goals better than others!
How to shortlist web designers near me?
Shortlisting web designers isn’t easy because there are thousands of talented individuals out there. It’s not enough just to look at a portfolio and select the ones you like the most. You’ll also need to consider other aspects such as experience, skills, and references.
To make sure you get the best person for the job, ask potential web designers questions about their previous work. Ask if they have any examples of similar projects they’ve worked on. Also, check if they have testimonials from clients. For an added bonus checkout if they are an industry leader or if they contribute towards the industry as a whole. For example I’ve won multiple awards for my websites and I’ve also been published in Net Magazine which is a leading web design magazine in the UK.
The first thing that should be considered when hiring a web designer is how much time it will take to complete the project. Most people think that once the design is done, all they need to do is upload the files onto the server and wait for the website to go live. However, this is only half the story.
The second part involves making sure everything looks good on your site. This includes ensuring that images load properly, that links point where they’re supposed to, and that the text appears in the right place.
If you don’t know what kind of work you want, then it can be difficult to find someone who does. But, if you have some ideas or even a rough idea of what you’d like, you can narrow down your search and find a professional who specializes in whatever you need.
How do I know if they are a good fit for my project?
The best way to tell if a freelance web designer is a good fit for your project is to get quotes from several different companies. Then compare them to see which one gives you the most value for money.
Remember, there are lots of other costs involved when building a website such as domain names, hosting packages, email accounts, social media marketing, etc. So, comparing prices alone isn’t enough to determine whether a particular web designer is a good choice for your project. You should also be looking at previous projects to see if you feel like their style of designing would be a good fit for your project!
It’s really hard to know if you’re a good fit for a project. Usually, companies list their skills and you can see if they’re the right person for the job. There are three criteria that I like to use to make sure I’m a good fit:
- How quickly can they respond to communications?
- How well do they communicate with customers?
- Do they readily show what they can do?
Are they really a ‘web designer’?
With the influx of premium WordPress themes on the market such as Divi and page builders such as Elementor it has given rise to “wannabe web designers” and the industy is now rife with cowboy builders that will essentially charge you £500 – £1,000 to install one of these themes (which cost them £50), pick a premade layout and just add your logo. This isn’t web design and I’ve lost count of the amount of times clients have reached out to me saying that they hit a wall with their current “designer” who was saying they just couldn’t do what they wanted.
I don’t use premium themes or templates in any of my work. Everything I design and build is 100% bespoke to that client, this is the best way to get results for your business because the websites I build are tailored to your needs/goals
Contact multiple freelance web designers to see if they are a good fit for you and your project
Don’t just pick the first designer you find! It’s important to contact multiple freelance web designers to see if they are a good fit for you and your project. This will help you get an idea of what each one is capable of and how much they charge. You can also ask them questions about their work, so you can make an informed decision.
Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your business website. So take the time to do your research and find someone who meets all your needs!
What if I don’t like the designer I’ve hired?
If you find that you do not like the freelance web designer that you have hired, there are a few things that you can do.
First, it is important to remember that we all have different tastes and preferences. There could be someone else who may be better suited for your project. Do not worry about offending the person who has been working on your project.
It will only make them feel bad and at this point, it is no fault of their own if you decide to switch web designers. You also might decide to try training the web designers on what to work on next instead of firing them because their skills would be put to better use elsewhere in your business.
If none of those other options sound appealing to you then it is time to look for another web designer. If you are not happy with the work that is being produced, then it might be best if you let them go and start over again with someone new.
I’m looking for Web Designers in London, do they need to be based in London?
No, not necessarily. You could just as easily hire web designers who live locally but works remotely. The 2020/2021 lockdowns have proven time and time again that we don’t need to physically be in the same place to work as a team. There are plenty of tools I use to make sure that is kept well informed throughout the project these include the following:
It’s important to ensure that you’re using the best tools for communication between you and the web designers. I find Slack, Invision, and BugHerd to be extremely effective for keeping in touch with my clients. It’s also a good idea to have an informal chat every so often so that the design is on target with what you need it to look like.
My office is based in Stamford but I’ve been working with clients in London for a long time so I can say I’m a London Web Designer.
There are many tools that freelance web designers use to keep in touch with clients. Creating a project management plan is essential to making sure you’re on the same page as your client. This may include using a project management tool, instant messaging, or email for communication.
I have been working with people from London for a long time now and I know how important it is to have a detailed project management plan in place so that we can be on the same page as our client. I set up a web design process that includes research, sketching, wireframing, designing, coding, testing, and lastly deployment to ensure that my clients are satisfied with the outcome of their project.
Working remotely has many benefits, the first being that it’s cost-effective. Apart from paying for an internet connection, you’re not required to pay for airfare or accommodation. Not only does this save you money, but it also saves the environment resources.
I enjoy working remotely because I don’t have to worry about all the stress of commuting to work every day. This means I can do what I need to do at my own pace and complete tasks on my schedule without having to coordinate with coworkers or other people who are in different time zones.
I’m looking for a Web Designer near me – What should I look out for?
When searching for a web designer in London, you’ll need to consider the following things:
Experience
Experience matters when hiring a web designer in London because the more experience they have, the better chance you’re going to have of getting what you need. It’s always good to look at the portfolio and see if their designs are aligned with your vision for your project.
Quality
You’ll also want to assess their portfolio’s layout and the quality of their work. You should be looking for someone who has experience in creating designs that align with your vision for your project. You should be looking for someone who has experience in creating designs that align with your vision for your project.
Communication
It’s important to ensure that you’re using the best tools for communication between you and the web designers. It’s also a good idea to have an informal chat every so often so that the design is on target with what you need it to look like.
Support
Will they be available to answer questions or offer support after the job has been completed? Most web designers offer support for a certain amount of time after the project is completed.
Are they reliable?
Have they provided proof of insurance? I’ve been in the industry for almost a decade now and I can say that there are a few things to take into account when looking for a reliable web designer in London. The first is the quality of their work, look for someone with experience in creating designs that align with your vision. You should also look at the layout of their portfolio because it will show you how they communicate what they do. It’s important to make sure that there is sufficient communication when hiring an individual from London because it’s imperative when creating a project management plan.
Do they charge by the hour?
I know it can be hard to find a web designer in London which is why it’s important to be able to articulate your goals for the project before you even look at their portfolio. For example, do you want someone who charges by the hour or do you want someone who has a set rate for the project? Both types of prices have advantages and disadvantages.
If you use an hourly rate, you can estimate an approximate total that would be needed upfront because there are no surprises. Hourly rates also allow web designers greater flexibility, which can work both ways since they will need to spend more time on the job if procrastination is happening.
If you go with someone who has a set fee structure, then they will provide an accurate price estimate and they will provide a more accurate timeframe for delivery. This might be the best option if you’re working with a tight budget, but it’s important to note that web designers who charge by the hour can work faster than those who have set fees due to their experience level.
I charge on a per-project basis as I find it offers the client protection and also helps to avoid scope creep because all of the core functionality of the site has to be outlined before any work can begin.
Can they give references?
Is there anyone else you can talk to about their services?
How much will it cost?
What is the total price of the service?
Will they provide free revisions?
How many times will they be providing revisions before the project is complete?
Does the quote include everything?
Does the quote include anything extra?
Is there an initial consultation?
Some web designers may ask for an initial consultation so that they can understand exactly what you want.
Do they accept direct payments?
Some web designers only take cash payments. Others prefer to receive payment via PayPal or Stripe.
Do they offer discounts if paid upfront?
Some web designers offer discounts if you pay them upfront.
What should I prepare before I contact a web designer?
It’s important to prepare some information about your business before you contact a web designer. This will give the person that you’re speaking with an insight into what is required for this project. It will also help them provide relevant examples of past work so they can come up with some ideas on how best to solve any problems within your online presence. You’ll need to consider things like:
- Who are your competitors?
- What do they offer their clients? How does it compare to what you plan on offering yours?
- What makes people want to choose you over other businesses in the area?
- What makes people want to choose you over other businesses in the area, what is different than your competitors?
- How would you describe your brand, how does it compare with individual brands of all products and services that fall under one business name?
What happens next?
Once you’ve found a suitable web designer in London, you have two options. The first option is to go ahead and book your project. In this case, you’ll need to send over some details such as your budget and how you’d like the site designed. Once you’ve sent over this information, you’ll be given a quote from the web designer. At this point, you can either proceed with the project or cancel. If you choose to proceed, you’ll then need to wait until the project is finished. Once the project is complete, you’ll be sent a link where you can download a copy of the website files.
The second option is to find a web designer yourself. This is often easier said than done. However, there are a few ways that you can narrow down your search. For example, you might want to check out sites like Upwork or Fiverr. These websites allow freelancers to post jobs that they’re willing to do. Alternatively, you could also try asking friends and family for recommendations. They may know someone who would be happy to help.
Conclusion
You’re probably wondering if hiring web designers near me makes sense. You want to know why I think it’s such a great idea, right? Well, let me tell you…
I believe that attention to detail is paramount when designing websites in London, striking the perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics means that your website will not only look beautiful, but it will also convert users.
I never use templates in my websites and every site I build is 100% bespoke to that client. This means that not only do the websites look amazing but they are tailored made to each client’s individual needs, making them a perfect fit for them. Because of this fact, they also perform brilliantly and are lightning-fast.
Feel free to reach out today to get a free proposal on how we can help you to achieve your web design goals.