Working with a web designer can be stressful if you don’t know what to expect. Here are a few tips that can help you prepare and make the whole process go as smoothly as possible.

1. Do your research first

Before settling on the fist web designer you find via random Google search, it pays off to spend some time doing basic research. Here are a few tips to keep in mind.

• Don’t settle for the cheapest one — in this case the saying, you get what you pay for rings true and the cheapest web designer out there may not be able to meet all the project requirements. If that happens, you’ll have to hire another web designer to fix the mistakes which ends up costing you more in the long run.

• Look for a designer that has a portfolio that matches your aesthetic — a designer with an aesthetic similar to yours will be able to get you and your style which means there won’t be many revisions nor will you end up frustrated because the designer doesn’t get what you want.

• Look for a designer that will work with your chosen platform — someone who is already familiar with your preferred platform will be able to complete to project much faster. Not only that, but they will instantly be able to tell you if your chosen platform is the right fit for the type of website you want to build.

• Check reviews, testimonials, reputation — this will tell you a lot about the designer you want to work with. It will help create trust and assure you that they are the right fit for you.

2. Respect the Deadlines

Without providing timely feedback or submitting files on time, your site cannot move forward which means it will take longer for your site to get done. Ask about deadlines and what you’re supposed to provide them in terms of content and any other assets your web designer needs.

3. Know and honor the contract

The contract is there to protect both you and the designer. Know what you’re paying for and your rights when it comes to file ownership, design ownership, cancellation policies, late payment fees, and other details.

4. Provide honest feedback

We appreciate feedback because it helps us with the design. What we don’t like is hearing general and cliche terms such as “make it pop” “I need the site to be loud”, and similar.

• Be specific in your feedback and don’t be afraid to use visuals such as Pinterest images or other websites to explain what you mean.

• On a similar note, don’t request 5 changes today and then 26 more right when the project is set to launch. Gather all your feedback, make notes, and get all key people to sign off on the design at the same time.

5. Trust their expertise and avoid micromanaging

Have faith and trust that your designer knows what they are doing. Unless the design is so off base that you have no clue what you’re supposed to be looking at.

At the same time, don’t micromanage the designer. They know when certain things are supposed to happen and every designer worth their salt will make sure to not only keep you updated with the project but also to let you know when your feedback or assets are due.

6. Do your homework

Designer will let you know what you need to do to prep for site design — this may require creating a Pinterest inspiration board, filling out a questionnaires, etc — all of this helps your designer get to know you and your site goals so they can design you a website you love. Provide as many details as possible - don’t skimp out on homework part or think it’s unnecessary.

I hope these tips help you prepare to work with a web designer and you walk away with a website you absolutely love.

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