How do I find a good website designer?

[USAR]

Hi

I have a website that I designed myself, using Website Builder from 123-reg. It's ok but lacking a lot. It's served its purpose but we now need to move on and look more professional. My question is, where on earth do I start to find a good, reliable and professional website designer? Also, my site is already hosted, which I'm happy, but how do I give someone access to it without them having access to the whole of my account with 123-reg? Can I even do that?

This is such a mine field and there's so much I don't understand. I'm in real danger of being ripped off but have no idea of how to avoid it!

Can anyone help me, please?

 

[AllUpHere]

What industry are you in?

 

[USAR]

Our main line is firefighting equipment and training worldwide, direct to fire departments and fire truck builders.

 

[AllUpHere]

How big is your company? Do you have a marketing department?

 

[USAR]

I wish we did have a marketing department because this would be someone else's headache!!

 

[TotalWebSolutions]

I'd recommend starting off by searching for local developers/designers in your area that have strong website portfolios. Then you could set about contacting some of their listed clients to ask their opinion on the quality of service and support before deciding whether to pursue them for a quote. Get at least three quotes from reputable developers/agencies.

In terms of giving a developer access, depending on the platform being used they should just need FTP and Database access from your host for uploading the new website and publishing it. If in doubt speak to your host as they should also be able to set up a separate developer level access login.

 

[USAR]

Thank you so much for your advice @TotalWebSolutions . I really appreciate it.

 

[fisicx]

Creating an effective website often needs more than one skill.

A designer can help with the layout but you need a developer to add al the functionality. A copywriter will sot out the words, a graphic designer the imagery, a marketeer will make sure the site stays on focus and so on.

You have fallen into the trap of beginning with the design then trying to make the content fit and all without considering how to market the website and to whom.

Step back and stop. Be clear in your head who you are targeting. Decide how you are going to target these people. Then consider what you will do to get their attention and then convert.

You then build a website to achieve the above

And right at the end you can sort out how it looks.

I'd take down your current site anf put up a holding page with your contact details.

 

[gpietersz]

You have fallen into the trap of beginning with the design then trying to make the content fit and all without considering how to market the website and to whom.

I entirely agree, but I think your solution is a bit drastic.

Also think about what your aims are, whether you really just want a brochure site, how you handle leads from the site, etc.

 

[Lisa Thomas]

find some sites you like then contact their developers.

 

[gpietersz]

find some sites you like then contact their developers.

I think that is bad advice. You will just pick the prettiest site. What you probably want is a site that improves your business, most obviously by generating leads. This may be quite the opposite of the nicest looking site.

 

[Paul Norman]

Personally, of course, I just look across the office!

But...there are a number of people on here that are well recommended.

Alternatively, as suggested above, look for local businesses that do this. Go and visit them. Do some due diligence on them. Engage with them until you are certain you are confident in them, and that they have understood your brief. Be certain, too, that you have understood their charges, and what is included.

 

[jurassicaffirm]

Unfortunately, I can't recommend someone specific, but I would definitely advise looking at the reviews section if there is one or looking at the work they've done. Also, asking to complete a small task, to try out if you have good chemistry, the deadlines are met, and the work is done the way you asked is a good way to check a person out.

 

[Colin1986]

Lisa didn't say just pick the prettiest site.

 

[gpietersz]

@Colin1986 not explicitly, but in practice people without technical knowledge choose primarily on aesthetics.

 

[GiggiAt]

really good guys who do freelancing

 

[Umicool]

You can find best and low priced developer on Fiver or Upwork.

 

[Alan]

You can find best and low priced developer on Fiver or Upwork.

Classic...

When I used to run a web design business we wanted what we called 3rd generation clients

1st generation - tried it them selves with a web builder
2nd generation - used their nephew/neighbour who did web design, or fivver or upwork or similar
3rd generation - realised they wasted a lot of time and effort on 1st &2nd and now actually wanted to employ a professional

So my advice is -assign a decent budget and hire a professional ( but not me as I don't do websites for clients )

 

[AndrewFH]

Creating an effective website often needs more than one skill.

A designer can help with the layout but you need a developer to add al the functionality. A copywriter will sot out the words, a graphic designer the imagery, a marketeer will make sure the site stays on focus and so on.

You have fallen into the trap of beginning with the design then trying to make the content fit and all without considering how to market the website and to whom.

Step back and stop. Be clear in your head who you are targeting. Decide how you are going to target these people. Then consider what you will do to get their attention and then convert.

You then build a website to achieve the above

And right at the end you can sort out how it looks.

I'd take down your current site anf put up a holding page with your contact details.

This advice should be a pinned post.

 

[DazRave]

Creating an effective website often needs more than one skill.

A designer can help with the layout but you need a developer to add al the functionality. A copywriter will sot out the words, a graphic designer the imagery, a marketeer will make sure the site stays on focus and so on.

You have fallen into the trap of beginning with the design then trying to make the content fit and all without considering how to market the website and to whom.

Step back and stop. Be clear in your head who you are targeting. Decide how you are going to target these people. Then consider what you will do to get their attention and then convert.

You then build a website to achieve the above

And right at the end you can sort out how it looks.

I'd take down your current site anf put up a holding page with your contact details.

Another vote for this bit of advice, said everything I'd have said and more.

 

[zomex]

Hello,

You have a lot of options.

It's important to look at your goals for the website, how much content you have, the pages, the functionality you will require. Once you have this information you will know how big of a project your website will be. As you are worried about being ripped off the best way to counter that is by learning as much as you can about different types of websites, software used etc. The more you learn the better understanding you will have of pricing.

Another way is of course to compare the prices of multiple companies but this is not so easy as no website is created the same. One company may be more expensive but create a much better website.

 

[Steve_g]

Largely depends on budget and platform.

currently we have

Back end developer 2 days a week
Front end developer ad-hoc
Server guy ad-hoc
Project manager ad-hoc
SEO / marketing 30 hours a week

A lot goes on with large scale sites. We are still pretty small but are very progressive.

 

[Solidsense]

Probably you don't need a designer. I recommend to start communation with marketer and then with a copywriter. Only after that you need a designer to make a website sketch.

 

[Tom Volpe]

You absolutely should be looking for developers with a strong portfolio - and I do think it is important that you like their design work.

Something that is critical though - I believe - is you want to be focussing on agencies that give more than JUST a pretty picture. Ask questions about ROI, impact on conversion rates, drop out rates, average baskets where appropriate etc etc.

The agencies you want to work with will probably give you information on the business impact their work had for their clients and certainly will be able to provide it as asked.

I no longer have a dog in this race, as I sold my digital agency last year, but I think working with freelancers and cheap sites is a real risk. If you are a very informed buyer, there are some great bargains out there. Way more often though, you get what you pay for (or even less than that!)

I would be inclined to look at local agencies that have a reputation to protect, talk to some of their clients, and definitely solicit personal recommendations.

Good luck!