9 Essential Tips (and Mistakes to Avoid) When Hiring a Website Designer

Author: Ivana Katz, Websites 4 Small Business

Engaging a skilled website designer or developer is an important step for any business looking to build a professional online presence.  

Your website represents your brand, communicates with potential clients, and drives conversions, so finding the right developer can make a huge difference.  

Yet, many business owners fall into common pitfalls when hiring. This post covers 10 essential tips—and the mistakes to avoid—to ensure your web development project runs smoothly, from start to successful launch.  

1. Define your website’s purpose and core requirements 

Before you even begin searching for a developer, take time to outline the purpose and goals of your website. Consider what primary features you’ll need—whether it’s e-commerce capabilities, contact forms, booking systems, or SEO-optimised content. Defining these early on will guide your conversations with developers and help them understand your vision. 

Mistake to avoid: One common mistake is not clarifying these requirements upfront. Without a clear roadmap, it’s easy to lose sight of the website’s primary purpose, leading to miscommunication with the designer and unnecessary delays. 

2. Research and select the right developer or platform 

Evaluate whether you need a developer for a custom-built site or if a website builder like WordPress, Squarespace, or Shopify will meet your needs. Review the portfolios of potential designers, focusing on past projects similar to yours. Ask for references and testimonials to gain insights into their reliability and quality of work. 

Mistake to avoid: Don’t choose a developer solely based on the lowest quote. Many business owners learn the hard way that going for the cheapest option can result in low-quality work and even additional costs for revisions. 

A business consultant I know recently hired an inexpensive designer from India.  At first the web designer seemed capable but struggled to meet the project’s technical demands and often overpromised and under delivered. After months of back-and-forth, the owner came to us desperate to get the website up and running quickly and efficiently. Lesson learned: quality often trumps cost savings when it comes to web development. 

3. Establish a realistic budget and project timeline

Set a realistic budget that aligns with your project’s scope. Discuss the costs with your developer in advance, considering any potential additional expenses, such as hosting fees or paid plugins. Agree on a clear timeline with milestones for each phase of the project—design, development, testing, and launch. 

Mistake to avoid: Many people overlook hidden costs or set overly ambitious timelines, which can strain the developer and lead to rushed, low-quality work. Make sure both you and your developer agree on achievable deadlines and realistic costs. 

4. Prepare a comprehensive project brief 

Create a project brief that outlines your brand’s values, your website’s target audience, and key design preferences. Include specific details, such as preferred colours, layout styles, and examples of sites you admire. This document will serve as the foundation for your project, helping the developer understand your vision.  Here is an example of a Website Design & Development brief.   

Mistake to avoid: Skipping the project brief or providing a vague outline often leads to misalignment. If your developer doesn’t have a concrete understanding of your expectations, you may face endless revisions. 

5. Communicate effectively and regularly 

Schedule regular check-ins with your designer to discuss project progress, resolve any questions, and provide feedback. Use collaborative tools like Slack, Trello, or Asana to stay organized and ensure that both parties are on the same page. 

Mistake to avoid: Communication breakdowns are a frequent source of project issues. Without consistent communication, it’s easy for misunderstandings to arise, leading to delays or misaligned expectations. Don’t assume your developer can read your mind; be proactive in sharing feedback. 

6. Prioritise user experience (UX) and SEO from the start 

Work with your website designer to incorporate best practices in user experience (UX) and search engine optimization (SEO). This includes planning for mobile-friendly design, intuitive navigation, and fast loading times. Additionally, ensure that the site’s content is optimized for SEO to improve visibility. 

Mistake to avoid: Many people make the mistake of focusing solely on aesthetics and neglecting the importance of UX and SEO. This can lead to a website that looks great but fails to attract and retain visitors. Discuss these priorities early with your developer. 

7. Test, review, and request adjustments before launch 

Before launching, thoroughly test your site on multiple devices and browsers to ensure functionality, speed, and responsiveness. Use real user feedback to identify areas for improvement and request final adjustments as needed. 

Mistake to avoid: Rushing to launch without comprehensive testing can harm your site’s credibility. Broken links, slow pages, or non-responsive layouts may deter visitors and undermine your brand’s trustworthiness. Testing should be a non-negotiable part of the pre-launch phase. 

8. Clarify post-launch support and maintenance 

Confirm with your developer what post-launch support they provide, whether it’s a month of free bug fixes, ongoing maintenance, or training for your team to manage the site. If there are additional charges, make sure these are clear upfront. 

Mistake to avoid: Many business owners assume the project ends with the site launch, only to realize they need ongoing support. Websites need regular updates to stay secure and functional, so clarify this from the outset to avoid surprises. 

9. Plan for future growth and scalability 

When discussing the project scope, consider your business’s long-term goals. A website designed with scalability in mind allows for easy integration of new features, pages, or tools as your business grows. Ensure the website is built on a flexible platform that can accommodate updates and expansions. 

Mistake to avoid: Failing to plan for growth can leave you needing to rebuild your site entirely as your business expands. By discussing scalability from the start, you can future-proof your website and avoid costly redevelopment down the line. 

Ensuring a smooth development journey 

Building a website requires more than technical expertise; it’s a collaborative process that involves planning, communication, and a clear understanding of your goals. By following these ten tips and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for a successful partnership with your developer.

Remember, a well-built website isn’t just a digital asset; it’s an investment in your business’s future. If you’re ready to create a website that stands out, start by implementing these tips and avoid the pitfalls that can complicate the process. 

Ivana Katz from Websites 4 Small Business  is an award winning web designer who builds websites that build your business.  She provides unbeatable web design services to fit your budget. 

The end result? Professional, custom-made sites that give your business the extra oomph it needs to stand out from the competition and make an impact. 

Whether you’re a brand-new business or an established one ready to improve your digital presence, Ivana makes it easy to get your business online very quickly.  Her websites are professional, tailored to fit your budget, and give your business a serious boost.