How to Find a Web Designer

January 21, 2025 by

Erick Castillo

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Once you’ve decided that it’s time to redesign your website, then you will need to find a web designer.

I know that many of you are thinking, “I don’t need a web designer. I can just have my cousin do it.”

Let’s take a quick walk down memory lane and revisit the years when Mom used to cut your hair on the back porch. Then consider the difference between amateur work and professional services. (If you are still not sure, go dig out the old school pictures.)

54% of businesses outsource website design.
(source: WASP Barcode 2016 State of Small Business Report)

Why? Because your website is one of the most important marketing tools that you own. It needs to look professional, and it needs to operate well on the backend.

If you don’t fully understand the importance of your website, read this article: How Does Your Website Fit Within Your Business Model?

Questions to Ask

Before you find a web designer (a good one, that is) you need the answers to a few important questions.

These types of questions will help you define the scope of your project. Then, after you have an idea of both yours and your client’s needs, you can find a web designer that specializes in that type of website build.

Here is another good article: How to Prepare for a Website Design Consultation.

Building a Microsite

Many small local businesses now build microsites. A microsite is a 5-6 page website optimized for location and is typically for service-based industries. There are no fancy bells or whistles and the budget for these smaller sites is often more palatable to start-ups and very small companies.

Small does NOT mean simple! Many microsites are very sophisticated. They are just not big. A lot of thought and planning goes into customer funnels and conversion.

It’s HARDER than you think and Cousin Fred may not fully understand how to put schema markup on your location pages or integrate your lead magnets with your auto-responders.

Read: How to Redesign Your Service Business Website

Work You CAN Do!

There are things you can do yourself to make it easier on your web designer and also to help mitigate costs.

Make a list of must-haves for your new website. Browse the internet and “steal” elements from other websites. In other words, find examples of banners, footers, sliders, contact forms, etc. that you like the looks of. You can even identify phrasing or funnels that would work well with your own clients.

No, you cannot clone someone else’s website, but you can gather ideas and then rework them to fit your specific products.

If you provide design ideas, it will cut down on the time it takes a web designer to create your site, and your timeline and costs will decrease.

How much will it cost?

That depends on the size of your project.

Find a web designer like Ericks Webs that provides a Free Mockup at no cost. That way you can “try before you buy.”

Don’t Succumb to Temptation

There are DIY websites and website templates whose biggest appeal is that they are cheap. It’s true that you can put together a website pretty fast, but the site itself is usually not optimized for SEO. Customer service is negligible, and in the end, you will have a site that looks like that rattle can paint job you gave your first car after you shoved Bondo into the rusted out quarter panel.

Here is very good advice on cheap websites: Why Cheap Websites Are a Waste of Money

How to find a web designer…

Google “web designer.”
Look at the top results (if they don’t rank, then they don’t know how to build a website that ranks).

Note: Ericks Webs ranks in the Top 3 for San Francisco Web Design.

Evaluate the look of their website. Is it visually pleasing? Can you navigate it easily?
Look at their Portfolio… Make sure they HAVE a Portfolio.
See if they offer a free consultation (or a Free Mockup).
Contact them and tell them what you need. Ask for input and ideas.

Here is our final piece of advice. Find a web designer that is more than just a layout or coding guy. They also need a background in digital marketing. After all, most SEO success and user experience are set during the layout phase of the web design process.

Ericks Webs builds custom websites, designed for visual appeal and performance. Contact us if you need to find a web designer for your website redesign.

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At Ericks Webs Design, we believe every business deserves a stunning online presence — without the stress. We offer flexible payment options, a friendly team that truly cares, and expert support every step of the way.

Whether you’re a small business owner, a church, or a growing brand, we’re here to bring your vision to life.

✨ Let’s build something amazing together.

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— no pressure, just possibilities.

Latest News & Website Design Tips

Stay up-to-date with the latest insights, trends, and tips in business website design. Explore our newest articles to discover strategies that can help you elevate your online presence and grow your business.

Should You Maintain Your Own Website or Hire Someone?

The article “Should You Maintain Your Own Website or Hire Someone?” discusses the importance of a strong online presence for small businesses in South Texas. It highlights the necessity of assessing your business needs, goals, and target audience before deciding on DIY website management or hiring a professional, like Ericks Webs Design. Maintaining your own website can save costs and provide control but may require significant time and effort. Conversely, hiring a professional offers expertise, stress relief, and customized solutions to enhance your site’s effectiveness. Ultimately, the choice depends on your skills, budget, and the level of professionalism you seek for your online presence.

Not Collecting Leads or Contact Info Efficiently

Many construction business owners in South Texas struggle with generating leads due to inadequate online visibility. Relying on word-of-mouth is no longer sufficient, as potential clients increasingly search for contractors online. A custom website acts as an essential tool, showcasing your work and streamlining client communication. By enhancing your online presence, you can effectively attract and convert prospects into clients. In a competitive market, it’s crucial to stand out, and a strong online identity can significantly impact your credibility and lead generation. Embracing robust digital strategies will ensure you capture the opportunities necessary for growth and success.

Mobile Shopping Is Here—Is Your Store Ready?

The article “Mobile Shopping Is Here—Is Your Store Ready?” emphasizes the importance of adapting to the growing trend of mobile shopping. With 72% of consumers expected to make purchases via smartphones, businesses must ensure their websites are mobile-friendly and easy to navigate. Key strategies include simplifying the checkout process, optimizing for search engines, leveraging social media for engagement, and providing effective customer service. By recognizing the significance of mobile shopping, business owners can enhance customer experience and capture a larger audience. The message is clear: those who don’t adapt risk losing out to their competitors.

How to Check if Your Website Is Down

In “How to Check if Your Website Is Down,” the article emphasizes the importance of maintaining a reliable online presence for small businesses in South Texas. It outlines steps to determine if your website is down, including using online tools like IsItDownRightNow, checking your internet connection, and clearing your browser cache. The article also highlights common causes of downtime, like server issues and traffic overload. By regularly monitoring website health with tools such as Google Search Console, businesses can ensure functionality, maintain customer trust, and avoid missing sales opportunities. Overall, understanding how to check if your website is down is crucial for success in a competitive market.

Difficulty Standing Out from Other Contractors

In a competitive market, many construction businesses struggle to gain visibility, often losing potential clients to competitors. A robust online presence is essential; without it, even the best craftsmanship can go unnoticed. To combat this, a custom website can effectively showcase projects, manage leads, and enhance search visibility, transforming challenges into opportunities. Such a website conveys professionalism, builds trust, and ensures that clients can easily find and engage with your services. By prioritizing a strong digital footprint, construction firms can attract more job opportunities and ultimately increase revenue. Embracing these strategies can significantly differentiate your business from the rest in a crowded market.

Boost Your Product Sales with Better Product Pages

The article “Boost Your Product Sales with Better Product Pages” emphasizes the importance of well-designed product pages in driving sales for small and medium businesses. It underscores the need for high-quality visuals, compelling descriptions that tell a story, and a clear, user-friendly layout. Incorporating authentic customer reviews and ensuring mobile optimization are also crucial. The article encourages businesses to track their performance through analytics and highlights the significance of strong branding in creating emotional connections with customers. Overall, improving product pages not only enhances aesthetics but also helps convert casual visitors into loyal buyers.

Unprofessional or Outdated Website (or None at All)

In today’s digital landscape, an effective online presence is crucial for construction businesses. Relying on traditional marketing methods can lead to missed opportunities and stagnant growth. Potential clients often search for companies online, and without a professional website, you’re invisible in a competitive market. A custom website not only showcases your work but also streamlines client interactions, offering easy access to quotes and information. This engagement can significantly increase lead generation and conversion rates. By investing in tailored web solutions, construction companies can enhance their visibility on search engines, solidifying their status as industry leaders and ultimately boosting client trust and business success.

What to Do If Your Website Gets Hacked

If your website gets hacked, remain calm and assess the damage. Change all passwords and restore your site from a backup if available. Scan for malware and notify your users if their data may be compromised. To prevent future hacks, regularly update your CMS and plugins, use HTTPS, implement firewalls and security plugins, and conduct regular security audits. By taking these steps, you can enhance your website security and build a trustworthy online presence. Seeking professional help, like Ericks Webs Design, can also ensure robust protection tailored to your business needs.

No Clear Way for Clients to Request a Quote Online

Many construction business owners in South Texas struggle with losing potential clients due to ineffective online visibility. Without an easy way for clients to request quotes, companies miss valuable leads. In today’s competitive environment, convenience is crucial; complicated quote processes drive potential clients away. A custom website simplifies this by allowing clients to swiftly request quotes while showcasing past projects. This not only builds trust but also enhances credibility, vital for standing out in the market. Investing in a tailored online presence can dramatically improve lead generation and help overcome the challenges of lost inquiries and no-show clients. It’s time for construction businesses to adapt and thrive.

How a Website Can Help You Sell More Products

A website can significantly boost your sales by providing 24/7 visibility and accessibility for potential customers. It serves as your digital storefront, making it easier for customers to find and connect with your brand. A professional website builds trust and credibility, which is vital for attracting buyers. Using SEO strategies enhances discoverability, positioning your products in front of interested shoppers. Engaging content, like blogs, fosters customer relationships and encourages repeat business. Additionally, a website enables you to reach broader markets beyond your local area. Regular updates and maintenance ensure smooth operation. Embrace this opportunity to sell more products and grow your business in the digital landscape.