I’m sure you’re aware of how important your website is to your brand. That’s probably why you’re throwing down big bucks for an uber-talented web designer. Did you know that how your project turns out largely depends on you? How can you maximize your investment and make your web designer love you?
Commit Time
You are an essential part of the design process. No one knows more about your business and goals than you. You are the expert.
Your web designer will need quick, well thought out feedback from you during the web design process. Your responsiveness will not only affect the speed of the project, but also the quality.
So, commit time to your designer during your project. Just because you are hiring someone doesn’t mean you won’t have any commitments. Ask your designer when you can expect to see her work and schedule time to review and provide feedback.
Keep an Open Mind
There is a reason you hired someone else to design your website. I’m sure you did lots of research and picked a designer who not only has an amazing portfolio but also has a personality that jives with you.
In a web designer, you are not only hiring a creative mind, you are getting years of knowledge and a custom process. Be ready to follow their rules – I guarantee you will have a better result for it.
Your web designer may have suggestions for your site that go against what you imagined.
[bctt tweet=”Trust your web designer – what you want may not be what you need.” username=”jess_creates”]
Speaking of, if the design looks totally different than what you’ve seen before – YAY! Your designer is going to make your business stand out (and that’s a good thing).
Provide Copy
Your designer is bringing a lot to the table, but you have some heavy lifting to do as well.
Typically providing copy is your responsibility. It’s also the #1 thing that slows down a web design project.
Make a plan for how you’re going to create and provide copy. Are you going to write it yourself? Are you going to hire a copywriter? If so, you should coordinate the projects so your copy is ready to go when your designer needs it.
Depending on your designer and your business, you will probably also need to provide images and/or videos. Don’t forget to make a plan for these as well!
Are you ready for a committed relationship?
Have you found a designer you love and trust?
Do you have the time and money to invest in this project right now?
Do you have quality copy on-hand (or at least a plan for creating it)?
If you answered yes to those three questions – great! You’re ready to make your web designer totally fall in love with you.
Interested in reading more about being a star client? Check out You’re My Favorite Client by Mike Monteiro.
Jessica Goddard works with talented web designers from proposal to launch, forming collaborative relationships, solving problems, and delivering high-quality custom WordPress sites. She’s a mom, a wife, a Hokie, a problem solver, a collaborator, user-focused, an error-spotter, an editor, a CSS nerd, a streaming TV addict, creative, a West Virginia native, a South Carolina resident, and a compulsive list maker.