Your Checklist for Hiring a Designer
Branding your business, or setting up your website is a big undertaking and finding the right person to help you bring your vision to life is no small task.
That’s why I’m excited to share several things you can do to make the process easier - AND you can start NOW, rather than down the line when you want your website up next week.
Side Note: The best thing you can do is start the process sooner rather than later. Some designers are booked months in advance and then the process itself can take 5-8 weeks depending on who you’re working with. So I recommend starting sooner and you can always pump the brakes if you’re not ready. But then at least you’re not scrambling to get a site up when you feel it’s “too late.”
Research
Another reason I think it’s really important to be on the hunt for a designer now, before you feel “ready” is because the process can be long. Depending on how many designers you want to interview, it can take some time.
So start the process now and keep it fun. Look around on Pinterest, start creating a moodboard of designs and styles you like. Check out Instagram, look up hashtags, and start doing a little online stalking to see what you think of the designer.
It’s important you connect not only with the designer as a person, but also with their style and process. Here are some things to consider:
- Do you love their portfolio?
- Do you like how they laid out their process?
- Are they in your price range or do they offer payment plans?
Have a list of the things that are important to you and keep these things in mind as you’re doing your designer “research” *cough stalking.
Ask around
As the hosts of the Being Boss podcast say “tap your tribe.” Reach out to your community to see if anyone has any recommendations for a designer. Having someone’s stamp of approval goes a long way so it’s great when you can find some people who have already worked with a designer and had a great experience.
You can also do a shoutout on social media: in Facebook groups, or on Instagram. Get any and all recommendations and start the researching process once more. Checking out their site, portfolio, process, etc.
Look for a specialty
Do you need someone who specializes in a certain platform or works in a certain type of industry? If so, keep that in mind as you’re on the hunt.
For example, if you are a jewelry designer and you want a designer who specifically does websites on Shopify, that narrows down the pool but also helps you get the necessary information about who you’re looking for.
Here are some considerations to think through:
Do you need a certain website platform?
Do you want to work with someone who serves a particular industry?
Do you want someone who works in a certain timeframe?
What is your budget?
Do you want to work with one designer or a team?
Do you want to work with someone who gets specific results?
Read testimonials
What do we all do when we’re faced with going to a new restaurant, or buying a product online - we read the reviews! Reviews and testimonials are so important when making a purchase because it helps give us a window into someone else’s experience.
It’s important when you’re reading testimonials that you not only look for how their experience was, but also the transformation they underwent. What did they walk away with after the experience ended (besides a new brand or website)?
When I was searching for a coach, I remember reading and re-reading the testimonials because I wanted that assurance that I could get similar results and support. P.S. My coach is stellar and the testimonials really helped push me to make a decision to work with her.
Connect with their style
This is SO important when you’re looking for a designer. Every designer is different when it comes to their style and how they design. So if you’re looking for a designer who uses lots of color, you’ll see that in their portfolio. Or if you want someone who is more modern and minimal, you’ll see that aesthetic throughout their work.
When you see the baseline of what they can create and you really love their work, you’re way more likely to be pleased with the process and love what they make for you.
Test the waters
If you’re following along with a few designers, start asking them questions. Any questions you have about the process and just see how knowledgeable they are and if you connect.
There’s nothing wrong with reaching out! I know I love it when people reach out with questions or comments.
Schedule a free call
Most designers offer a free Discovery Call or Clarity Call to get to know you, walk through the process, and see if you could be a good fit.
A lot of times I’m on a call with someone and they apologize saying they’re interviewing another designer the next day or next week. And I say, “don’t apologize!” I highly recommend interviewing at least 2 designers to see who you feel most comfortable with and connect with.
The branding and/or website design process can be lengthy and it’s an in-depth process so the more you can see who best aligns with you, your values, and aesthetic, the better!
Think about questions and write them down for the call
Whenever you think of something before your call - or even after - bring it up to your designer. I love getting questions cause it means someone is thinking seriously about working together.
And I know for me, while I offer Discovery Calls, I also don’t mind chatting in the DMs on Instagram to talk through anything that comes up for you.
Make a decision
Once you’ve found a designer that you’re excited to work with, it’s time to make a decision. Do you want to move forward or wait?
So many times there are a lot of reasons to wait, and I understand that. But if you’re serious about growing your business and showing up online as the expert, why wait?!
The sooner you can have a purposeful brand and strategic website the sooner you can sign clients and make more money.
Your new life awaits!
One of my clients recently said “Hiring you has been the most smart move. Gives me a newfound love and excitement for what’s to come” and that’s EXACTLY the shift that happens when you invest in your business. You not only get the deliverables of a professional, gorgeous brand and strategic modern site, your mindset also shifts to ALL that can come to you and all you will accomplish and it brings a whole new confidence and perspective to your work.
Before you go, grab the Hire a Designer Checklist!
