After initially resisting the idea of hiring a professional web designer and opting for a friend’s help instead, you’ve finally got your business website up and running. However, there’s just one problem – it’s nowhere near as impressive as you’d hoped. In fact, it’s lackluster, unattractive, and far from user-friendly.
After giving it some thought, you’ve made the wise decision to invest in professional web design services for your business website. Congratulations on making that leap!
Now, you might be wondering about the next steps and what the web design process entails. Did you know that 88% of users are less likely to revisit a website after a poor experience?
Are you prepared for any unexpected challenges that might arise during the design process?
Contrary to what some might think, web design is far from a straightforward task. It involves a complex blend of creating an engaging user experience and embedding your brand identity deep within the users’ memory. There’s a reason why amateur websites fail to impress.
Let’s dive into the world of web design, explore what’s involved, what to expect, and discuss the most common web design mistakes based on my decade-long experience in the industry.
Understanding Web Design
Web design is an intricate art that involves more than just the visual aspect seen on a browser. A web designer’s skill set encompasses graphic design, illustration, user experience design, psychology, and digital marketing.
A designer takes care of your website’s appearance and layout and sometimes even the content. The appearance includes the choice of colors, fonts, typography, illustrations, and visual storytelling. Meanwhile, the layout is how the site’s content is structured on a page. Effective web design presents your business in a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing manner, in line with your branding guidelines.
Responsive Web Design vs. Traditional Web Design
It’s essential to understand that web design is not limited to desktop browsers. Designers also create layouts for mobile and tablet devices. Since around 2010, the shift towards responsive web design has become a norm, especially with the surge in mobile internet usage. Nowadays, 55% of all internet traffic is mobile.
A skilled web designer will plan your website’s responsive design from the outset, likely included in your quote. Responsive design ensures a seamless user experience across devices without needing separate pages for mobile users.
The Advantages of Hiring a Web Designer
Reflecting on my early days when I received quotes exceeding £10,000 for eCommerce web development, my initial reluctance led me down a path to becoming an award-winning designer and developer myself.
The benefits of hiring a web designer are numerous:
- They bring extensive experience from various projects
- They understand user needs and unconscious behavior
- They have studied design, color theory, and branding extensively
- They prioritize user needs, ensuring accessible designs
Engaging a reputable freelancer or agency is an eye-opening experience that can significantly impact how you view your business.
The Web Design Process
The design process involves a series of steps from conception to completion, ensuring a consistent and high-quality output. This structured approach breaks the project into clear milestones, serving as a roadmap for both you and the designer.
A Typical Web Design Process Checklist
Here’s a general overview of what to expect:
- Understanding client goals
- Defining project scope
- Planning sitemaps and wireframes
- Creating content
- Executing visual design
- Reviewing and revising
- Finalizing and sign-off
This process ensures that your website not only looks great but also aligns perfectly with your business goals.
5 Money-Saving Web Design Tips
After a decade in web design, I’ve identified common approaches that can help save money and streamline the process:
- Conduct Audience Research: Knowing your audience helps tailor the design to their needs, saving time and effort.
- Create a Specification Sheet: Outline your website’s requirements to clarify your vision and objectives.
- Develop a Mood Board: Collect images, quotes, and elements that reflect your brand identity to guide the design process.
- List Websites You Like: Sharing examples of designs you admire helps the designer understand your preferences.
- Understand Your Business: A deep understanding of your brand, audience, and market strategy is crucial for effective web design.
This article was penned by Andy Cresswell, a neurodiverse, award-winning web developer and designer with a decade of experience. He’s dedicated to helping clients bring their business concepts to life and now shares his knowledge on web design, user experience, and blogging through his writings.
