As both a client and someone who offers design and development services, I have learned that there are several things to talk about before starting a new project. Clients need to make sure that they’ve found a designer who is within their budget and who has the skills to complete the project. Designers need to make sure that they are getting paid an acceptable amount and truly want to take on the project. Let’s chat about a few different things clients should ask before hiring a designer. I’m using “designer” as an umbrella term for those who design websites, logos, etc. If your designer doesn’t offer development services as well, you may have to find a developer to code up your site!
1. Do you actually need a designer?
Before I knew a lot about design and development, I thought I needed to hire someone to create my website, help with my branding, etc. However, I’m actually a really indecisive person and I soon realized that I needed to have complete control over my site. I wanted to be able to experiment with the design and change things up on a whim. So I started following tutorials and learned everything I needed to know to customize my site on my own! The DIY design approach isn’t for everyone though. If design isn’t your thing, hiring someone can be a very wise and time-saving choice.
2. Are you ready to make the investment?
By hiring a designer, you’re making a big investment in your blog or business. Consider whether or not this is financially possible right now before you take the leap. Keep in mind that you’ll probably have to pay more for higher quality work. If now doesn’t seem like a good time to spend a lot of money on your website, consider buying a pre-made theme or taking affordable online classes to learn some design and/or coding skills!
3. Can you find a designer whose style vibes well with your own?
Feel free to shop around for designers before you settle on one! Everyone has a different aesthetic. Think about your absolute favorite blogs and websites and then find out who created those sites. Explain to your designer exactly what you have in mind before you sign a contract or make any payments.
4. How much will revisions or additional work cost?
This is a big one! It’s easy to go into a design project with one idea in mind and then realize you need way more than you thought. Be as specific as possible about everything you need from your designer before your contract is created. Remember to ask how much extra revisions and tweaks will cost so there are no surprises if those end up being necessary.
5. What rights will you have over the design work when the project is finished?
Will you receive all the design files at the end of the project? Will you be able to customize them if you need to? Ask your designer these things so that you don’t fall into any legal messes in the future!
Those are just five of several things to consider before hiring a designer. Can you think of any other good questions to add to the list? Have you been in any experiences where asking these questions was super important?
Gabrielly says
What is app you use for edit this photo that you put in your blog?
Jennifer says
This photo was edited in Lightroom!