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Choosing the right web designer is crucial for your online success, but with so many options, it can be challenging to know where to start. At Giant, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to help you determine if a web designer is good in 2024. From checking their portfolio to assessing their communication skills, these tips will ensure your investment leads to a fantastic website that meets your needs and goals.

How to Tell if a Web Designer is Any Good in 2024: A Simple Guide from Giant

Read Time: 6 minute(s)

At Giant, we know how vital it is to choose the right web designer for your project. With so many options, deciding who to trust with your online presence can be overwhelming. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you determine if a web designer is good in 2024, ensuring your investment leads to a fantastic website.

Check Their Portfolio

A web designer’s portfolio is a window into their skills and creativity. It showcases their ability to handle various projects and their versatility in design. Examining a designer’s portfolio allows you to gauge their experience and see if their style matches your vision.

  • What to do: Look at the web designer’s portfolio on their website.
  • What to look for: Variety in design styles and industries. Make sure they’ve done projects similar to what you need. Pay attention to the quality and creativity of their past work.

View Their Sites on Different Devices

In today’s mobile-first world, a website must look great and function well on all devices. Responsive design ensures users have a seamless experience on a desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Testing a designer’s work across multiple devices helps you understand their competence in creating adaptable designs.

  • What to do: Open a few of the designer’s websites on your computer, tablet, and phone.
  • What to look for: The sites should look good and function well on all devices. This shows that they understand responsive design, ensuring your site will be accessible and attractive to all users.

Test the User Experience (UX)

A website’s success depends heavily on its usability. Good UX design makes a site easy to navigate and ensures visitors can find what they need quickly. Evaluating the user experience of a designer’s previous projects can help you determine whether they prioritize user satisfaction.

  • What to do: Navigate through the websites they’ve designed.
  • What to look for: Easy-to-find information, intuitive navigation, and a pleasant browsing experience. If you can quickly find what you’re looking for, that’s a good sign. Good UX design increases visitor engagement and satisfaction.

Check for Fast Loading Times

Site speed is crucial for both user experience and SEO. Slow websites can frustrate visitors and cause them to leave, affecting your bounce rate and conversions. Testing the load times of a designer’s sites helps ensure they understand the importance of optimization.

  • What to do: Visit their designed sites and note how quickly they load.
  • What to look for: Websites should load within a few seconds. Slow sites can turn visitors away and hurt your search engine rankings. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check performance.

Look for SEO Features

Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential for driving traffic to your website. A designer who understands SEO can build sites that rank well on search engines, helping you attract more visitors. Checking for SEO features in their work can show their expertise in this area.

  • What to do: Search for the businesses they’ve built websites for on Google.
  • What to look for: These businesses should appear in search results. This indicates the designer knows how to optimize sites for search engines. Check for proper use of keywords, meta tags, and alt text.

Read Client Reviews

Client reviews and testimonials provide insight into a designer’s professionalism and reliability. They reflect real experiences from past clients and can help you understand what it’s like to work with a designer. Positive reviews are a good indicator of their credibility.

  • What to do: Find reviews and testimonials on their website or third-party review sites.
  • What to look for: Positive feedback about the designer’s work, communication, and ability to meet deadlines. Also, look for comments about the designer’s problem-solving abilities and responsiveness.

Assess Their Communication Skills

Effective communication is vital to a successful web design project. A designer who communicates well can better understand your needs and provide regular updates. Assessing their communication skills early on helps ensure a smooth collaboration.

  • What to do: Reach out to them with questions or project ideas.
  • What to look for: Prompt and clear responses. They should ask questions to understand your needs and provide thoughtful answers. Effective communication ensures your project runs smoothly and your vision is realized.

Evaluate Customization and Creativity

A standout website often requires a unique touch. Designers who rely heavily on templates might lack the creativity needed for a truly bespoke site. Evaluating their customization capabilities ensures they can create a site that aligns perfectly with your brand.

  • What to do: Compare their designs to see if they use templates or create unique designs.
  • What to look for: Custom designs that fit the brand’s identity. Avoid designers who only use generic templates. A great designer will tailor their work to reflect your unique brand and goals.

9. Check Technical Skills

A good web designer needs more than just artistic ability; they must also have strong technical skills. Familiarity with coding languages and web technologies is crucial for building a functional and reliable site. Assessing their technical skills ensures they can handle the complexities of web development.

  • What to do: Ask them about the tools and technologies they use.
  • What to look for: Familiarity with coding languages (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and content management systems (like WordPress). They should also know about web development frameworks and tools that enhance functionality and performance.

Inquire About Post-Launch Support

A website needs ongoing maintenance to stay secure and up-to-date. A good web designer offers post-launch support to handle any issues that arise and keep your site running smoothly. Ensuring they provide this service can save you headaches in the future.

  • What to do: Ask if they offer maintenance and support after the site is live.
  • What to look for: A plan for ongoing support, updates, and troubleshooting. A reliable designer will ensure your site remains secure, updated, and running smoothly after launch.

Budget and Timeline Management

Budget and timeline management are crucial for the success of your project. A good designer will provide clear estimates and adhere to deadlines, ensuring your project stays on track. Discussing these aspects upfront helps set clear expectations.

  • What to do: Discuss your budget and timeline with them.
  • What to look for: Clear estimates and realistic timelines. They should communicate any potential changes promptly. Good budget and timeline management reflect their professionalism and project management skills.

At Giant, we believe a good web designer combines creativity, technical skills, and up-to-date knowledge. Following this guide and knowing what to look for, you can confidently choose a web designer to create a compelling and functional website. Remember, a great web designer isn’t just good at making things look nice—they ensure your site works well, meets your needs, and achieves your goals. Whether revamping an existing site or building a new one from scratch, choosing the right web designer is the first step to online success.

For more tips and insights on web design, contact Giant. We’re here to help you navigate the world of web design and make informed decisions for your business.

About the Author

Chris Stovall Lopez Island Giant Creative Commerce Skarpari Bio Photo

Chris Stovall

For over three decades, Chris has been at the forefront of brand and technology consulting, providing businesses of all sizes with exceptional service and innovative solutions. With his extensive experience and expertise, he has become a go-to consultant for companies looking to stay competitive in an ever-changing marketplace.

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