Why do I need to hire a Web Designer?
2 March, 2010
Any company or anyone who wants to provide information of their services or products and to promote a business knows that a web presence will be the key to achieving those goals. The second most important part of getting the prospective client on your site and turning them into a client is all about the presentation of your site.
Unlike other marketing strategies, a website has a global reach and can be accessed online 24/7
With so many other companies or in the client's case, competitors also on the web it is essential for the client to promote their branding as a unique image and appealing to their specific target market.
The web designer you hire will be responsible for the creative design of the web pages, usually by working with the client who articulates certain needs or functions that the web page must fulfill. Research is one of the upmost important tasks in the design process. This will give the designer an idea of the target market, competitors and the correct way to promote the website.
Designers are too expensive
As a designer, this is one of the things that we hear most. Some clients tend to believe that they can create their own site with the online WYSIWYG web editing software available or the application currently on their computer for free. This is true, but the difference is that most people are not always aware of what is required to create a company website.
There is more to web design than creating a web page that will show up in a browser. The limitations that are placed on designers make constructing pages a game of concessions and tricks to fool the various browsers. It is essential to check that the web page designed, can be viewed properly across browsers, screen resolutions and operating systems, which only the professional designer would be aware of and how to test it properly.
Designers are too bossy
As a client, you are always right. Designers should cater for the client, and not their portfolio. If a plain and straight-forward site is what you are looking for, most chances is that the designer will do just that, while still implementing that unique 'edge' to it.
If a designer however tries to convince you otherwise on an idea you have, it might be worth the listen. Designers are always spending a lot of time on the web, clicking around on various sites and learning new techniques and how to improve sites. Some ideas that you, as the client might have, might not always be the best way to display the relevant pages and that is where the designer will have to raise the subject objectively and explain the reason for their objection. If you still feel you want your idea implemented, I'm sure that the designer will do as told.
I can buy a template online for cheaper
In some cases that could be true, but that brings us back to the all important corporate identity of your company. A template might seem easy to implement and creating your image by using the correct colors of your company but what about the overall design. A template becomes quickly recognizable by users, who use the internet frequently, and they will be under the impression that you could be just like your competitor and they move on from your site.
The first couple of seconds for a new user on your site is crucial. This will determine whether they stay on and navigate your site thoroughly to find out about your services and products or close their browser. Sending the right message to your prospective client starts with the look and feel of your site and only then the details it contains.
