Help Centre

Working with a web designer can be really great, you can channel your vision with their creative skills into the perfect website.  If you are new to working with a web designer, below are some useful FAQs you might want to have in mind before you get started.

Many designers have different skill sets and rates, so shopping around is always the first task. We have a directory of web designers that can build you a website with the fantastic Create system here.

Most web designers will be able to build you a template with the Web Designers Kit as it only requires basic HTML and CSS knowledge. So you can search for a web designer using a search engine. A designer should be able to help you from anywhere, so you don't have to limit yourself to a local designer, although this can sometimes be helpful to establish trust.

When searching for a designer, obviously the first thing to check out is their website. Does it work well, do you like the look of it? A good designer will showcase their past work on a portfolio page or similar. Have a look as their design work to make sure you like their style, like artists, different designers tend to have different styles.

Try to research reviews of the company or designer before you get started to make sure they have got a good reputation. Check their social sites and see if they are active and friendly and interacting with clients in a positive way.

How do I explain what I want?

When you are contacting potential designer, it's a good idea to give them a brief, so they can establish your needs and give you a quote.

Things to include are:

• A little about you and your business: do you have any company branding or colour schemes already.
• If you have an existing website.
• If you already have a domain name.
• What content you want (and if you need help with that).
• Your website objectives.
• The type of functionality you might require.
• Your timescale - do you need your website to be finished by a certain date?
• Your budget.

It's also a very good idea too to send them lots of links to websites that you really like the look of, or want to emulate. This is the best way to give your potential designer an idea of the kind of thing you are looking for.

Try to think about everything you want out of your site so you can let them know your needs as detailed as you can. This helps iron out any potential misunderstandings later on and helps the designer to give you an accurate quote.

How do I know if their rates are reasonable?

Generally web designers will ask you for a budget up front, this is very normal in web design. It's not because they want to overcharge you,  but its because they are often able to advise on where and how you can save costs.

For example if you have a very low budget and want something very bespoke they will let you know that this wouldn't be possible but advise on how you can get something great for your budget.

Different designers will have different rates and fees depending on their location, skill level, outgoings etc. The best thing to do is shop around with the same brief to a few different designers to get a feel of a general cost.  From starting communication with a few companies you will get an idea of the personalities behind the designers and if you want to work with them.