10 Reasons NOT To Hire a Web Designer
Nervous about hiring a web designer? I compiled the 10 most common questions and fears I hear from interested clients who aren’t quite ready to make the jump. Here are the 10 issues I’ll be tackling in today’s blog:
Having a website won’t bring me business. - 1:45
I can build a website myself, I don’t need a professional. - 7:48
I hate technology and want nothing to do with it. - 10:00
Your services cost too much. - 11:00
Complimentary calls are just disguised sales calls. - 14:10
I don’t want to be left in the dark once the project starts. - 15:10
I don’t want someone else to own to my website. - 15:55
I’m scared I’ll hate the final product. - 16:29
Payment plans are there to rip me off. - 18:48
Contracts are the worst, I don’t want to be locked in. - 19:36
Having a website won’t bring me business.
This is a tricky one to answer and I decided to tackle it first. If a website is the only marketing tool you are using, then yes, having a stagnant website will not get you very many new customers. However, a business needs at least two parts to a marketing plan: a website and a plan to get people there. Marketing for awareness is important but once someone knows about you, it’s important to have a place to send them so they can learn more. Rarely ever does someone try a new business based only on someone else’s opinion or a single ad. If you are trying to reach customers under the age of 40, you will need a website to help prove your credibility. People want to feel safe before trying your product or service and having a reliable, easy-to-read website does just that.
It is nearly impossible to be competitive with other businesses/organizations if you do not have an online presence. A consumer makes up their mind about a business within 3 seconds of landing on their website...but if they can’t even find a website? They are more than likely going to dismiss you as a credible business worth their time and money.
2. I can build a website myself, I don’t need a professional.
I tried writing this response a million different nice ways, but I finally decided to just be blunt: simply having a website isn’t enough. There is a lot of necessary research that goes into a website that takes time, experience and the technical know-how to apply it. Web design is tricky, constantly changing and needs to be high-converting, not just “pretty”. However, with that said, I do offer two different package options for anyone who wants to create their own website but needs assistance on how to best design it. Scroll down to #4 to read more!
3. I hate technology and want nothing to do with it.
I feel you, I really do. There is nothing that changes quicker than technology which makes it frustrating to learn. However, I work hard to understand it so you don’t have to. I also offer to educate my clients on how their website functions if that is something they are interested in. I never just hand over the website and expect them to figure it out on their own. I consider my clients to be clients for life and I am always there to answer questions for them.
4. Your services cost too much.
Being a small business owner myself, I understand this on a very deep level and it has actually shaped the way I offer my services. I want to help as many people as I can so I’ve created different packages for every price point. Here are the two packages I created for those on a tighter budget:
Website Assistance - $199
The Golden Hour is for anyone who needs professional guidance on their website but does not have the budget to hire a designer or copywriter. If you are a DIY-er, this package was created for you! Click below to learn more:
Discovery Package - $120
The customized Discovery Package shows you how to improve your online presence. Need a website? You’ll now have a detailed plan on the best way to design one. Have a website that’s not working? You will get a concrete plan on how to make it better. Click below to sign up:
5. Complimentary calls are just disguised sales calls.
When I was a kid, I was constantly chastised for being too blunt and, as much as I feel I have grown since then, I have never been able to shake my upfront honesty. This quality now runs the show during my complimentary calls and I have even advised interested clients away from working with me if I feel they won’t benefit from it.
I use the call to better understand your project and to help you make the right decision for your business; and sometimes the best decision is not using my services. I will never take business just because of the money. I pride myself in running an honest business and that means being upfront with potential clients in how (or if) I can help them.
6. I don’t want to be left in the dark once the project starts.
I am a very curious, need-to-know type person and I work under the assumption that my clients are the same way. I guarantee my clients an email response within 24 hours (Monday-Friday) of receiving it. I also send a weekly update so they know what I completed that week and can give feedback on the work I have done so far.
7. I don’t want someone else to own my website.
This common fear comes from shady web designers who squeeze a few extra dollars out of their clients by holding their website hostage. However, I have never and will never do this. Once the final payment (that we have agreed upon at the beginning) has been paid, I transfer ownership of everything - the website, documents, graphics, etc. I even include a meeting to explain how everything works if you are interested in maintaining it yourself. I strongly believe that your website is yours only and I will never keep it from you.
8. I’m scared I’ll hate the final product.
Three steps are taken before I even begin designing:
Creative Meeting
Target Market Research
MoodBoard Creation
Once I do begin, you have three revisions for every thing I design. If you do not like the original, I revise it based on your comments. If you want more than 3 revisions, you are able to do so for a small fee. If I am designing multiple graphics/web pages for you, I only design one thing at a time so if I am moving in the wrong direction, you can tell me right away. I am committed to creating a project that both you and your customers will love!
9. Payment plans are just there to rip me off.
I hate making things complicated and that includes how I invoice. Here’s how I keep it simple:
Under $3,000 - 50% upfront and 50% once the project is complete.
$3,000 - $10,000 - 50% up front, 25% half way through and 25% once the project is complete.
Greater than $10,000 - The client and I figure out a custom payment plan together.
10. Contracts are the worst, I don’t want to be locked in.
I have contracts for every project I do but they are written for both of our sakes, not just to protect me. Here’s why:
Expectations - I clearly outline the entire project so you know what to expect once the project is complete and there are no unhappy surprises.
Cancellations - I include a clause that states if you are unhappy with how things are going, you can stop the project at anytime. You are then responsible to pay for all the work done up to that point but not a penny more.
Creative Ownership - Once the final payment has been made, the contract also guarantees that you own everything created throughout the project. This applies even if you stop the project early.
I work very hard to make the entire process as easy as possible for my clients! Do you have any other fears that I didn’t mention here? Tell me about them in the comments or send me a message here. I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have!
Warm regards,
- Heather
Want a website but no clue where to start?
Gathering website content can be time-consuming. However, with this list in hand, you’ll be done in no time! Get the inside scoop on the 4 things you need for a high-converting website. I send this same PDF to all my clients and it helps keep our project organized and focused.
BONUS - I included my favorite resources I use in my own business. If you want your own website, this is the best way to get started!
Heather Brockell is a Web Designer and Copywriter based out of North Dakota, USA. When she isn’t designing websites or writing, she performs as a professional figure skater and singer in ice shows all around the country.
Want to hire Heather to create something magical for your online presence?