Hiring a Freelance Web Designer: How to Find the Perfect Match

Your website is one of your main assets as a business owner, so you want it in the best hands. When you decide to create or redesign your website, you need to find a very capable web designer. Freelancers are a good option for that, but choosing the right one can be difficult. We want to share a few tips on hiring a freelance web designer.

Why a Freelancer?

You do not have to choose a freelancer, of course. If you want, your website can be handled by an agency or even an in-house team. However, here are a few advantages of hiring a freelance web designer.

• Price. The price for the work of a freelancer is always lower than that of an agency. Indeed, in an agency, you are paying for access to the team but also for all the management. No managers means lower costs. Similarly, an in-house team costs a lot. You spend money on hiring and training them, as well as ensuring their proper compensation and benefits. Freelancers do not have benefits, and you pay them only for the work they perform.
• A more hands-on approach. This can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your preferences. An agency usually handles everything for you. While they ask questions, they do not really engage you in the process. A freelancer is typically more open to your requests and allows for more communication and control from your side. Freelancers are generally more accessible as well.
• Choosing from a huge pool. Again, this can be an advantage or a disadvantage depending on your needs. There are a lot of freelancers. The choice is almost too much. You will need to search for the right freelancer, which is more work for you. But it also means that you get to select someone who really fits your vision.

In truth, freelancers are not better than an agency. Nor is an agency better than freelancers. They are just two different options, and one of them may fit you better than the other. 

Preparation to Hiring a Freelance Web Designer

So, you have decided that you are hiring a freelance web designer. What next? 

Some preparation would help you.

• Learn a little about web design. You do not need to know much; just enough to figure out what you want. For example, you might benefit from knowing the difference between a web designer and a web developer. In short, the former is concerned with the front-end — the part of the website that users interact with. The latter works with the back-end — the infrastructure of the website. Decide which one you need.
• You should have an idea of what you want to achieve. Some goals would be nice. If you can, decide which pages the website should have. And, naturally, settle on a budget.
• Determine if you are going to use specific features, providers and platforms or tools. For example, if you want to use WordPress, make a note of that. You will want a freelancer who can handle your requests, so those need to be as clear as you can make them.

Overall, the clearer you make your requirements, the better. However, if you do not know much about web design, it is not a problem. A good freelancer will guide you through the process. Talking to multiple specialists as you consider who to hire will also help.

Where to Search for a Freelance Web Designer

Freelancers can be found through a couple of simple methods.

• Freelancing platforms. One of them is Insolvo. With Insolvo, you can place tasks for smaller projects. You can also create vacancies for continuous or lengthy collaboration. On freelancing platforms, freelancers usually compete for your tasks. That means a lot of choices and opportunities for finding the best freelancer!
• Word of mouth. Sometimes, your colleagues or friends might recommend a freelancer to you. It is a very good method since you get feedback from someone you trust. Unfortunately, this method is not easy to control: you might not have friends who know freelancers. Still, it may be worth asking around.

A good thing about online platforms is that they connect you with freelancers from all over the world. That means you can find someone from a country where the hourly rates are lower. However, be prepared to pay more for experience and expertise. 

Key Questions to Ask When Hiring a Freelance Web Designer

So, you have found freelancers, and you start talking to them. Let’s consider what you need to ask.

Budget

You might think that other questions are more important. However, we recommend asking about a price pretty early in your negotiations. It will help you quickly disqualify people who you cannot work with. Admittedly, it may be difficult to settle on a budget when you do not know the fair price. It is a very common issue: you need to understand a lot about design to know the costs. You can ask around for that or consider resources online. An honest freelancer can also give a consultation. Besides, there is probably a maximum payment you can consider. Use it to figure out if you and a freelancer are a good match.

Skills and Specialities

Budget is important, but you also need to ask about the freelancer’s skills. If you, for example, want to use a particular platform, ask the freelancer if they have experience with it. Also, ask what their speciality is. Every freelancer usually specializes in a particular niche of web design; see if you can find someone who fits your requirements best.

You do not need to be very well-versed in web design for this, either. Just ask how the freelancer is going to solve this or that problem for you or add this or that feature. Keep in mind that cheaper services may mean fewer features and worse skills. 

Portfolios and References

A freelancer tells you that they can perform your task, but you need proof, don’t you? Portfolios and references are a good solution to that.

A portfolio should contain a few examples of the freelancer’s work. They should be preferably diverse and recent. They should also contain a freelancer’s analysis of the work. Just screenshots of websites created will not do: a freelancer should explain their choices in each project. This way, you will also see the skills of the freelancer since they will be listed. In addition to that, you will be able to assess the style of the freelancer. Each one has their own, and you want something that is close to your branding and vision.

Insolvo has a convenient portfolio feature! Check it out to see if the freelancer fits you!

References are also a good source of information. Sometimes, a freelancer can supply the contacts of a previous buyer (with their consent, of course). You can then ask them about the specifics of the project created by the freelancer. Make sure to request details; that is how you know that the reference is not fake.  

Hiring people is an art, not a science…

Howard Schultz, businessman.

Other Things to Consider When Hiring a Freelance Web Designer

There are many questions to ask before hiring a freelance web designer. Here are some of them. 

• Their experience with mobile friendliness. Mobile-friendly websites are practically a must these days. Your potential freelancer probably has experience creating such sites, but it is always good to check. 
• Their communication style. Is your potential freelancer friendly and polite? Do they communicate well? Are they always available and warn you when they will not be? All these aspects of communicating with the freelancer are very important. You do not want someone rude, unable to ask and answer questions, or ready to ghost you without a warning. 
• Their willingness to help in the future. The major advantage of an in-house team is that they are always available. Is your potential freelancer available? Ask how to contact them after the redesign, and what they want to charge for maintenance.
• Their willingness to give up the rights to the deliverables. The freelancer should not retain the rights to the deliverables, even if it increases the costs. You want to own everything on your website, so you need to discuss this topic with the freelancer clearly. You can allow them to use your website as a case study in their portfolio, though. 
• Their take on AI. Ideally, the freelancer will not be using AI for most of their work. However, they might use it a little, for example, for inspiration or to improve the SEO of their copy. AI is a complex tool that modern specialists try to use ethically and within reason. You might want to know your freelancer’s stance on the topic.

In Conclusion

Hiring a freelance web designer may take some time. You will likely talk to many freelancers as you search for the perfect match. Your budget and their qualifications will be the primary factors in your decisions. You will also want to take a look at their portfolio, and you may have your own questions that you want to ask. In any case, designing or redesigning your website is an important project, so taking your time finding the right person for the job is reasonable.