Freelance Web Designers

There are "web designers" and "web developers". The first has strengths and skills in graphic design, and uses them to create a mock-up of what a website will look like, taking into account client objectives, target audience, marketplace competition, content requirements and various other key factors.This is the "creative" process.
A web developer on the other hand is the technical end of the process. A developer builds/constructs the website using the designer's concept as a blueprint that works correctly at a technical level, including provision of "search engine optimisation" (SEO) to help ensure the website can be found in response to relevant searches on the web.

What's a Freelancer?

Freelance designers work for themselves. Because they aren't employees, they have the freedom to pursue design projects that interest and excite them. This can provide a creative edge. Generally, freelancers produce work more quickly than larger design firms that often have to work within a bureaucratic organisational framework that slows things down. This framework sometimes dampens creative originality that helps websites to stand out from their competition (although there are great examples of highly creative large scale agencies).

Designer or Developer?

In larger design houses, the role of web designer is separated from that of web developer. This is probably an efficient approach to creating and building websites on an "assembly line" basis.

Freelancers usually undertake both roles - first they design a website with various graphics tools, then present design concepts to the client for approval. If the client gives the go-ahead for production, the freelancer then switches to "development mode", and brings all the technical elements together to construct a working website based on the original design.

Because freelancers cover both design and development, they tend to have more creative scope as they don't have to argue with developers about the need for features that are technically difficult to produce. They usually cost less than a full-blown agency because a freelancer's business overheads are lower.

Benefits of Using a Freelancer

Local freelancers offer some advantages you may want to consider when choosing someone to produce your website, such as :

• lower cost
• local and easily accessible - a "real" person
• personal reputation at stake
• known and trusted by other local clients
• quicker outcomes
• greater design/artistic freedom, leading to unique customised websites that tend to stand out better
• faster response to client change requests during design/development phase

What To Look For In A Freelancer

Choose your website designer with care! You will usually be embarking on a long-term business relationship with them lasting for the life of the website. It needs to be an honest, open and positive partnership in order to maximise the value of your investment in your website.

Seek someone who is confident of their abilities to deliver what you need, and who can explain how they'll achieve this, how long it will take, and exactly what it will cost. It's always best to have this in writing if you decide to proceed.

You'll need someone who keeps you informed on how the project is progressing, so you can plan how you'll launch the website, including promotional offers, advertising etc.

Find someone with a current project portfolio of websites they've delivered for other clients, and make sure these websites are the designer's own original work and not cloned from other sites out there. Check the freelancer's testimonials from past clients. Talk with these clients and get direct feedback on the designer you're considering.

 That "Personal" Touch

Finally, be wary of designers who "knock" the competition. This is unnecessary and demonstrates a lack of professionalism, often underpinning a lack of confidence and ability. Instead, seek out someone who :

• you can meet face-to-face, preferably in person, or at least online (Skype, etc...)
• listens closely to your ideas and questions, and responds appropriately
• is confident in discussing what they can offer you
• has a good client track record, and who
• you feel comfortable with and can see as a long-term strategic partner in helping you to grow your business.

If you get this right, your web journey will be so much smoother, less stressful, and overall a more enjoyable experience.