How to Know if You have a Good Website Developer
Oh boy this is the blog that may call me out! Look I know I’m not for everyone, and I truly am out to help all my small businesses. With that said, I’m not looking for big businesses, meaning multiple locations big box stores or huge corporate offices with 100’s of employees. So, when evaluating the design skills of a website developer is crucial to ensure that your website not only functions well but also looks visually appealing.
Here are some ways to determine if a website developer you are looking at for your business’s website is also a good designer:
Portfolio Review:
Look at the developer’s portfolio! A strong portfolio showcases their previous work, giving you insight into their design style, diversity of projects, and overall skill level. Pay attention to the visual appeal and functionality of the websites they’ve created. You can see my portfolio on my website – Click Here. I only go back a year or so, otherwise there would be pages and pages. I’ve been developing websites since early 2000.
User Experience (UX):
A good designer thinks about the user experience. Check if the developer considers factors like easy navigation, clear calls-to-action, and overall usability in their designs. A well-designed website is not just aesthetically pleasing but also user-friendly. If your customers don’t like the ease, they will bounce right out of the website if it’s difficult and unclear on the steps.
Responsive Design:
Ensure that your developer understands and implements responsive design principles. A good designer considers how the website will look and function on various devices and screen sizes. This plays into the phone screen. If you want your website to be available on mobile devices you’ll want to make sure it’s mobile friendly and responsive.
Attention to Detail and Brand:
Details matter in design. Pay attention to the finer elements such as font choices, color schemes, spacing, and overall visual harmony. A good designer pays attention to these details to create a polished and professional look. A good designer understands the importance of branding. The website should reflect your brand identity cohesively, including the use of brand colors, logos, and overall messaging For every website I design we create a branding board. I have a whole blog on this discussing the importance of your branding and that way that needs to tie into all facets of your business.
Creativity and Innovation:
A strong designer brings creativity and innovation to the table, showing you several ways to build it, whether that is a simple template or a customized website. Assess whether the developer introduces unique elements to their designs or follows generic templates. Creativity can set your website apart from the competition. But keep in mind that creativity doesn’t always mean “splashy” bright websites that hurt your end users’ eyes to look at.
Consistency Across Pages:
Check if there is a consistent design theme across different pages of the developer’s portfolio. Consistency is a sign of a designer who pays attention to the overall aesthetics of the website. Don’t confuse consistency with customization. You can have different header images on each page but is the feel consistent with the overall website design. Make sure you don’t have pages that are totally different in design feel.
Client Testimonials and Reviews:
Check for client testimonials or reviews. Positive feedback from previous clients can provide insights into the developer’s design skills, professionalism, and ability to meet client expectations. I’m going to say, be careful with these reviews. I know several website companies that hire reviewers. So check to make sure you see the website in their portfolio and it matches the review. Just saying there are several out there the are NOT truthful, sad to say.
Communication Skills:
Effective communication is crucial in translating your ideas into your vision. A good designer listens to your requirements, asks relevant questions, and communicates their design choices clearly. And let me tell you just like paying bills, it looks good on paper but when it comes to design we aren’t wizards. I always give feedback on what will work and what might not work. Sometimes, things can’t be achieved or wouldn’t benefit the website even if it sounds good. I’ll always be honest and you should expect honesty from any developer you choose.
By considering these factors, you can better assess if a website developer possesses strong design skills. Don’t hesitate to ask for references, discuss your vision for the website, and communicate openly to ensure your expectations align with the developer’s abilities.