How to Choose a Local WordPress Website Designer
Your website is the backbone of your digital presence. It's where prospects learn about your business and convert into leads or customers.
WordPress, as a content management system, offers all the tools you need to create a great-looking website.
However, not all WordPress websites are created equal because not all designers are cut out for the task.
In this post, I’ll tell you:
- Why you should work with a local WordPress designer
- How to choose a local WordPress website designer
- What qualities should you consider while hiring one for your business
Let’s dive in.
Why Hire a Local WordPress Website Designer?
Here are the benefits of hiring a local WordPress designer compared to a remote one.
Easily Find the Right One
Probably the biggest advantage of going local is that you get more control over the hiring process.
You can meet them in person, build a professional connection, and discuss project requirements in detail.
As a result, you have a better shot at hiring the right resource to collaborate with on an ongoing basis.
Local Market Expertise
A local designer will better understand the needs and preferences of your target audience.
They’ll be familiar with the local trends and your competition, allowing them to create a design strategy for maximum impact.
Ongoing Support
Choosing a local designer allows clear communication through in-person meetings, leading to smoother issue resolution.
How to Choose a Local WordPress Website Designer
Here are the factors you should be mindful of while choosing a local WordPress designer.
Portfolio
No matter how experienced or skillful someone may seem, it's always wise to take a look at their past work.
Go through the websites they’ve designed in the past. Keep an eye out for excessive use of pre-made templates.
If most of their websites look the same, it may be a sign of corner-cutting.
If you can find a detailed case study on how they helped a client, that would be even better.
To get an idea of current trends, you can browse through a good online web design gallery.
Online Reviews
Reviews from past clients can tell you everything you need to know before hiring a web designer.
If someone has multiple positive reviews, they’re probably a good candidate.
Of course, you need to check other factors like their portfolio, experience, and communication skills.
But, online reviews can serve as a great confidence booster as they build trust.
Experience and Expertise
When it comes to choosing a WordPress website designer, experience is key.
It can be tempting to go with the cheapest option, but doing so makes it unlikely you'll get the quality you need.
Needless to say, experienced web designers tend to cost higher. But, they’re more likely to help you achieve your ROIs.
Project Management and Support
Soft skills are easy to ignore when you’re scrutinizng a web design company.
After all, why delay the partnership when they have design chops to build great-looking sites?
But, while they may not seem crucial, soft skills like communication, project management, and support are important for effective, long-term collaboration.
Project Management
Effective project management helps you design and run a website within the allocated budget.
How do you gauge the project management skills of a website designer?
Get answers to a few important questions such as:
- How do they handle deadlines, communication, and feedback?
- Do they use a project management tool?
Better yet, delve into their client reviews and testimonials to see if any discuss their project management approach.
Support
WordPress websites are generally secure and requre minimal maintenance.
But, what about when you run into a technical error? Or, maybe you found a better theme and want to migrate without affecting your site’s SEO and design.
Now, you can work with a new WordPress designer down the road. But, it’s best to work with the one who designed your site in the first place.
So, before hiring a WordPress designer, ask them if they offer ongoing support.
Services Offered
Not all local WordPress website designers will offer the same services.
It’s important to make sure they offer the ones you need right now and may need down the road.
For instance, you already have a WordPress website and need someone to update its design for improved conversions.
Or, maybe you want to add a new landing page to your site.
In cases like these, you need someone who works on existing websites as well.
The important thing is to ask a lot of questions related to their services and your needs.
Cost and Pricing
Of course, you should consider the cost of a web design project before initiating the contract.
After all, you’re running a business and want to reach your ROI goals.
There’s no rule of thumb when it comes to the cost of a website design.
You want to take into consideration several factors, including the experience and portfolio of the designer.
However, avoid falling for the cheapest option, especially if you want quality work.
Otherwise, you may end up with shoddy design with subpar user experience.
Consider how much you’ll earn more by investing in a good web designer.
Where to Find Local WordPress Website Designers
Hiring a remote talent is easy, but it’s not always the best choice.
Finding the right WordPress website designer in your locality can be tricky, but it offers several benefits in the long run.
Here are the best places and strategies to find a local WordPress website designer.
Word-of-Mouth Recommendations
A painless way to find the right service provider locally is by getting recommendations from your social circle.
Ask your colleagues or local business owners if they know a reliable WordPress designer.
Word-of-mouth recommendations come with a built-in layer of trust, which makes them so helpful.
Local Online Communities
Another way to find local WordPress designers is by joining local online communities.
Many social media and community-based platforms have niche-based communities for networking.
For instance, you can join WordPress-related groups on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.
Plus, subreddits on Reddit are also a great place to find local service providers.
Simply create a “For Hire” post to attract interested designers.
Here’s an example:
Of course, you need to do your due diligence before hiring someone.
Local Tech Meetups
If you enjoy local tech meetups, they can be a perfect place to connect with WordPress website designers.
To find out all about meetups happening in your area, you can use a third-party service like “Meetup”
It lets you find meetups based on the topic, member count, etc., allowing you to filter out the relevant ones.
When approaching local meetups with a hiring mindset, consider the following best practices:
- Start by informing the event organizer about your goal and inquire about the possibility of a short speech
- Make sure the meetup allows networking. You can hand out your business card to people to connect with later
Local Craigslist Site
You can hire a full-time WordPress designer in your locality on Craigslist through the “Jobs” section.
It’s a paid slot. If you don’t want to invest, you can post the role as a gig.
Create a simple post on Craigslist explaining the requirements of the role.
Google Local Search
Local Google search results are probably the best place to find reputable web design agencies in your area.
This is mainly because you can see what other businesses have to say about the service.
Before reaching out, read their customer reviews to get an idea of their service quality.
Collaborate with Local University Students
Some universities and colleges have dedicated web development departments.
You can find the concerned person’s contact details on their website.
Ask them if any of the students want to work on WordPress design projects.
Hire From Development Bootcamps
Development boot camps are intense programs designed for students to go through rigorous training.
A boot camp’s goal is to equip students with the necessary skills, helping them launch their careers in relevant fields.
This makes them a goldmine for recruiters and business owners looking for local talent.
For hiring a website designer, contact the organization running the boot camp and inquire about the hiring process.
Conclusion
Your business website serves as a digital door to your business. It provides the necessary information a prospect needs before converting.
But, to design a WordPress website that checks all the design and user-experience boxes requires professional expertise.
If you’re on a lookout for a local WordPress website designer, asking all the right questions can help.
Experience, portfolio, client reviews, services offered, communication, and pricing are important factors to consider before hiring a web designer.
Local website designers are easier to find in local communities, online and offline.
What you can do is:
- Join social media groups on platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Reddit
- Attend local tech events
- Consider collaborating with university students
- Explore development boot camps
- Use local Google search
- Post on Craigslist
Working with a local WordPress designer has some benefits. You can better scrutinize them for the role, build a long-term relationship, and get ongoing technical support.
