What You Need To Consider When Choosing a Website Designer

You are finally ready to check “build a website” off the to-do list for your small business (wahoo!) But are now faced with the task of choosing a website designer that feels aligned…

“Ughhh where do I even start?“

The process can feel overwhelming, so let’s go over what you need to consider when choosing a website designer to streamline the process:

First things first: Make a list (duhh)

If you’re anything like me (type A), I know you love a good list!

All website designers have different price points, deliverables, processes, expertise, etc. It’s important to have an idea of what you are looking for when you start shopping around.

Price: Make a (realistic) range of what you’d be willing to pay. Website designers charge anywhere from $1,000 – $10,000+.

Annual costs: On top of hiring a website designer, you will also need to pay for the cost of maintaining a website. This can range anywhere from $150 – $500+ per year depending on hosting plans, website builders, back-up services, outsourcing maintenance, etc.

Features: Remember that you are building a website for a reason, not just because “you’re supposed to have one.” Consider the purpose of your website and the tools you will need. Here are some ideas:

• Blog
• E-Commerce
• Recipe tools
• Contact form
• Integrations: EMR, email, scheduling
• Patient portal

Timeline: Did you need your website like yesterday or do you need it within the next few months?

Pages: How many pages do you think you’ll need? Usually website designers have starter packages that include 3-5 pages and premium packages for bigger websites.

Tech level: Do you want to be able to make updates yourself? Different platforms have different learning curves, with pros and cons to each.

Extra services: Will you need help with branding and copy? Will you want help maintaining your website post launch? This varies from designer to designer. Some have service add-ons while others include them in their project deliverables.

All my website packages include basic branding and 30 days of support post-launch. My clients can also purchase copywriting services as an add-on.

And I will never leave you hanging! I am always here to answer questions via email and if you need some more in-depth changes, I charge an hourly rate for website support.

Where to Find a Website Designer?

Now that you know what to consider when looking for a website designer, the actual search begins! Where do you look?

Provider Facebook groups!!! Ask your fellow providers who designed their website, how much they paid, etc.

Chances are website designers are hanging out in those groups (if they are also a provider) and will give themselves a shout-out!

You can also Google things like “website designers for private practices” or “websites for dietitians/therapists”

We are SEO experts… we know how to show up.

Check Out Their Portfolio

Obviously you are going to look at their website, make sure you take a scroll through their portfolio!

A lot of designers have a distinct style that is related to their platform they use.

If there is a specific style you want, make sure you show it to the designer during your initial call.

Schedule a Call

Never hire someone without hopping on a phone call first. This is a big investment, you want to make sure you guys are a good fit!

During this call, share your list of things you need. Ask them about their process, pricing, post-launch support, etc. (I have another blog post on questions you should ask before hiring a website designer!)

Most importantly: do you feel like you’ll get the support you need during this process? You are a busy provider and business owner. Building a website is a big investment of time, money, and mental energy. Do not settle if it does not feel like the right fit!

Niches

As most of us weight-inclusive providers know, we need to explain what the heck it means to be a weight-inclusive provider all.the.time.

If someone else is designing your website and writing your copy, you want to make sure they understand the language you use.

That’s why I became a website designer for this specific niche. As a weight-inclusive dietitian, I know the lingo. So you best bet your website won’t have any of that diety, weight loss language that’s everywhere else on the internet (nor will you have to spend hours explaining it to me).

That was… a lot

You may be thinking “girl this is a LOT to think about and we haven’t even started building yet…”

I get it.

Building a website is a big investment, just like building a business (which you’ve done btw because you’re amazing!)

As a website designer, I am here to streamline the process for you:

• You are not sure what you even want on your website? Let’s talk through it.
• You want to ask me a lot of questions during our consult call? Lay it on me!
• The email connected to your domain name stopped working? I am ON IT
• You need some changes post launch? You got it!

Choosing a website designer may feel like an overwhelming process, but it will be worth it when you finally get your dream website!