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 now you’re 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.

Quick Answer: How Do I Choose a Website Designer?

Start by making a list of your must-haves: budget, annual maintenance costs, features, timeline, page count, tech comfort, and extra services. Then look for designers in provider Facebook groups and on Google, review their portfolios, and schedule a call before hiring. For weight-inclusive providers specifically, prioritize a designer who already understands non-diet, weight-inclusive language.

What Should You Consider Before Choosing a Website Designer?

Get clear on your budget, timeline, and must-have features before you start shopping around. Website designers vary widely in price, deliverables, process, and expertise, so knowing what you need first makes comparing them much easier.

• Price: Make a realistic range of what you’d be willing to pay. Website designers charge anywhere from $1,000–$10,000+. Check out this blog for how to build a website on a budget!
• Annual costs: On top of hiring a website designer, you’ll 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, backup services, outsourcing maintenance, and more.
• Features: Remember that you’re 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’ll need: blog, e-commerce, recipe tools, contact form, integrations (EMR, email, scheduling), or a 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? Website designers usually offer 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 offer 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 always tell my clients… I will never leave you hanging once we part ways! I’m always here to answer questions via email, and if you need more in-depth changes, I charge an hourly rate for website support.

Where Can You Find a Website Designer?

Look in provider Facebook groups and search Google for terms like “website designers for private practices.” Many designers are also providers themselves and are active in those same communities.

• Provider Facebook groups: Ask your fellow providers who designed their website, how much they paid, and how the process went. Chances are website designers are hanging out in those groups too (if they’re also a provider) and will give themselves a shout-out.
• Google search: Try searches like “website designers for private practices” or “websites for dietitians/therapists.” Good website designers are SEO experts, we know how to show up!

Why Should You Check a Designer’s Portfolio?

A portfolio shows you a designer’s actual style, which is often tied to the platform they build on. Reviewing it helps you confirm their work matches the look you want before you commit.

If there’s a specific style you’re drawn to, make sure to show it to the designer during your initial call so you’re both on the same page from the start.

Should You Schedule a Call Before Hiring a Website Designer?

Yes! Never hire a website designer without a call first. This is a big investment, and a call will help you confirm you’re a good fit before committing.

During the call, share your list of needs and ask about their process, pricing, and post-launch support. (I have another blog post on which questions to ask before hiring a website designer.)

Most importantly: do you feel like you’ll get the support you need during this process? Building a website is a big investment of time, money, and mental energy… don’t settle if it doesn’t feel like the right fit.

Why Does Niche Expertise Matter When Choosing a Website Designer?

As a weight-inclusive provider, you want a designer who already understands non-diet, weight-inclusive language. That way you’re not stuck explaining it and your website doesn’t end up with diet-culture language that doesn’t reflect your values.

As most of us in this niche know, we need to explain what 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 your website won’t have any of the dieting, weight-loss language that’s everywhere else on the internet.

FAQ: Choosing a Website Designer

The Bottom Line

Choosing a website designer may feel like an overwhelming process, but it will be worth it when you finally get your dream website. As a website designer, I’m here to streamline the process for you:

• Not sure what you even want on your website? Let’s talk through it.
• Want to ask a lot of questions during our consult call? Lay it on me.
• The email connected to your domain name stopped working? I’m on it.
• Need some changes post-launch? You got it.