Googling “how to choose a web designer”?
I bet you didn’t think you’d end up on an article about how NOT to choose a web designer, but that’s exactly what this is.
Choosing the right web designer certainly isn’t easy. Maybe you’ve dealt with agencies that treat you like just another number, or had the joy of repeating your project details to a rotating cast of web designers and team members. It’s enough to make anyone want to give up!
But here’s the thing—working with the right web designers can really transform your business, and that’s where this blog comes in. If you’re tired of choosing the wrong web design partners, I’m here to give you some real insight into what to avoid when hiring a potential web designer.
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I’m flipping the script to show you why not to work with someone like me if you want to skip these all-too-common industry pitfalls. Spoiler: it’s because I do things differently.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of what kind of designer you want for your web design project.
1. You Enjoy Being Passed Around Like a Hot Potato
Ever been passed around from person to person in a big web design company, having to repeat yourself over and over? Yeah, not here.
At AWD, you’ll work directly with me, the business owner—no middlemen, no miscommunication, and no starting from scratch multiple times mid-project. It’s just you, me, and a streamlined process that saves you time and headaches.
2. You Prefer Templates over Custom Designs
If you’re looking for a cookie-cutter, drag-and-drop website, I’m definitely not your guy. But there are tons of website designers out there who’ll deliver just that.
Personally, I believe every business deserves a site that’s unique to them, tailored to fit their brand and needs. So if you’re just looking for a quick, out-of-the-box solution, AWD might not be the right fit.
3. You Love Being Ghosted
Sometimes in larger agencies, small business owners get overlooked. If you thrive on sending emails into the void and waiting weeks for a response, then AWD probably isn’t the web designer for you.
When you work with me, you won’t be left wondering where things stand or what’s happening next. Unlike a lot of web design companies, I keep communication clear and open, and I’m committed to keeping your project on track.
Ghosting? Not my style. Just ask my past clients!
4. You’re All About the Red Tape
Love jumping through hoops? Enjoy navigating layers of bureaucracy just to get a simple question answered? If so, you’re not going to like working with me.
A good web designer won’t make the process harder than it needs to be. My process is simple: you talk to me, and we get things done.
No need to “put in a request” with some mysterious third-party team. You’ve got direct access to the person who’s building your site—and trust me, that makes life so much easier.
5. You Want Your Website in 6-12 Months… Maybe
If waiting forever for your website sounds appealing, AWD is not the right fit.
While big agencies might take months to even get your project off the ground, I work quickly and efficiently to deliver results.
Your project won’t sit in a queue behind 50 others. You’ll get prompt, personalized attention, and we’ll meet deadlines without all the delays and excuses.
6. You Don’t Want to Hear the Truth
Here’s the thing: if you want someone who’ll say “yes” to everything, even when it’s not in your best interest, that’s not me. I’ll be straight with you.
If I think a design choice or feature won’t work for your business, I’ll let you know and explain why. I believe in honesty, and I’ll always recommend what’s best for your site’s performance AND business goals—not just what sounds nice.
7. You Just Want a Website, Not a Long-Term Solution
If you just need a quick, temporary fix, we’re probably not a good match. I build websites with the long game in mind.
Your website should grow with your business, adapt to changing needs, and perform like a pro well beyond launch day. If you want a sustainable, well-thought-out solution, then we’re speaking the same language.
8. You Like Hiring Multiple People for One Job
If you prefer juggling both a graphic designer and a web developer to complete your project, you won’t like working with AWD. I do both.
From creating your brand’s visual identity to building your website, I handle it all. No miscommunication between teams, no design inconsistencies—it’s all streamlined, so your website not only works great, it looks amazing, too.
Like what you’re reading? Don’t forget to check out “3 Misconceptions with Big Agencies You Didn’t Think About“, too!
9. You Love Being Confused by Tech Jargon
If you enjoy getting lost in tech talk, diving into the depths of search engine optimization and the ins and outs of your content management system, we might not be a great match.
I pride myself on breaking things down so you know exactly what’s happening. I speak human, not “developer”. My goal is for you to feel informed and confident about the choices we make for your website.
10. You Want to Work with a Big, Impersonal Agency
If you prefer being a number in the queue of a large web design firm, I’m not the designer for you.
When you work with me, you get personalized attention, web design services that make sense for your unique needs, and the understanding of someone who runs a small business just like you.
Here, you won’t be overlooked or get stuck waiting while bigger clients get priority.
11. You Want the Cheapest Option
If you’re looking for the lowest price out there, you probably won’t want to work with me. I’m not the cheapest web designer in town, and that’s intentional.
I invest time and effort into creating custom designs that reflect your brand and drive real results. Quality comes with a price, and I work with businesses who understand that investment.
12. You Don’t Want a Collaborative Process
Most web designers require at least some level of involvement from you—some more than others. If you want to just “set it and forget it”, I’m probably not for you.
While I won’t be blasting your inbox with emails, I will be keeping you in the loop and checking-in to make sure you’re happy with how things are going.
By getting your feedback, I can make sure the site truly reflects your vision and aligns with your goals. If you’d rather not be involved, we might not be the best fit.
Think You’d Like to Work with a Website Designer Like Me After All?
Hiring a web designer is a big deal, and there are tons of freelance web designers and local web designers out there to choose from. But if you’re tired of being shuffled through the system, waiting months at a time, or getting designs that don’t really reflect your business, then maybe we should talk.
If you’re after a website that’s thoughtfully designed and built with your specific goals in mind, then we’re speaking the same language.I’ll work closely with you to make sure the final product is something you’re proud of. So, if you’re ready for a custom, collaborative approach, let’s make it happen.
