Discover the Benefits of Working with a Freelance Web Designer in Stroud, Gloucestershire and beyond…
Keen on hiring the right professional web designer? Don’t just settle for an expensive web design agency.
The benefits of hiring a freelancer include cost-effectiveness, customisation, flexibility, and faster turnaround times.
One thing is for sure, businesses benefit from effective web design:
75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility by its website, according to a Stanford University study.
53% of pages are abandoned if they take more than three seconds to load according to Google’s research.
70% of consumers say page speed influences their willingness to buy online according to Unbounce.
Freelancers work outside of full-time employment for different clients. This article covers the main benefits of hiring a freelancer and points you may want to consider during your selection process.
But first, let’s look at common client concerns and my counterarguments.
Table of Contents
Possible Client Concerns When Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
Some concerns a potential client may have when considering hiring a freelance web designer to create their new website:
Concerns About Reliability
Clients may worry about the reliability of freelance web designers, fearing they might disappear mid-project or fail to meet deadlines.
Counterargument: Freelancers understand the importance of professionalism and meeting deadlines. They rely on their reputation and client testimonials to build their business, so they have a vested interest in delivering quality work on time. If you are concerned about deadlines set clear expectations and include clauses in your contracts to ensure deadlines are met. You can also request progress updates and payment milestones to monitor the progress of your project.
Concerns About Availability
Clients may be concerned that freelance web designers may not be available when needed, especially if they are working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Counterargument: While freelancers may work on multiple projects, they are also skilled at managing their time effectively. They understand the importance of communication and will set clear expectations regarding their availability and response times. If you are concerned set up a contract that outlines their duties and your expectations.
Concerns About Expertise
Some clients may believe that freelance web designers lack the expertise and knowledge of larger web design agencies.
Counterargument: Freelancers often have extensive experience and expertise in their field. They can provide a personalised approach to web design, tailored to the specific needs of the client. They offer a wide range of skills and knowledge at a competitive price.
Concerns About Limited Resources
Clients may worry that freelance web designers lack the resources and tools available to larger agencies. This includes access to specialised software or a team of professionals.
Counterargument: Freelancers are resourceful and adaptable. They leverage their skills and experience to find creative solutions to client needs. Additionally, many designers have access to the same tools and software as larger agencies, ensuring high-quality work.
Concerns About Accountability
Clients may be concerned about the lack of accountability when working with a freelance web designer. They fear that there may not be a clear point of contact or that issues may not be addressed promptly.
Counterargument: Freelancers generally understand the importance of accountability. They maintain open lines of communication, providing clients with regular updates on project progress. If you are concerned about accountability again agree on a set of milestones and clear expectations between you and the freelancer. Put this in a contract to ensure they will stay on track and meet expected deadlines.
Concerns About Security and Confidentiality
Clients may worry about the security and confidentiality of their data when working with a freelance web designer, especially if sensitive information is involved.
Counterargument: Freelancers take data security and confidentiality seriously. They can sign non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to protect client information and implement security measures to safeguard data throughout the project. Ask your freelancer about signing non-disclosure agreements, GDPR, and password-protecting information.
Concerns About Long-term Support
Clients may be concerned about the lack of long-term support from a freelance web designer, fearing that they may not be available for future updates or maintenance.
Counterargument: Freelancers often build long-term relationships with their clients. They offer ongoing support and maintenance services after the project is completed, ensuring that the website remains up-to-date and functional.
Concerns About Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Knowledge
Clients may be concerned that a freelance web designer has a lack of SEO knowledge. After all, no one person can know everything. The last thing you want is for your new business website to fail due to poor SEO and a lack lustre online presence.
Counterargument: Freelancers are just as likely not to know SEO as any agency or company. No matter what they put on their website, SEO knowledge is sadly lacking in the web design industry. I often note serious SEO issues on the websites of professional web designers and companies who purport to do SEO for their clients.
If you are concerned about your designer’s lack of SEO knowledge, consider hiring an expert to assist you with your SEO needs. A freelance SEO consultant should provide you with the right advice. Working alongside your designer they can also help you create SEO-friendly content and ensure that your website is SEO ready.
Benefits of Hiring a Freelance Web Designer
Hiring a freelance web designer offers numerous benefits to small businesses, including cost-effectiveness, customisation, flexibility, and faster turnaround times.
1. Cheaper than a Web Design Agency
Freelancers have lower overhead costs compared to web design agencies, allowing them to offer their services at a more affordable rate. A freelancer can scale up, down or cease involvement with your site entirely depending on your needs and those of your business.
2. Better Budgeting and Cost Control
The traditional web design company is more interested in large projects. Smaller projects are simply not worth their time. A freelance web designer, on the other hand, values projects of all sizes and can offer bespoke services for each client. A skilled freelancer will help you manage the project costs, suggesting ways to cut costs.
3. Cost-Effective Maintenance
After the initial website design, you may require ongoing maintenance and updates. Freelancers generally offer more cost-effective maintenance packages than agencies.
4. Cheaper than a Full Time Member of Staff
Having a full-time employee can be expensive and inflexible, especially in web design, where taking on full-time staff can’t normally be justified by updating the site alone. On the other hand, a freelancer can scale down their involvement with your site or stop completely.
5. Offering Customised Solutions
Freelancers often specialise in specific niches or industries, making them experts in their field. Natural problem solvers and freelancers are more likely to suggest creative, cheaper solutions to solve your problems.
6. Facilitating Direct Communication
When you hire a freelance web designer, you have direct communication with the person working on your project. Not an account handler who knows little about design. This ensures your feedback and ideas are accurately conveyed and implemented.
7. Greater Flexibility and Availability
Freelancers offer a level of flexibility that is often hard to find with design agencies. They can adjust their working hours to accommodate your project’s timeline and requirements. This flexibility ensures that your project progresses smoothly and is completed on time.
8. Faster Turnaround Times
Freelancers can provide faster turnaround times compared to larger agencies. Since they work independently, they can dedicate more time and attention to your project, ensuring quicker results without compromising quality.
9. Access to Global Talent
The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with talented individuals from around the world. You can hire a professional web designer who best matches your project’s needs, regardless of their geographic location.
10. Project Ownership
Some web design companies keep back some aspects of project ownership. Freelancers are more likely to grant you full ownership of the project once it’s completed. This means you have complete control over your website, its files, and any future modifications.
11. Variety of Skill Sets
Freelancers often possess a wide range of skills beyond just web design. They may have expertise in graphic design, SEO, content creation, and more. This variety allows you to find the perfect designer who matches your project’s specific requirements.
12. Freelancers Have to Be Good
Freelancers must deliver high-quality results to build their portfolios keep your business and secure future projects. After all, you pay their bills and put food on the table. As such they are more likely to treat you with respect, return your calls, notify you promptly if problems arise, keep in contact and deliver the project on time.