A custom website is invaluable for any modern business, but prohibitively expensive designers deter many small business owners from commissioning one. The key is finding reputable web design professionals who can work within limited budgets.
Follow this guide to identifying and vetting affordable, skilled website designers:
Focus Your Search on Design/Development Firms
While single freelancers advertise tantalizingly cheap rates, the level of service is often inconsistent. For greater reliability and accountability, shortlist established web design agencies willing to work within small business budgets.
Audit Portfolios and Client Examples Extensively
Evaluate several examples of a firm's live client work that is similar in scope and budget to your project. Scrutinize designs closely for visual polish, customization, and strong UX. Don't be swayed by quantity over quality.
Ask for Referrals and Testimonials
A reputable cheap web designer should have ample positive references from satisfied clients. Some agencies prominently display testimonials on their website. But also request 2-3 contacts you can reach out to directly to inquire about their experience.
Interview Designers Thoroughly
Have an in-depth discussion with the agency owner or lead designer to assess technical expertise and communication skills. Ensure they ask probing questions and avoid overpromising. Clarify the project timeline, milestones, budget breakdown, and revisions policy.
Review Previous Billing and Timelines
Ask a cheap website designer for examples of actual past budgets, billable hours, and timelines across a few sample projects. Compare their initial quotes versus final amounts to ensure accuracy and transparency. Lack of documentation is a red flag.
Establish a Detailed Project Brief
Create a comprehensive creative brief detailing your website goals, target users, must-have features, and content strategy. Test how receptive the web designers are to your needs versus pushing their own agenda. Aligning vision is crucial.
Put Service Guarantees in Writing
Before contracting any cheap website designer, formalize service and timeline guarantees, future maintenance and upgrades, as well as budget/invoicing expectations in a written agreement. This holds both parties accountable.
Searching for a cheap web design expert with strong credentials requires diligence and scrutiny, but pays dividends in ending up with a polished website that exceeds expectations without overspending. Never take portfolios or claims at face value without vetting designers thoroughly first.
