Hiring the Right Web Designer

Hiring a Web Designer in NZ? How to Communicate Effectively

Are you thinking of hiring a professional web designer? Sometimes, effectively getting your needs across can be the hardest part of the selection process. It’s often because website designers and developers don’t always speak the same technical language as people outside the industry.

If you are looking to invest in professional web development services, it’s really important that you know how to communicate your ideas and requirements clearly to your chosen web designer or developer. Let’s look at some great tips for doing just that!

Bridging the Gap: Talking to Your Web Designer

So, you’ve decided to engage the services of a professional for designing a website, and hopefully, you’ve spent a good amount of time and effort trying to select the best one for your needs. What’s next?

Now comes a crucial part – actually telling your website designer how you envision your website turning out, bringing your website design concept and ideas to life! Taking that “image” in your head and putting it into words can often be tricky and can become a major hurdle in achieving the desired results. It doesn’t matter how skilled your web developer is if you’re unable to fully get your message across.

Tips for Clearly Conveying Your Web Design Needs

At this stage, you might know the type of content you want but not how to present it, or perhaps you only have a rough layout concept in mind. Either way, you need to communicate these things effectively.

Translate Your Vision: From Idea to Brief

Organise your thoughts. What is the primary goal of the website? Who is your target audience? What key features are essential? Putting this into a clear document, often called a web design brief, is incredibly helpful. Resources like Asana’s creative brief guide can offer useful templates.

Focus on Purpose, Not Just Technical Details

It’s often best to give your web developer reasonable creative freedom based on the content and purpose you specify. Brief them thoroughly on the purpose of your website, your business goals, and the products or services you offer. This is usually more productive than trying to dictate specific technical details like exact colour schemes or vague features, unless you have very specific brand guidelines already in place.

Use Example Websites Effectively

If you know of existing websites (check out Rank’s client work for ideas, or browse galleries like Awwwards) that have features or a general feel you like, mention them to your web designer. Ask them to look at these examples, explaining *what specifically* you like about them. This gives them a clear idea of your preferences and ensures you’re both on the same page, often without getting bogged down in technical jargon. Providing a few relevant examples can save a lot of time and effort.

Listen to Your Designer’s Expertise

Remember, communication is a two-way street. You’ve got to listen to your web development expert as well (that’s us!). If there’s anything about the process or their suggestions you don’t understand, ask them to explain! Be open to their advice and expert opinions – after all, you’re paying for their expertise, and the reason you chose to bring them on board was likely because they have skills you don’t.

Provide Timely Feedback and Approvals

Make sure your web developer seeks your approval at key stages of the design process (this should be outlined in your project brief or contract). This ensures they are actually delivering what you need. If you dislike something about how the design is progressing, provide constructive feedback and request changes as soon as possible. Learning how to give effective feedback is helpful. Don’t wait until the eleventh hour, as last-minute changes can needlessly frustrate your designer and cause friction.

Better Communication, Better Web Design Results

Indeed, hiring a web designer can be a sometimes daunting process, but you’ll find it becomes much easier simply by knowing how to communicate your needs and expectations effectively right from the start! Good communication via channels listed on our contact page is key to a successful project.