Why hire a web designer: 10 reasons to outsource

If you’re wondering why hire a web designer instead of DIYing your site, you’re not alone. Many small business owners aren’t sure the best route to take here. You want a site that feels like you, supports your goals, and brings in clients — but you’re not sure if you should invest or keep piecing things together yourself.

No need to go at this alone though. As a web designer for women service providers and creator-led brands, I know just how important the right design is for standing out and impressing your website visitors.

Over 90% of first impressions about a website are design-related, which is one reason hiring a professional can make a real difference. Below, I’ll walk you through why hiring a website designer can be worth it. You’ll learn the actual benefits, what the experience looks like, and where to find a website designer who fits your goals and budget.

Expert support

When you hire a web designer, you have someone in your corner who knows what works and what doesn’t. Much better than going at it alone, am I right?

This support goes beyond design. It brings clarity, direction, and guidance through decisions that can feel overwhelming — like how to guide visitors to take action and how to optimize for SEO so your people can find you on Google.

An expert designer sees the gaps, simplifies choices, and builds a site that supports your goals. This lets you hand off the heavy lifting while still keeping your voice and vision front and center.

SEO-friendly

Search visibility is key to website marketing because your target audience should be able to find you with ease. Website designers who understand basic SEO and how design choices affect rankings know how to structure pages, use headings, and support your copy to set your site up for long-term success.

When you choose a website designer, you can ask about their SEO knowledge and how they optimize a site. This support often looks like:

• SEO-friendly page structure
• Clear navigation
• Text that’s easy to read
• Accessible color contrast

Time & cost efficient

If you’re working with a small budget, DIY might seem like the best option, which is totally understandable. But it often costs more in the long run because you spend hours researching, tweaking, and second-guessing every detail.

When you hire a web designer, you save time, avoid the trial-and-error loop, and speed up your website launch. Instead of getting wrapped up in DIYing it, you can stay focused on your work while your designer builds a site that moves your business forward.

Custom design

A custom design supports your goals, style, and message more than a template can. Customization can help really reflect who you are, what you do, and how you’re different from the business next door. It perfectly fits your brand instead of forcing your brand to fit a template.

Custom design can include:

• Layouts created for your specific audience and goals
• Colors, fonts, and visuals unique to your brand
• Personalized features to improve your website experience
• Strategic sections built around your offers, process, or client journey

Effective user experience

Almost 90% of consumers won’t return to a website after a bad experience. A professional designer can help make sure your UX is on point.

An effective user experience means visitors can move through your site with ease. They know where to click, what to read next, and how to take the next step. Nothing feels confusing or cluttered.

A solid UX usually includes:

• Clear navigation that makes sense at a glance
• Simple layouts that make the next step clear
• Buttons and links placed where visitors expect them
• Text that’s easy to read and scan
• Mobile-friendly design that works on every screen

Conversion-focused design

This is where design meets strategy. Conversion-focused design motivates visitors to take action, whether that’s to inquire, buy, or join your email list. 

An effective conversion-focused design isn’t pushy. It’s about making your message clear and your offer the obvious choice. 

As a designer, I build each site with conversions in mind. For example, I would make sure your homepage has a strong hero section that tells your ideal clients or customers who you are, what you do, and why they should care. 

Unique to your brand

DIY often means using a template that thousands of other businesses also use. And your business deserves better than a copy-paste brand. When you hire a designer, you get a site uniquely created for your business.

Custom details help you stand out and feel confident in how you show up online. It also helps your audience recognize your brand the second they land on your site.

A creative partner

You’re not just outsourcing your work when you hire the right website designer. You’re teaming up with a creative partner who sees your vision, gets your ideas, and brings everything together in a way that feels right. This type of relationship is a top priority when I work with clients.

DIY can feel lonely, but a team effort offers support, creativity, and someone who can turn your ideas into something you’re incredibly proud of. 

Guided website training

Not every designer offers training, but working with one who does makes running your site so much easier. After your site is complete, I meet with clients for a live training so you’re ready to manage your site on your own. You learn how to update pages, add content, and make small changes as needed.

From there, you have the clarity and freedom to keep things running without relying on someone else.

Ongoing support if needed

The relationship doesn’t end at launch. When you hire a web designer, you have a professional to come back to. Whether you want to update your site, refresh a page, or rebrand later, you don’t have to start over with someone new.

Having support from someone who already knows your brand can save time and keep things consistent. 

How to find a website designer

When you’re ready to hire a web designer, here are a few places to find the perfect match:

• Referrals - Ask friends, peers, or people in your network who they’ve worked with. Referrals help you find designers with proven experience and happy clients.
• Google search - Search for designers in your niche. Look for someone whose own website is clear, easy to move through, and well-designed.
• Design platforms - Sites like Dribbble and Behance let you browse different styles and portfolios. Many designers link their sites there.
• Social media - Instagram and Threads can be helpful for finding a designer, especially if you want to see their personality, process, and real client work.

And if you want to skip the search, let’s get this party started! Reach out to inquire about working together and see how we can bring your website vision to life.

Why hire a web designer: FAQs

Explore answers to common questions to learn more about hiring a website designer.

Why hire a designer?

It can be a good idea to hire a website designer because they bring clarity, strategy, and custom support to your project. You get a site built for your goals, not a quick template that leaves you to figure it out on your own.

Is it better to hire a freelancer or agency?

Both hiring a freelancer or an agency have benefits and drawbacks. Freelancers offer a personal, hands-on experience and close collaboration. Agencies can bring larger teams and faster turnarounds.

If you want a more personal process with a professional who gets to know you and your brand well, a freelance web designer is a great option. If you need a bigger team or a more corporate setup, an agency might be a better fit.

What is the average cost to hire a web designer?

The cost to hire a web designer can range from several hundred dollars to over $10,000. Prices depend on the number of pages, your designer’s experience, and the features you need. Simple redesign costs are also less than a custom design for a fully polished site. Many designers, including Zig Zag Creative, offer options to meet you where you are.

Why hire a web designer: Conclusion

Hiring a website designer can save time, support your goals, and help you launch your website with confidence. You get a custom site, a clear process, and a creative partner who’s just as excited about your brand as you are.

If you’re ready for a site that helps you stand out and get chosen, I’d love to work with you. Fill out a project inquiry form to learn more about my conversion-led web design support for service providers and e-comm brands.

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