Freelance Web Designers 101
There are many reasons to hire a freelance web designer. Perhaps you need a website for your business but don’t have the time or resources to design it yourself. Maybe you’re not happy with the quality of work produced by your current web designer. Or maybe you just need a one-time project designed and don’t want to commit to hiring a full-time staff member.
Agencies vs. Freelancers
Design agencies typically charge much higher rates than individuals, and you won’t have to pay for employee benefits or overhead costs. Agencies also tend to require long-term contracts, which can be costly if you only need website support to get you up and running.
Freelancers are much more flexible and can often work within your budget. They also aren’t bound by long-term contracts, so you can hire them for shorter periods of time as needed.
Quality of Work
Another benefit of hiring a freelance web designer is the quality of work you’ll receive. When you hire an agency, you’re often working with a team of designers, which can lead to inconsistency in the design of your website.
Freelancers are typically more invested in their work and will take the time to get to know your business and brand. This results in a higher quality, more cohesive design (typically). Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of design agencies out there are do a top-notch job but you will certainly pay a premium.
Having worked for some of these agencies behind-the-scenes I can tell you that there are times when an agency will outsource the design and build of your site to a freelancer while maintaining your contracts and communication. Why’s this?
Overhead costs and making the most profit per client. These agencies have a high overhead because they need to maintain their office space, equipment, employee benefits and more. They will also want to make the most profit per client so they can keep their doors open and lights on.
While it’s not always the case, know that when you’re dealing with an agency there’s a good chance that a good chunk of your budget is going towards things other than the design and build of your website.
One-time Project vs. Full-time Staff Member
Freelancers are perfect for short-term projects or when you need someone with specific skills for a limited amount of time. If your business is seasonal or you only have a small budget, hiring a freelance web designer is a great way to get the most out of your money.
How Much Does a Freelance Web Designer Charge?
How much does a freelance web designer charge? This is a question that’s often difficult to answer, as rates can vary greatly depending on the designer’s experience and skillset.
Generally, freelancers charge anywhere from $25 to $200 per hour, though some may charge more or less depending on the project. It’s important to get an estimate from the designer before starting work to avoid any surprises down the road. Often times a designer and developer will be able to give you a time-estimate (typically in stages) for drafts, designs and more.
Some of the variables that will take up more time when designing a site are:
- Complexity of the website
- Number of pages and amount of content
- Custom graphics or animations needed
- Branding and style guidelines to follow
How To Find a Local Web Designer
There are a few ways to find a local web designer. One option is to search online freelancing platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or PeoplePerHour. You can also search for designers on social media sites like LinkedIn or Twitter. Finally, you can ask for referrals from friends or business associates who have used a web designer in the past.
When searching for a web designer, it’s important to look at their portfolio or their own personal site to get a sense of their design style and skills. Not every designer is going to have your style in mind but once you do get started working with a freelancer one of the common questions they will ask is what other sites and styles do you like. This helps them understand what you are looking for and speeds up the design process.
In Conclusion
To sum it up, there are many advantages to hiring a freelance web designer over a traditional design agency or full-time staff member. You’ll save money, receive agency-quality work, and have more flexibility in terms of project length and scope.
