As a small business owner, having a strategically designed, well-thought-out brand and website can make all the difference in the clients you attract, the leads you convert, and the overall success of your business.
Think about the times you outsourced to a professional. Even if you haven’t yet, think about the times you’ve wanted to hire a small business owner. Chances are you scoped them out online first, and what you found likely played a part in who you chose to work with.
This can show you just how powerful a strong online presence can be. However, if you’re not a website designer and strategist, it can feel overwhelming about where to start. Even if you’re ready to hire a professional designer to level up your online presence (and business), it can still feel overwhelming because let’s be honest, it’s a big decision with a lot of factors to consider!
Having just undergone a major rebranding myself, I understand the hesitation and nervousness. But as a website designer and strategist, I have the inside scoop on the three most important things you need to know before taking the leap and hiring a professional designer for your business.
Factor 1: Hiring a professional website designer is an investment
We’re not going to pull any punches here and act like hiring a professional designer is cheap. However, instead of immediately getting intimidated by the price, one of the first things to remind yourself of is that a website designer isn’t just an expense, it’s an investment. You’re investing in your business and your brand — and when you put your money in the right spot, (AKA hiring a designer you vibe with), you should earn a return on that investment, and then some.
At Wolf & Willow, we approach website design with strategy because we believe your website should be more than just pretty. It should also sell your services by showcasing your work, speaking to your ideal clients, and consequently, earning you more money.
A good, professional designer is easily a 5-figure investment. And while that may seem scary — especially if you’re a new small business owner — understanding the value it can bring to your business can help you confidently move forward.
Pro-tip for newer business owners: Hiring a professional website designer and strategist isn’t necessary for you to start your business. In fact, I usually recommend new entrepreneurs start with a simple website before investing in a designer because you’re still figuring out who you love to serve and what your signature offerings will be. So, if you’re still in the early stages (or simply aren’t ready yet), you can start with a quality template from a reputable designer. A template will give you a solid starting point and can help eliminate some of the DIY frustration.
Factor 2: Hiring a website designer is a long-term commitment
It’s also worth remembering that hiring a professional website designer is a long-term commitment. Depending on the size and complexity of your project, it could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months to get your new brand and website up and running. Contrary to what many people believe, a professional and strategic website isn’t something you can whip together in just a few days. If you’re committed enough to invest in a professional website designer, understand that it is a process that can, but shouldn’t be rushed.
Consider this your warning and be sure to account for this while you’re planning your launch!
At Wolf and Willow, we always work from a place of genuine attentiveness and thoughtfulness when it comes to helping you bring your brand and website dreams to reality. We take pride in our work and want to see you earn your investment back many times over.
So when you decide you’re ready, understand that for the experience and result to work for you and your business, we owe it to you to take the time necessary to do it well.
Factor 3: You should be ready to trust your website designer
Remember, when you hire a professional designer, you’re trusting their purpose and expertise. We love to work with clients who are open-minded and ready to trust our team of experts to build a strategic and purposeful brand and website that works for their business. And this is no different from any other professional website designer!
The reality is, there’s so much more to building a cohesive brand and strategic website than a pretty color palette and logo. There must be a strategy in place that’s rooted in marketing, research, and understanding your audience and purpose. Knowing how to translate your brand into a purposeful website that represents who you are and who you serve comes from a place of strategy and understanding the journey of your target audience and how to lead them through it.
In the words of our beautiful brand design partner AK of Half Pint Design: “Your brand should have the ability to foster an authentic connection without uttering a single word and allow you to connect with your dream audience on a human level.”
This is what we do at Wolf & Willow. It’s our passion to elevate you and your business in a purposeful, meaningful way so that you reach that next level of business.
It’s hard to put your life’s work in someone else’s hands — we totally get that. And that is why finding your designer soulmate is so important. This isn’t to say your ideas are totally off limits. Any good designer will understand and value collaboration. But when you’re truly ready to take the leap and make such a big investment, remember to come into it with an open mind and willingness to trust the experts you’ve hired. That’s what will allow the magic to truly happen.
Are you ready to hire a professional designer? Still on the fence?
Send us an email or DM over on our Instagram! We’re always ready and willing to answer your questions and we’d love to chat if you think we might be a good fit for you!
