How to Outsource Web Design: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for Product Founders

Today, having a strong online presence is crucial for the success of any business. A well-designed website not only serves as a powerful marketing tool but also establishes credibility and helps convert visitors into customers. However, not every company has the resources or expertise to create and maintain an exceptional website in-house. This is where outsourcing web design comes into play. In this article, we will explore the key advantages of outsourcing web design, how it can unlock business success, and how to outsource web design

What Is Web Design?

 

The term “website design” refers to the overall appearance and functionality of a website. It encompasses various design elements such as user experience, navigation, and the impact of design on visitor behavior. For instance, if your goal is to encourage visitors to make purchases, incorporating an e-commerce component becomes crucial. Similarly, if you aim to generate leads through an email course, the design of your landing page plays a significant role. In such cases, hiring a professional designer is advisable, as they can create an enticing landing page that effectively guides potential customers into your business’s sales funnel.

Web designers employ a wide array of tools and technological solutions to develop websites. Prominent design programs like Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and InVision are commonly used. Additionally, coding languages like HTML and CSS (Cascading Style Sheets) are utilized to write the necessary code. There are even free landing page builders available that can assist you in assembling a compelling landing page. Competent designers maintain close communication with their clients throughout the design process to ensure they deliver the desired outcome and meet their customers’ expectations.

What Does A Web Designer Do?

A web designer is responsible for the creation and layout of websites. Their main objective is to design websites that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and effectively communicate the desired message or purpose. Here are some specific tasks and responsibilities typically performed by web designers:

Gathering requirements

Web designers work closely with clients to understand their goals, target audience, and specific requirements for the website. They may conduct meetings or interviews to gather information and clarify expectations.

Planning and conceptualizing

Based on the client’s requirements, web designers develop a plan and concept for the website. This includes creating a site structure, and wireframes, and defining the overall design direction.

Designing the visual elements

Web designers are responsible for designing the visual elements of the website, including the layout, color scheme, typography, and graphics. They use design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Sketch, or Figma to create mockups and prototypes.

User experience (UX) design

Web designers focus on creating a positive user experience by ensuring that the website is easy to navigate, intuitive, and user-friendly. They consider factors such as information architecture, interaction design, and usability testing to optimize the user’s journey on the website.

Front-end development

While web designers primarily focus on the visual aspects of a website, many are proficient in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to some extent. This allows them to translate their design concepts into functional web pages, working closely with web developers to ensure the design is implemented accurately.

Collaboration with web developers

Web designers often collaborate with web developers during the implementation phase. They provide design assets, guidelines, and feedback to ensure the website is developed according to the intended design.

Responsive design

With the increasing use of mobile devices, web designers need to create websites that are responsive and adaptable to different screen sizes. They ensure that the design elements and layout adjust effectively across various devices and resolutions.

Testing and feedback

Web designers conduct testing and gather feedback on the website’s design and functionality. They may conduct usability testing, gather input from clients and users, and make necessary adjustments or improvements to enhance the website’s performance.

Keeping up with industry trends

Web designers stay updated with the latest design trends, tools, and technologies. They continuously expand their skills and knowledge to deliver modern and innovative website designs.

Overall, a web designer combines creativity, technical skills, and an understanding of user behavior to create visually appealing and functional websites that meet the goals and requirements of their clients.

Some Quick Benefits of Outsource Web Design

Outsource web design work can offer several benefits for businesses. Here are some quick benefits of outsourcing web design:

Cost savings

Outsourcing web design work can be cost-effective for businesses, especially compared to hiring an in-house design team. Outsourcing eliminates the need for additional overhead costs such as salaries, benefits, office space, and equipment. It allows businesses to access highly skilled web designers at a fraction of the cost.

Access to expertise

Outsourcing gives businesses access to a pool of talented web designers with specialized skills and experience. Outsourcing companies often have a team of experts who stay updated with the latest design trends and technologies. This expertise can result in high-quality designs and innovative solutions for the website.

Time efficiency

Web design projects require time and effort. Outsourcing enables businesses to save time by delegating design work to professionals. This allows the business to focus on its core activities and strategic initiatives, while the outsourcing company handles the design process efficiently.

Flexibility and scalability

Outsourcing web design work provides businesses with flexibility and scalability. They can easily adjust the scope of work based on their requirements, whether it’s designing a single landing page or developing an entire website. Outsourcing allows businesses to scale their design resources up or down as needed, accommodating changes in project demands.

Faster turnaround time

Outsourcing companies often have dedicated design teams, which means they can complete web design projects more quickly compared to an in-house team that might have multiple responsibilities. With quicker turnaround times, businesses can launch their websites or updates faster, ensuring a competitive edge in the market.

Access to the latest tools and technologies

Web design outsourcing companies invest in state-of-the-art design tools and technologies. By outsourcing, businesses can leverage these resources without having to make significant investments themselves. This ensures access to the latest design software, testing tools, and technologies to create modern and visually appealing websites.

Quality assurance

Reputable outsourcing companies have established quality assurance processes in place. They thoroughly test the designs and ensure they meet industry standards, user expectations, and client requirements. This helps to deliver high-quality web designs that are functional, user-friendly, and visually appealing.

Ongoing support and maintenance

Many outsourcing companies offer ongoing support and maintenance services for websites. This means that after the design is complete, businesses can rely on the outsourcing company to handle updates, bug fixes, and website maintenance, providing peace of mind and reducing the burden on internal resources.

It’s important to note that while outsourcing web design work offers numerous benefits, businesses should carefully select a reputable and reliable outsourcing partner to ensure a successful collaboration and achieve desired results.

Why Should You Outsource Web Design?

Consider the scenario where you need to outsource web design or your internal staff is not performing their jobs effectively. In such cases, it is crucial to reassess your plan and explore how outsourcing can benefit you, particularly in the realm of web design. Let’s delve into the reasons why opting for outsourcing in web design can be advantageous.

The Significance of Design The perception of digital assets heavily relies on users’ personal preferences. Consequently, assessments of concepts like “good design” and “poor design” are primarily based on user responses. Extensive research has unveiled intriguing trends in the ways users evaluate designs.

Statistics to Consider

• 75% of people judge a company’s credibility based solely on its visual design. If a website’s design appears outdated, users are more likely to question the relevance of the company’s products or services. While this may seem significant, the lifespan of a website typically ranges between 1.5 and 2.5 years, according to Business 2 Community, necessitating periodic reassessment.
• First impressions directly linked to design account for 94% of user responses. In a study conducted by the ACM, 94% of the feedback received pertained to design aspects such as layout, navigation issues, color choices, pop-ups, excessive text, and poor search tools. Only 6% of the comments focused on the actual content of the website. Although the study targeted healthcare industry users, the findings are applicable across other industries as well.
• Visitors take merely 0.05 seconds to form an initial opinion about a website’s design. Within this incredibly brief interval, visitors lack the time to read or interact with any specific content. Their impression is solely based on the visual design.
• Yes, consumers do prefer websites with appealing designs. In fact, 38% of visitors would abandon a site if they find the layout and content unattractive. It is not solely about visual aesthetics but also the quality of the content presented, including loading speed, page structure, symmetry, color and font harmony, white balance, and more. If any aspect of the design displeases visitors, they are unlikely to explore beyond the homepage, rendering the website inaccessible to them.
• Prior to making a purchase, 85% of business-to-business clients conduct online research. The overall design and impression of your website significantly influence people’s initial perception of your business.

How To Outsource Web Design

When outsourcing web design, it’s essential to follow a systematic approach to ensure a successful collaboration. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to outsource web design effectively:

Define your requirements

Clearly outline your goals, objectives, and specific requirements for the web design project. Determine the scope of work, desired functionalities, target audience, and any design preferences or branding guidelines.

Research and shortlist outsourcing companies

Conduct thorough research to identify reputable outsourcing companies that specialize in web design. Consider their experience, portfolio, client reviews, expertise in relevant technologies, and the range of services they offer. Create a shortlist of potential partners.

Request proposals and quotes

Reach out to the shortlisted companies and request detailed proposals and quotes based on your project requirements. Provide them with necessary information such as project specifications, timeline, and budget.

Evaluate portfolios and references

Review the portfolios of the outsourcing companies to assess the quality and diversity of their previous web design projects. Additionally, ask for client references or testimonials to gain insights into their professionalism, communication, and ability to deliver satisfactory results.

Conduct interviews or meetings

Arrange interviews or meetings with the top contenders from your shortlist. This allows you to directly interact with their team, discuss your project in detail, and assess their understanding of your requirements. It also helps evaluate their communication skills, responsiveness, and compatibility with your business.

Evaluate expertise and technical capabilities

Assess the outsourcing company’s expertise in web design, including their proficiency in relevant design tools, coding languages, and responsive design. Ensure they can deliver a website that aligns with modern design standards and is compatible with different devices and browsers.

Communication and project management

Establish effective communication channels and determine how the outsourcing company will keep you informed about the progress of the project. Discuss the project management methodologies they employ, project milestones, and reporting frequency to ensure transparency and timely updates.

Legal considerations

Review and finalize the legal aspects of the outsourcing agreement, including contracts, non-disclosure agreements, intellectual property rights, and confidentiality clauses. Consult with legal professionals if necessary to ensure a secure and legally sound partnership.

Start with a small project or prototype

Consider starting with a smaller project or creating a prototype to evaluate the outsourcing company’s capabilities and compatibility. This minimizes risks and allows you to gauge their design skills, adherence to deadlines, and overall work quality before committing to a larger project.

Collaboration and feedback

Maintain open and regular communication with the outsourcing company throughout the design process. Provide constructive feedback and clarify any concerns promptly. Actively participate in the design review and iteration phases to ensure the final result aligns with your vision.

Testing and launch

Collaborate with the outsourcing company to conduct thorough testing of the website for functionality, responsiveness, and usability. Address any issues or bugs identified during testing. Once satisfied, work with them to launch the website and ensure a smooth transition.

Ongoing support and maintenance

Discuss post-launch support and maintenance options with the outsourcing company. Determine how they will handle updates, bug fixes, and future enhancements. Clarify the terms, timelines, and associated costs for ongoing support services.

Remember to establish clear communication, set expectations, and maintain a collaborative relationship with the outsourcing company to ensure a successful and satisfactory web design outsourcing experience.

Conclusion

Outsourcing web design is a highly advantageous option for businesses, irrespective of their size. Hiring an in-house designer may not be cost-effective, considering the limited ongoing work involved after the website is built. Therefore, outsourcing web design not only saves money but also ensures efficient resource allocation.

If you’re uncertain about your next steps, feel free to reach out to us. We – ONEXT DIGITAL– are a team of experienced professionals who can assess your website and provide the services you require.