How To Avoid 5 Common Mistakes When Hiring A Web Designer On LinkedIn

Choosing the right web designer is a critical decision for your business. After all, your website is often the first thing people see, and it plays a major role in shaping how they view your brand. A great website not only looks professional but also boosts your business, increases conversions, and provides a top-notch user experience.

But let’s be honest—finding the right web designer on LinkedIn can feel a bit like looking for a needle in a haystack. With so many designers out there, how can you be sure you’re choosing the right one for your business?

In this guide, I’ll walk you through 5 common mistakes people make when hiring a web designer on LinkedIn. Even better, I’ll give you practical tips on how to avoid these pitfalls, so you can make a confident decision. Let’s get started!

Mistake 1: Not Defining Clear Goals and Expectations

Why This Is a Mistake:

One of the biggest mistakes people make when hiring a web designer is not clearly defining their goals and expectations. Without a clear direction, the project can quickly go off track. This lack of clarity can lead to frustration, designs that miss the mark, and ultimately, wasted time and money.

How to Avoid It:

To ensure a successful project, you need to be clear about what you want. Start by asking yourself: What do I want my website to achieve? Whether it’s increasing sales, generating leads, or showcasing a portfolio, understanding your objectives will help you articulate your vision to the designer.

Clarify Your Objectives: Write down specific goals for the site, including design, functionality, and user experience.

Create a Brief: Provide a detailed project brief. The more information you provide about your needs, the better the designer can deliver the right solution.

Establish Open Communication: Share your business’s values, target audience, and any specific features you want to include on your website. A great designer will appreciate this level of detail.

Mistake 2: Focusing Only on Price

Why It’s a Mistake:

While price is undoubtedly important, focusing solely on it can lead to poor decisions. The cheapest designer may lack the experience and skills necessary to create a site that aligns with your goals. Conversely, a more expensive designer may offer greater value in the long run, ensuring a better return on investment.

How to Avoid It:

Rather than choosing the cheapest option, focus on the value the designer brings to the table. Web design is an investment that will impact your business’s success.

Value Over Cost: Don’t settle for the lowest bid. Look for a designer who demonstrates the skills and experience that match your vision.

Evaluate Long-Term ROI: Consider how a well-designed website can increase traffic, improve brand perception, and convert visitors into customers. In the end, the right designer will pay for themselves.

Set a Realistic Budget: While sticking to your budget is important, remember: quality often comes at a higher cost. Investing a little more in the right designer can pay off in the long term.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Past Work and Testimonials

Why It’s a Mistake:

Failing to review a designer’s past work and testimonials can lead to disappointing results. A designer may claim to have experience, but if their portfolio doesn’t align with your needs or their past clients have left negative reviews, you might be setting yourself up for failure.

How to Avoid It:

To avoid this mistake, thoroughly review a designer’s portfolio and feedback from previous clients. This will give you insight into their style, capabilities, and the overall quality of their work.

Review Portfolios Carefully: Ask for examples of websites they’ve created, especially those that reflect the type of design and functionality you’re looking for.

Read Testimonials: Take a look at their LinkedIn recommendations and feedback from past clients. Positive reviews can give you a good sense of their skills and work ethic.

Ask for References: If you're still unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for references. A trustworthy designer will gladly share contact details of past clients who can vouch for their work.

Mistake 4: Not Ensuring Strong Communication

Why This Is a Mistake:

Clear communication is key to any successful project. If the designer doesn’t fully understand what you need or isn’t quick to respond, it can lead to delays, confusion, and a final product that doesn’t hit the mark.

How to Avoid It:

To foster a positive working relationship, establish clear communication expectations early on.

Set Expectations for Communication: Decide how often you want to check in (via email, calls, or project management tools). Be clear about response times to ensure timely updates.

Set Up Regular Check-Ins: Regular meetings keep the project moving in the right direction. They give you a chance to raise any concerns, share feedback, and make adjustments as needed.

Create a Feedback Loop: Keep the conversation going and offer constructive feedback. A good designer will value your input, and building a strong partnership means both sides need to listen and adjust.

Mistake 5: Not Thinking About Long-Term Support

Why This Is a Mistake:

Once your website is live, the work isn’t finished. Skipping the planning for ongoing maintenance and support can lead to issues later on. Websites need regular updates to stay secure, functional, and fresh.

How to Avoid It:

Think ahead and make sure you’ve got support covered for the long haul. Have a chat with your designer about post-launch care before you make a decision.

Ask About Post-Launch Support: Check if they provide ongoing support after your site goes live. Whether it’s troubleshooting, updates, or future redesigns, this could save you time and hassle.

Consider Maintenance Contracts: Some designers offer maintenance packages that keep your site in tip-top shape. If that’s something you want, make sure it’s part of the plan and budget.

Make Sure They’re Available: Double-check that the designer can jump in when needed for quick fixes or updates. You’ll want someone reliable when things need tweaking after launch.

Conclusion

Hiring a web designer on LinkedIn doesn’t need to be overwhelming. By avoiding the mistakes we’ve covered—like setting clear goals, focusing on long-term value instead of a quick fix, reviewing past work, maintaining good communication, and planning for future support—you’ll be on track to create a website that truly captures your brand.

So, are you ready to find the designer who’s the perfect fit for your needs? If you found this helpful or have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. Let’s work together to bring your vision to life!