Your design ideas suck: how your ego is ruining your business

Would you hire a Michelin-starred chef and then insist on them microwaving the dinner? No? Then why in the world would you hire a designer and then tell them how the website should look.

Let's face it, business owners can be a stubborn bunch. You've poured your blood, sweat, and probably a few tears into your company. Naturally, you want to be involved in every aspect, including the design. But here's the cold, hard truth: you're not a designer. And that's okay. What's not okay is thinking you know better than the expert you hired to make your business look like a million pounds.

Designers are professionals. You didn't just hire them to doodle pretty pictures; you hired them for their expertise, their eye for detail, and their ability to make your business shine. So why, would you let all that valuable knowledge go to waste? Let's dive into why you should step back and let your designer do what they do best—making your business more successful and profitable. Let's get something straight: designers aren't just people who play with colours and fonts all day. They're the unsung heroes who can take your chaotic vision and turn it into something cohesive, attractive, and profitable. They’ve spent years mastering their craft, understanding what works and what doesn’t, backed up by statistics and evidence, and keeping up with the latest trends so you don’t have to.

Designers Have the Experience

You wouldn’t tell a mechanic how to fix your car unless you want to end up stranded on the side of the road. So why would you tell a designer how to layout the page? They’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. They know the pitfalls, the trends, and the tricks of the trade. Trust their judgement. After all, you’re paying them for it. And for the love of all things holy, stop insisting on making the logo bigger. Newsflash: No one is visiting your site to marvel at the size of your logo. They care about what you can actually offer them. Your designer knows how to balance your brand's presence with what truly matters to your audience, so let them do their job without your logo size adjustments.

You’re Paying for Their Expertise

Imagine hiring a lawyer and then insisting you represent yourself in court. Ridiculous, right? Well, the same goes for design. When you hired a designer, you invested in their expertise. They know how to make your brand stand out, how to communicate your message effectively, and how to convert visitors into customers. Ignoring their advice is like flushing money down the toilet.

Your Brand’s Visual Identity Matters

And while size doesn’t always matter, your brand’s visual identity is the first impression you make on potential customers. It’s what sets you apart from the competition. A well-designed logo, website, and marketing materials can make the difference between a customer choosing you or your competitor. Do you really want to risk that first impression by playing art director without any real art direction skills?

Designers Know Your Audience

A good designer doesn’t just design for the sake of design. They design with your audience in mind. They know how to attract your target market and keep them engaged. They understand the psychology of colour, the importance of typography, and the necessity of a cohesive brand image. In short, they know how to get results. And let’s be real here: your website isn’t for you. It’s for your audience. Stop designing for yourself and let the designer create something that actually appeals to your customers.

Designers don’t want to work for you, they want to work with you.

A good designer isn’t just looking for a pay-check; they’re looking for a partnership. They want clients who provide detailed information about their business, industry, and target audience. The more they understand about your expertise and goals, the better they can tailor their designs to meet your needs. Designers thrive on clear, insightful information that helps them create something that resonates with your audience. So, instead of dictating every pixel, focus on sharing your vision, your market insights, and your business objectives. This collaboration will result in a design that not only looks good but works effectively for your business.

Designers want you to ask questions.

Now, let’s be clear: you absolutely have the right to ask questions about the design process. In fact, a good designer welcomes it. If you’re curious about why something is designed a certain way or why a particular colour was chosen, just ask. A competent designer will always have a reason for their choices, grounded in research, best practices, and experience. They should be able to explain how their decisions will benefit your business and appeal to your target audience. This dialogue not only clarifies the design but also builds trust and ensures that you’re both on the same page.

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In summary, you wouldn't micromanage a mechanic, a chef, or a lawyer because you respect their expertise. Designers deserve the same respect. They bring experience, knowledge, and a deep understanding of your audience to the table. Letting them do their job without unnecessary interference will only benefit your business.

Sure, most designers will begrudgingly make your logo the size of a small planet if you insist—after all, you are still footing the bill. But just because they will, doesn't mean they should. Remember, you hired them for their expertise, not their willingness to bend to every whim. So, while they might follow your orders with a forced smile, deep down, they know—and now you do too—that letting them do their job properly is what will truly make your business shine.

Alright, alright, you get it—this blog might be a bit hyperbolic. We know most business owners do appreciate the value of a good designer. This tongue-in-cheek rant is just here to hammer home a point about the industry: design isn’t just subjective art. When it comes to web design, UI, and UX, it’s about what’s effective, backed by statistics, evidence, and years of experience. So next time, remember: it's not about your personal preference, but about what actually works for your audience and your business. Trust the experts to help you succeed.

Have you ever ignored your designer’s advice and regretted it? Or maybe you’ve got a success story where letting the designer take the reins made all the difference? Share your experiences in the comments below! Need more advice on how to get the best out of your designer? Get in touch!