As many as 75% of people judge a company's credibility based solely on visual design.
Outsourcing web design to a whole team of expert graphic designers, UX designers and even SEO specialists is a clever move for many businesses, and it can save you a lot of headaches. By opting for web design services by Thin Slice Digital, you can ensure a seamless and efficient process that enhances your online presence.
Without the right approach, however, you will likely face missed deadlines, communication gaps, or even a dissatisfying final product. Most of all, it can lead to a huge waste of money.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps to outsource web design effectively. From defining your website’s purpose to setting a realistic budget and outlining necessary functionalities, we’ll show you how to make informed decisions and achieve your web design goals.
1. Identify Your Goals and Requirements
Performance Goals: Are you aiming to enhance site speed, improve user experience, or address specific UX/UI design issues? For instance, speeding up your website might be a priority, and require more suitable coding practices or more efficient hosting solutions.
Traffic Handling: If you operate an e-commerce site or expect a significant increase in traffic, ensure your design can scale effectively. This might involve integrating robust e-commerce functionalities or upgrading your site’s infrastructure to handle more visitors without performance issues.
Brand Alignment: Determine if you need a redesign to better reflect your brand’s identity. This could mean adopting a new visual style, updating logos and graphics, or ensuring that your website’s design aligns with your current marketing strategies. It could even boil down to responsive web design improvements.
Set Specific Functionalities
Booking Systems: If your business relies on reservations or appointments, specify the features you need. For example, detailed requirements for real-time availability, seamless booking processes, user-friendly interfaces, and secure payment options. Consider how this integration will work with your existing systems or platforms.
E-Commerce Capabilities: If you’re running an online store, list the essential e-commerce functionalities. This includes product pages, shopping carts, checkout systems, and inventory management. Make sure to address any specific needs like multi-currency support or integration with third-party payment processors.
Forms and Interactive Features: Identify the types of forms and interactive elements your website requires. Whether it’s contact forms, registration forms, or lead capture forms, specify their design and functionality needs. Think about how these forms will integrate with your CRM or email marketing tools.
Mobile Responsiveness: Ensure your website is designed to perform well on various devices. A responsive design will automatically adjust to different screen sizes, providing a smooth experience on both desktops and mobile devices.
SEO and Performance Optimization: Consider any SEO and performance enhancements you need. This could involve improving page load speeds, optimizing images, or ensuring your website is search-engine friendly.
By clearly defining your website’s purpose and outlining specific functionalities, you’ll set a strong foundation for the outsourcing process. This clarity will help you communicate your needs effectively to your design partner and ensure the final product aligns with your business goals.
Selecting and Collaborating with Your Outsourcing Partner
The foundation of a successful outsourcing project lies in choosing the right partner. Whether you opt for a freelancer, an agency, or a subscription-based service, your choice should be driven by a thorough evaluation process. Here’s how to approach it:
Portfolio Review and Expertise
Assess Relevant Experience: Start by examining the portfolios of potential partners. Look for experience in projects similar to yours, particularly in terms of industry and functionality. For example, if you require a booking system or e-commerce platform, ensure the agency has successfully implemented these features in the past.
Design Style Compatibility: Review the design aesthetics of their past projects to see if they align with your brand’s vision. An agency that specialises in minimalist design might not be the best fit if you’re looking for something bold and vibrant.
Read Client Testimonials and Reviews
Seek Verifiable Feedback: Look beyond the testimonials on their website. Seek out reviews on independent platforms or request references from previous clients. Speak directly with these references to gain insights into the agency’s reliability, communication, and ability to meet deadlines.
Case Studies: If available, review detailed case studies that outline the agency’s process and the outcomes they achieved for their clients. This will give you a better understanding of their problem-solving skills and their approach to complex projects.
Technical Proficiency and Innovation
Evaluate Technical Skills: Ensure the agency has the necessary technical expertise to handle your project’s specific requirements, such as responsive design, technical SEO optimisation, or booking system integration. Ask them to demonstrate their technical capabilities with relevant examples.
Innovation and Creativity: Look for an agency that brings fresh ideas to the table. Their approach should not only fulfil your requirements but also introduce innovative solutions that enhance user experience and drive engagement.
Budget Considerations
Align with Your Financial Capabilities: Your budget plays a significant role in determining which outsourcing partner is the best fit. Agencies and freelancers often vary widely in cost, so understanding your financial constraints is essential. Break down your budget into categories such as design, development, and any additional functionalities like booking systems. This approach allows you to see where your funds are being allocated and whether you need to make adjustments to your expectations.
Prepare for Flexibility: Keep in mind that unexpected needs can arise during the project. It’s wise to set aside a contingency fund within your budget to accommodate any additional features or revisions that might be necessary. This flexibility can save you from having to make difficult compromises later on.
Choosing the Right Outsourcing Model
Freelancers
Pros: Freelancers can be cost-effective and offer flexibility in terms of specialisation and availability. They’re ideal for smaller projects or when you need a specific skill set for a short period.
Cons: Managing freelancers can require more effort, particularly if your project is complex or requires collaboration among multiple team members. Availability can also be an issue, especially if they’re juggling multiple clients.
Web Design Agencies
Pros: Agencies offer a comprehensive range of services, from design and development to SEO and content creation. They typically have a structured process in place, which can lead to a smoother project experience.
Cons: Agencies can be more expensive than freelancers, and their internal processes might extend the project timeline. However, the added cost often comes with the benefit of a full team’s expertise.
Unlimited Design Services
Pros: These services offer ongoing design work for a flat monthly fee, which can be cost-effective if you anticipate needing frequent updates or continuous design support.
Cons: They might not be ideal for one-time projects or if you prefer a more personalised touch. Quality and turnaround times can vary depending on the service provider.
Graphic Design Subscriptions
Pros: If your needs are more specific to graphic design rather than full web development, subscriptions can provide regular graphic updates at a lower cost than hiring a full-time designer.
Cons: These services typically do not include web development, so you might still need to engage with a separate team for more complex projects.
Setting Clear Expectations and Managing the Project Cooperatively
Define the Project Scope and Deliverables
Create a Detailed Brief: Begin with a comprehensive project brief that clearly outlines your goals, required functionalities, design preferences, and any specific features like booking systems or e-commerce platforms. This brief will serve as the foundation for the entire project.
Set Milestones and Timelines: Break the project into manageable milestones with corresponding deadlines. This helps in tracking progress and ensures that the project stays on schedule. Be clear about what is expected at each stage, from initial design drafts to final testing and launch.
Effective Communication with the Project Manager
Appoint a Dedicated Project Manager: Ideally, your outsourcing partner will provide a dedicated project manager to oversee the project. This person should be your main point of contact, responsible for coordinating the team, addressing your queries, and ensuring that the project progresses smoothly.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent check-ins to review progress, provide feedback, and discuss any concerns. These meetings are crucial for keeping the project aligned with your vision and for making any necessary adjustments in real time.
Feedback Loops: Establish a clear process for providing feedback. Whether it’s through annotated designs, detailed emails, or collaborative tools like Trello or Asana, make sure your feedback is communicated clearly and is acted upon promptly.
Draft a Comprehensive Contract
Include Detailed Terms: Your contract should outline every aspect of the project, including scope, timelines, payment terms, revision policies, and intellectual property rights. A well-drafted contract protects both parties and minimises the risk of misunderstandings.
Define Revision Policies: Specify the number of revisions included in the project fee and outline the process for handling additional revisions. This helps prevent scope creep and ensures that both parties have a clear understanding of what is included in the project cost.
Monitor Progress and Quality Assurance
Regularly review the work in progress to ensure it meets your quality standards. This includes testing for functionality, design consistency, and user experience. Don’t wait until the final stages to address potential issues; early detection allows for easier corrections.
If problems arise, communicate them immediately to the project manager. Whether it’s a design element that doesn’t align with your vision or a technical glitch, addressing issues promptly will prevent delays and ensure the project stays on course.
Final Review and Approval of Deliverables
Thorough Testing: Before approving the final deliverables, conduct thorough testing. Check all functionalities, including forms, booking systems, and e-commerce features. Test the site on multiple devices and browsers to ensure a consistent user experience.
Gather Stakeholder Feedback: Share the final version with key stakeholders for their input. This collective feedback will help identify any last-minute changes or improvements that might be needed.
Approve or Request Final Revisions: If the project meets all your expectations, provide formal approval. If not, clearly communicate the necessary revisions and set a final deadline for completion.
Post-Launch Support and Continuous Improvement
Arrange for Ongoing Support: Discuss post-launch support options with your outsourcing partner. A maintenance plan should cover regular updates, bug fixes, and security checks to ensure your website remains functional and secure over time.
Monitor Performance: Use analytics tools to track the website’s performance post-launch. Monitor key metrics such as load times, user engagement, and conversion rates to identify areas for improvement. Regularly update the site to keep it aligned with your evolving business needs.
Plan for Future Enhancements: Consider the scalability of your website. As your business grows, you may need to add new features or redesign certain aspects of the site. Keep an open line of communication with your outsourcing partner to plan these enhancements proactively.
Final Words
Do you want a more minimalistic, clean design, a smoother user experience, or faster loading times? Maybe you’re not even sure what’s wrong, and those squeaky, rusty booking systems and clunky forms keep causing frustration. Either way, outsourcing web design is likely your best shot at transforming your website and enhancing your online presence.
By working with the right partner, you’ll benefit from expert insights, streamlined processes, and solutions tailored to your business needs. So, whether you’re looking to improve performance or simply get a fresh look, outsourcing web design can be the key to unlocking your site’s full potential.
All Services
Web Design
Web Development
Ecommerce Solutions
SEO Services
Digital Marketing
Social Media Marketing
Content Marketing
Email Marketing
Branding & Design
Data Measurement and Insights