Don't Hire a Web Designer, Hire a Team

When it comes to building a website, many business owners assume hiring a web designer means they’re set. It’s easy to think, “I’ll find someone, give them my ideas, and they’ll handle the rest.” But the reality is, a truly effective website goes beyond just design. Building a website that drives traffic, attracts leads, and supports your business requires a diverse skill set — and often a team approach.

The Problem with “Just” Hiring a Web Designer

It’s not that web designers don’t do great work. In fact, there are many talented designers and agencies who create visually stunning websites. However, the real pitfall is in the assumption that design alone will drive results.

Take this scenario: you hire a designer, they deliver a beautiful website, and you’re thrilled. But then, your traffic plummets, leads drop, and you’re left wondering why. In most cases, the designer did exactly what you asked them to do — build a website — but the problem was in the strategy (or lack of it). A website without clear business goals, analytics, and a plan for ongoing updates is like an award-winning ad campaign that doesn’t sell a single product.

Look for Questions, Not Just Portfolios

When you’re searching for a web design agency, pay attention to the questions they ask. A good agency will want to understand your business goals, audience, and challenges before even talking about design. Instead of jumping straight into showing off their past projects, they’ll start by asking, “What are you trying to achieve with this site?” and “Who is your target audience?”

The best agencies will help clients understand that the website is just one part of the marketing strategy. They should start by evaluating the current website to see what’s working and what isn’t. Then they dive into the core goals: “What do you want your customers to do when they arrive on the site?” It’s about ensuring each piece works toward a larger business objective.

Make Sure Your Website Works for Both You and Your Audience

A website has to serve two groups: your business and your customers. It’s easy to get caught up in what you personally want from the site, but a smart web agency will remind you that the website isn’t for you — it’s for your audience. While you may have specific aesthetic preferences, it’s ultimately what engages and converts their target audience that matters most.

The Right Team Matters

Expecting a single person to handle design, development, content, and integrations is unrealistic. Instead, look for a team with specialized skills in each area, including project managers who coordinate tasks and keep the client updated, tech specialists who manage integrations and hosting, and content creators who ensure every word is aligned with the client’s goals.

A project manager, for example, acts as the “cat herder,” keeping everyone — from writers to developers to clients — aligned. Regular check-ins ensure that no surprises arise when the site goes live. And with content creators on board, clients don’t have to scramble for copy at the last minute, while integrated CRM systems and tools mean all the pieces work together seamlessly.

The Strategy Behind the Build

An effective website requires a strategy. If you’re hiring a designer or developer, make sure they’re also focusing on your business goals or are willing to bring in someone who will. When you work with an agency that starts with strategy, you’re building a site that doesn’t just look good but actually works.

Remember, a website is more than a digital brochure. It’s a tool for business growth. With the right questions, strategy, and team, you’ll avoid the frustrations of blown budgets and wasted time — and you’ll end up with a site that’s ready to deliver real results

Ready to Work on Your Website?

Enroll in my FREE Web Audit Series to build your plan.