Is it worth hiring a website designer? Often, we come across various websites on the internet, some of which capture our interest due to their aesthetic appeal or engaging features. But what exactly is site engagement, and should it be a concern for you? If you’re contemplating setting up a website for personal or business use and feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of information available online, you might be facing a dilemma on whether to hire a web design company in Singapore, work with a freelancer, or take a DIY approach. In this article, we provide a comprehensive comparison of the different options to help you make an informed decision.
In-House Web Designer vs. Freelancer: To clear any confusion, both an in-house web designer and a freelancer are skilled professionals in website creation. However, their services and expertise may differ slightly due to the resources available to them. Agencies generally have more resources at their disposal, while freelancers may need to source some services separately.
An in-house web designer has a more focused role as they collaborate with various experts within a single project, where responsibilities are divided and prioritized to ensure a successful website launch. The web design team typically includes a web project manager, SEO specialist, and UI designer. The web project manager acts as the main liaison from conception to delivery, assisting clients with ideation and translating expectations to developers and designers.
A UI designer, such as Jin Design, is primarily responsible for visuals, including colors, fonts, layouts, and site designs. Their main focus is on delivering a user experience through aesthetically pleasing designs. An in-house UI designer should stay informed about the latest design trends and have a good understanding of the site’s target audience.
An SEO specialist focuses on improving site rankings on search engines and social media platforms. Their role is similar to that of a marketer, aiming to increase sales through positive user experience and increased site traffic.
The in-house web design team at Lemonade, for example, is well-versed in page builders like Divi, a dedicated WordPress theme and visual page builder.
When it comes to freelance web designers, there are two types you can engage with. The first type is a front-end developer, who possesses technical web development skills and creates websites using themes/templates. They are proficient in coding languages such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Think of a front-end developer as a jigsaw builder, piecing together a well-designed and user-friendly site using code.
Occasionally, front-end developers may utilize pre-coded themes or templates, but they also handle technical aspects such as debugging and formatting code to ensure site functionality.
On the other hand, a freelancer could also be a UI/UX designer. As mentioned earlier, a UI designer focuses on aesthetics, while a UX designer, also known as a user experience designer, specializes in creating ergonomically designed sites. A skillful UX designer plays a crucial role in the design process, as a well-crafted page flow has proven to be successful for e-commerce sites, leading to increased profits.
In a world where countless websites are launched daily, users expect more than just information when they visit a brand’s page. A well-designed site has the power to convey a compelling brand story, and this can be achieved with the expertise of a skilled UX designer.
