BEFORE HIRING SOMEONE FOR YOUR WEBSITE
Freelance web designer: pros, risks and how to choose one
When you look for someone to build your website, you end up choosing between an agency and a freelance web designer, a self-employed professional working on their own. I have worked as a freelancer since 2010, so I will tell you both sides: what you gain, what you risk and how to choose well so your website doesn't depend on luck.
What a freelance web designer is
A freelance web designer is a self-employed professional who designs and builds websites independently, without an agency behind them. Profiles vary a lot:
- Design specialists, focused mainly on the visual side.
- Developers, more focused on the technical side.
- All-rounders, who handle strategy, design, the technical side and sometimes the copy.
Many work with trusted collaborators (a photographer, a developer, a copywriter) when the project needs it. Knowing which kind of freelancer you are talking to is the first key to choosing well.
If you're wondering whether AI can replace a designer, read is AI the end of web designers? Pros and cons
The advantages of hiring a freelancer
- You talk to the person doing the work. No go-betweens between your idea and the person building it. Your needs are understood sooner and less gets lost along the way.
- A closer relationship. They know your project from start to finish and usually care more about it working.
- A fairer price. Without an agency's overheads (offices, sales staff, account managers), the same work usually costs less.
- Flexibility. It is easier to adapt the project, deadlines or way of working to your case.
- Continuity. If the relationship works, the same person can look after your website for years and knows its history.
The risks (and how to protect yourself)
Working with one person also has weak points. They are no reason to rule out a freelancer, but they are a reason to ask first:
- They disappear
- The biggest risk: they stop answering and you can't touch your website. Protect yourself by making sure the domain is in your name and that you receive every access when the job is done: hosting, FTP, dashboard and email.
- They aren't available
- Holidays, illness or too much work. Ask how they handle emergencies and how quickly they respond.
- They don't know everything
- One person can't be an expert in everything. Ask what they do themselves and what they outsource.
- Everything stays in their head
- If nothing is documented, switching professionals is hard. Ask for a written note of how the website is set up.
The same risks exist with a small agency: the key isn't size, but that the website, domain and access are yours. I go into more detail in what to ask a web designer before hiring them.
The same goes for your domain's email: Business email with your own domain: what it is, benefits and how to choose
Make sure the domain is in your name; I explain it in how to choose a good domain name for your business
Freelancer or agency: when to choose each
- Choose a freelancer if…
- You are a small business or a professional, your website has a clear scope (presenting your services, building trust, getting enquiries) and you value direct contact and a fair price.
- Choose an agency if…
- The project is large or complex, you need custom development, advertising and social media at the same time, or your company requires a team with several people available and formal processes.
For most local businesses and service companies, a good freelancer covers everything needed. Don't pay for a structure you won't use.
What a freelance web designer costs
There is no standard rate: it depends on scope, whether copy is included and the professional's level. Be wary of extremes. A “€300 website” is usually a template with your details on top, with no strategy or proper copy. A very high quote that doesn't explain what it includes isn't a good sign either.
What matters is comparing quotes that include the same things. In how much a website really costs I explain why prices vary so much and what each should include.
How to choose a good freelance web designer
- Look at real websites they have built and, if you can, ask those clients what working with them was like.
- Check that they understand your business. A good professional asks about your clients and services before talking about colours.
- Ask who writes the copy. A beautiful website without good copy doesn't win clients.
- Ask for a written quote with what is and isn't included, deadlines and payment terms.
- Make sure the website will be yours: domain in your name and handover of access at the end.
- Ask what happens afterwards: maintenance, changes, emergencies and what they cost.
WARNING SIGN
“I'll register the domain myself so you don't have to worry.” It sounds like a favour, but if the domain is in the designer's name, your web address depends on them. Always ask for it to be in your name, even if they manage it.
How I work
I have been a freelance web designer and copywriter since 2010, based in Mallorca, working in Spanish, English and German. I write the copy for the websites I design myself, because that is what makes a website win clients.
- Before designing, I get to know your business, your clients and what the website needs to achieve.
- You get a written proposal with the scope, deadlines and what is not included.
- Once the project is finished and paid, I hand over access to the website. During the first month I fix any errors in what I delivered at no cost.
- If your website needs several languages, I do the translations with AI.
- Maintenance is optional and contracted separately, with a clear scope.
You can see some of the projects I have done and the full terms in terms and conditions.
Common questions
Is a freelance web designer cheaper than an agency?
Usually yes, because they don't carry an agency's overheads. But price isn't what matters most; it is whether the quote includes what you need: strategy, copy, design and a complete handover.
What if my freelance designer disappears?
If the domain is in your name and you have access to the hosting and the website, another professional can take over without trouble. That is why you should insist on it from the start.
Can a freelancer also handle maintenance?
Yes, many offer maintenance plans. Ask what they include, how quickly they respond to an incident and what happens during holidays.
Do they need to be near my business?
Not necessarily: almost everything can be done by video call and email. It does help if they know your sector or market and speak your clients' language.
Shall we talk about your website?
If you are looking for a freelance web designer who also takes care of the copy and of making the website win clients, tell me about your project and I will prepare a written proposal.
Request a quote