How to Outsource Your Website Design to A Freelancer
Creating a website for your business can be a complex task, but outsourcing the work to a freelance web designer can make the process smoother, faster, and often more affordable. If you’ve already purchased your Domain, Hosting, Website builder/ WordPress theme, you’re halfway there. Now, the next step is finding the right freelance designer to bring your vision to life.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of outsourcing your website project to a freelancer. We’ll also cover how to communicate your requirements effectively and ensure a smooth collaboration with the designer.
Basic Requirements (What You’ll Need):
- Domain & Hosting ($5-$20/Month – Register w/ GreenGeeks or WP Engine (Managed WP Hosting Plan). Be sure to take note and keep your login details,
- WP Builder/Theme (from $89)- Purchase, download and save to your PC the WP Theme of your choice in Zip file: Divi or Templatemonster for the design layout of your website.
Step 1: Gather Essentials (Basic Requirements)
Before you start looking for a freelance web designer, make sure you have all the necessary information ready. Since you’ve already pre-purchased your domain, hosting, and other essentials, here’s what you need to provide to your freelancer:
A). Domain & Hosting: You’ll need to give the freelancer access to your hosting account so they can install WordPress and configure your website. The hosting platforms you’re using could be one of the following:
B). Website Builder/Theme: Make sure to inform the freelancer about the website builder or theme you want to use. They should be highly versatile and user-friendly drag-and-drop builders. You’ve got two excellent options:
Step 2: Choose the Right Outsourcing Platform
There are several platforms where you can find skilled web designers. Depending on your budget, project scope, and need for long-term assistance, you can choose from:
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Fiverr: Fiverr is ideal for small to medium-sized website projects. You can find talented freelancers offering affordable rates, with prices starting as low as $50 for basic websites. Be sure to review each freelancer’s portfolio and client feedback before hiring.
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Onlinejobs.ph: This platform is great if you need ongoing website support or content creation. Here, you can hire Virtual Assistants (VAs) from the Philippines to handle not only your web design but also updates, blog management, and maintenance. VAs are typically more affordable, and you can find full-time hires starting at around $500 per month (40 Hrs. work a week).
Step 3: Outline Your Website Requirements
To make sure the project runs smoothly, clearly communicate your website requirements to the freelancer. Here’s what you should include in your brief:
Website Goals: Explain the purpose of your website. Is it a blog, eCommerce store, portfolio, or business site? Be as specific as possible.
Theme/Builder Choice: Specify which website builder or theme you want to use (e.g., Divi Website Builder, Divi Marketplace, or Template Monster). You should also provide access to the necessary files or licenses.
Content: Will you be providing the content (text, images, logos), or do you want the freelancer to handle that as well? If content is part of the project, consider hiring someone via Onlinejobs.ph for ongoing content creation and updates.
Design Preferences: Provide examples of websites you like in terms of layout, colors, and style. This will help the freelancer understand your vision and align their design choices with your preferences.
Features: List any special features or functionalities you need (e.g., contact forms, eCommerce setup, blog integration, booking system). Make sure these are mentioned upfront to avoid miscommunication.
Step 4: Review Freelancer Profiles and Portfolios
Whether you’re using Fiverr or Onlinejobs.ph, it’s crucial to carefully review the freelancer’s profile before making a decision. Look for the following:
- Portfolio: Does their previous work match the style and quality you’re looking for?
- Reviews/Testimonials: Are past clients happy with their work?
- Communication: Reach out to potential freelancers to gauge their responsiveness and professionalism. Clear and timely communication is key to a successful project.
- Pricing: Be clear on pricing and any additional costs that might come up during the project.
Step 5: Set Deadlines and Deliverables
After selecting your freelancer, the next step is to set clear deadlines and deliverables. Define the following:
- Timeline: Discuss how long it will take to complete the project and agree on milestones.
- Deliverables: List what the freelancer needs to provide by the end of the project (e.g., full website setup, working eCommerce functionality, blog integration).
- Revisions: Clarify how many rounds of revisions are included in the price.
Step 6: Provide Login Details Securely
To allow the freelancer to work on your site, you’ll need to give them access to your hosting and WordPress dashboard. Always prioritize security by:
- Creating a new user account with appropriate permissions (e.g., Editor or Administrator).
- Using a password manager to share login details securely.
- Changing your passwords once the project is complete.
Step 7: Test and Launch
Once the freelancer completes your website, take time to thoroughly test it. Check for:
- Functionality: Ensure all links, forms, and features work as intended.
- Mobile Responsiveness: Make sure the site looks good on smartphones and tablets.
- Speed: Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check the loading time of your website.
After testing, your freelancer can assist you with the final steps of launching the website. If you’re using an Onlinejobs.ph Virtual Assistant, they can also help with ongoing maintenance and updates post-launch.
Final Thoughts
Outsourcing your website project to a freelance web designer is a great way to save time and ensure a professional outcome. By providing the freelancer with pre-purchased tools like Greengeeks, Divi Website Builder, and themes from Template Monster, you’ve already laid the foundation for a successful website.
With clear communication, a well-defined brief, and the right platform, you’ll have a stunning website ready to launch in no time!