How To Find a Website Designer?

Wondering how to find the right website designer for your business website?
With thousands of options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or end up with a designer who just doesn’t get your vision.
A great website designer can elevate your brand, attract customers, and save you hours of frustration.
Here’s how to hire a website designer who’s creative, reliable, and actually right for your business.

1. What Do You Need?

Before you start browsing portfolios or messaging designers, get clear on what you actually need. The more specific you are, the easier it is to find creative website designers who align with your vision—and won’t waste your time or budget.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to be found on Google and AI bots like ChatGPT?
• Do you want to sell products, services, or digital downloads directly through your website?
• Do you want to be able to make small edits yourself, or would you prefer your designer handles updates?
• Will your website need to support bookings, memberships, or user accounts?
• Do you need a brand-new design, or just a refresh of what you already have?
• Are you starting from scratch with branding, or do you already have a logo, colors, and fonts?
• What’s your realistic timeline—do you need this done yesterday, or can you give it a few months?
• What’s your budget range (and are you open to a phased approach if needed)?
• Do you want a one-time build, or ongoing support and maintenance after launch?
• Do you already have content (text, photos, videos), or will you need help creating it?

Asking yourself these questions first will help direct you to the right designer and the right platform your website should be built on. Whether it’s WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace, or something custom, knowing what you need upfront means fewer surprises (and fewer headaches) later. Plus, it makes it way easier to spot creative website designers who truly fit your goals.

Quick Breakdown of different platforms your website can be built on

Popular Website Builders (And Who They’re Best For)

• WordPress (Self-Hosted- Meaning you have to pay for hosting from a third-party)
  Best for: Custom sites, blogs, and scalable small businesses.
  ✅ Super flexible and SEO-friendly.
  ❌ Steeper learning curve and requires on-going maintenance.
• Shopify
  Best for: E-commerce businesses selling physical or digital products.
  ✅ Built for selling, with powerful inventory and payment tools.
  ❌ Monthly fees add up, and design flexibility is limited without coding.
• Squarespace
  Best for: Creatives, service providers, and portfolio sites.
  ✅ Beautiful templates and easy to use.
  ❌ Less customizable and not ideal for large-scale SEO needs.
• Wix
  Best for: DIYers and very small businesses on a tight budget.
  ✅ Drag-and-drop design with tons of templates.
  ❌ Can get clunky and bloated behind the scenes.
• Webflow
  Best for: Designers who want pixel-perfect control without heavy coding.
  ✅ Visually powerful and developer-friendly.
  ❌ Steeper learning curve for non-designers.
• Showit
  Best for: Photographers, creatives, and service based businesses who want complete design flexibility.
  ✅ Visually stunning and integrates with WordPress for blogging.
  ❌ Limited e-commerce features and more design-heavy setup.
• Custom Build
  Best for: Businesses with unique functionality or very specific branding needs.
  ✅ Fully tailored to your goals, no design or feature limits.
  ❌ Most expensive and time-intensive option, with ongoing dev support usually required.

Are You Looking for a Freelancer or an Agency? (What’s the Difference?)

Before you start reaching out to potential designers, it helps to get clear on one important question: Do you need a freelancer or an agency? The right choice depends on your business size, budget, and how hands-on you want the process to be.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

👩‍💻 Freelancers

Freelancers are self-employed creatives who usually specialize in one area—like web design, development, or branding. Many are multi-skilled and work with small businesses, startups, and solo entrepreneurs.

Best for:

• Smaller budgets
• One-on-one collaboration
• Faster turnaround times
• Businesses needing a single website (not a full rebrand or ongoing support)

Pros:
✅ More affordable than agencies
✅ Direct communication with your designer
✅ Flexible and personal approach

Cons:
❌ Limited availability (they’re often booked out)
❌ You may need to hire other specialists (copywriter, SEO, developer) separately

🏢 Agencies

Agencies are teams of professionals who cover everything from design and development to SEO, branding, copywriting, and strategy. They’re ideal for complex or large-scale projects.

Best for:

• Bigger businesses or funded startups
• Complex websites or e-commerce stores
• Full-service support (branding, marketing, content, etc.)

Pros:
✅ All-in-one service
✅ More capacity and specialized skills
✅ Project management and long-term support included

Cons:
❌ Higher cost
❌ More formal, less personal
❌ Longer lead times and approval processes

So, which is right for you?
If you’re a small business owner who wants something clean, functional, and budget-friendly, a freelancer is often more than enough. If you’re launching a new brand, scaling fast, or need lots of moving parts handled at once, an agency might be worth the investment.

Still not sure? Start with a freelancer and scale up when you’re ready—it’s all about finding what fits your business best.

2. Where to Find a Website Designer (That’s Actually Worth Hiring)

Sure, you can hop on Fiverr or Upwork and find a website designer in five minutes flat—but let’s be honest: that’s often a gamble. If you already know what platform you want your website built on (like Showit, Shopify, or Webflow), the best route is to use that platform’s own designer directory. It saves time, reduces risk, and connects you with experts who actually specialize in your chosen system.

Another tip? Most creative website designers today aren’t tied to just one platform—they’ll often guide you to the best one for your business goals, even if you’re not sure yet. But if you’re set on something like Showit, here’s exactly where to look:

Platform-Specific Designer Directories – Better for Freelancers

• Showit – Creative Designer Directory
  A goldmine if you’re looking for creative website designers who understand visual storytelling. You can filter by style, price, and services—and even find other pros like copywriters, SEO strategists, and brand designers.
• Webflow – Hire a Webflow Expert
  Great for startups, SaaS, or anyone who wants design precision and performance. Many designers here also offer development and animation support.
• Wix – Wix Marketplace
  Best for quick, budget-friendly builds. Just keep in mind: quality can vary, so check portfolios carefully.
• WordPress – WordPress Website Design Service
  Choose from vetted professionals, with transparent pricing packages for business sites, online stores, and blogs.
• Shopify – Shopify Partner Directory
  Need help setting up your online store? This is the place to find pros who live and breathe Shopify.
• Squarespace – Squarespace Designer Marketplace
  Clean, modern design more your style? These designers know how to make Squarespace sing.

Other Great Places to Find Website Designers -Find both freelancers and agencies

• Instagram
  Many creative website designers showcase their work on Instagram. Try searching hashtags like #showitdesigner, #webflowdesigner, or #smallbusinesswebsite. It’s also a great way to get a feel for their style and personality before reaching out.
• Pinterest
  Yep, designers pin their best work here too—especially portfolio sites and homepage layouts. Click through pins to find their websites and services.
• Google Search (with specific terms)
  Try searching “Showit website designer for photographers” or “Shopify designer for handmade businesses.” Be specific to your niche—it helps weed out generic results.
• Facebook Groups
  Join entrepreneur or small business groups and ask for referrals. You’ll often get personal recommendations plus honest feedback on who’s worth hiring (and who’s not).
• LinkedIn
  Use it for searching freelancers or agencies with verified experience. Great if you’re looking for someone with a more corporate or strategic background.
• Behance & Dribbble
  These design communities showcase high-end portfolios. Ideal for finding ultra-creative designers or full design studios.
• Local Referrals
  Ask your network! Other business owners, photographers, or marketers may know trusted designers they’ve worked with—and a referral is often gold.

Places to Find a Website Design Agency?

If you’re running a larger business or have a more complex project (think: custom integrations, multiple user types, international presence), hiring a full-service creative agency might be the better move. Agencies typically offer strategy, branding, web design, development, SEO, and ongoing support all under one roof.

Here are a few trusted directories where you can browse and compare agencies:

• The Drum – Agency Directory
  Great for finding award-winning digital and creative agencies across the globe.
• Creativepool
  A global network of agencies, designers, and creative teams—perfect if you want high-concept work with big-brand polish.
• Bark
  A lead-based service that lets you post your project and get matched with agencies or freelancers who fit your needs and budget.
• Awwwards – Agency Directory
  Known for showcasing the most innovative, design-forward websites in the world. Great if you’re looking for premium or award-winning design talent.

Just keep in mind: agencies come with bigger teams and bigger price tags. But if you want a site that can scale with your business and support advanced features, it might be exactly what you need.

Want to keep this section as a standalone Agency vs. Freelancer guide for repurposing later? Or should we roll that idea into a separate post?

3. What to Look for in a Creative Website Designer

Not all website designers are created equal and picking the wrong one can lead to missed deadlines, off-brand visuals, or a site you’re too afraid to edit. When you’re ready to hire a website designer, you’re not just paying for pretty fonts and colors. You’re investing in someone who understands your business goals and can translate them into a strategic, scroll-worthy experience.

Here’s what to look for before signing any contracts:

✅ Portfolio That Matches Your Vibe

Do their past projects reflect the look and feel you’re going for? You don’t need an exact match, but you do want someone whose design style complements your brand—whether that’s sleek and modern, warm and handmade, or bold and editorial.

✅ Experience with Similar Businesses

If you’re a small business, you want a designer who understands tight budgets, local audiences, and the need for conversions—not just “vibes.” Check if they’ve worked with service-based businesses, creatives, or e-commerce shops similar to yours.

✅ Clear Services & Pricing

A great designer should make it clear what’s included in their packages—like strategy sessions, mobile optimization, SEO basics, or training on how to update your own site. Bonus points for transparent pricing (or at least ballpark ranges).

✅ Great Communication & Process

They should have a process, not chaos. Look for someone who sets timelines, provides project milestones, and answers emails in human-speak (not tech jargon or emojis only). You want a partner, not a mystery artist who vanishes for weeks.

✅ Testimonials or Referrals

Social proof is powerful. Check for testimonials on their site or reviews on Google. If you’re unsure, ask to speak with a past client for real talk.

When you’re hiring a creative website designer, chemistry matters too. You’re going to collaborate closely—so it helps if you actually like them. Think of it less like hiring a vendor and more like choosing a teammate.

4. Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Website Designer

So, you’ve found someone with a gorgeous portfolio and a killer Instagram grid—nice! But before you send over a deposit or sign anything, you’ll want to ask a few key questions. This isn’t just about vetting their skills—it’s about making sure they understand you, your business, and what your website actually needs to do.

Here are some smart, no-fluff questions to ask before you hire a website designer:

🧠 Strategy & Experience

• Have you worked with businesses like mine before?
• Will you help with website strategy, or just the visuals?

🔧 Platform & Tech

• What platform do you recommend for my website and why?
• Are you experienced with [insert platform, e.g. Showit / WordPress / Shopify]?
• Do you handle domain setup, hosting, and technical stuff—or will I need someone else?

🖌️ Process & Timeline

• What does your design process look like from start to finish?
• What do you need from me to get started (content, branding, photos, etc.)?

💬 Communication

• How do you communicate during the project (email, Zoom, project management tools)?
• How often will I hear from you with updates?

💸 Cost & Scope

• What’s included in your pricing? Are there any extra costs I should know about?
• Do you offer payment plans or phased projects?

🚨 After Launch

• Will I be able to make changes myself, or will I always need you?
• Do you offer training or tutorials for updating my site?
• Do you offer ongoing maintenance or support if I need it later?

Pro Tip: Don’t be shy about asking these. A good designer will love that you’re organized and thinking long-term—it shows you’re serious and respectful of the process.

5. Red Flags to Watch Out For

Finding the right website designer can take your brand to the next level. But hiring the wrong one? That can mean missed deadlines, wasted money, and a website you’re too embarrassed to launch. Here are the biggest red flags to watch out for before you hire a website designer:

🚩 No Contract or Clear Scope

If a designer doesn’t offer a contract—or can’t clearly explain what’s included in your project—that’s a hard pass. You need to know what you’re paying for, how long it’ll take, and what happens if timelines shift.

🚩 Vague Communication

If they’re slow to reply, constantly miss calls, or give one-word answers? That won’t magically improve once the project starts. Good communication upfront is a strong sign of a smooth working relationship.

🚩 They Say “Yes” to Everything

A designer who promises the moon (“I can totally make you #1 on Google!”) without explaining how they’ll get you there is waving a big red flag. Real pros know their limits and are honest about what’s possible.

🚩 No Portfolio or Relevant Experience

If their portfolio is thin, outdated, or totally unrelated to your industry, tread carefully. You want someone who gets your audience—not someone figuring it out on your dime.

6. Tips for Working with Website Designers Smoothly

Hiring a website designer is just the beginning—how you work with them can make or break the final result. The best websites aren’t just built by designers; they’re co-created with clients who give clear input, stay engaged, and trust the process. Here’s how to make your project run like a dream (instead of a design meltdown):

📌 Be Clear from the Start

Share your goals, must-haves, and deal-breakers early. The more your designer knows about your business and your brand vibe, the better they can translate it into a site that actually works.

🗂️ Deliver Content On Time

Designers aren’t mind readers—and they can’t build your dream site without the right copy, images, or branding assets. Create a shared folder and keep it organized.

💬 Give Specific Feedback

Saying “I don’t like it” isn’t helpful. Try “This feels too corporate—can we make it more playful?” or “Can we add a call-to-action above the fold?” You’ll get faster, better results with clear direction.

🤝 Trust Their Expertise

You hired them for a reason—don’t micromanage every pixel. A great website designer will always consider UX, SEO, and structure in their decisions, even if it’s not obvious at first glance.

🧠 Think Long-Term

Ask if they offer ongoing support, maintenance, or future updates. Even if you plan to DIY later, it’s nice to have someone on hand if something breaks—or when your business evolves.

7. Conclusion: Hire Smart, Not Fast

Finding the right website designer isn’t just about choosing someone with a pretty portfolio—it’s about hiring a creative partner who understands your business, your goals, and your audience. Whether you’re looking for a sleek Shopify store, a personality-packed Showit site, or a custom WordPress setup, the key is knowing what you need and asking the right questions.

Take your time, do your research, and don’t settle for someone who just “makes things look nice.” When you hire a website designer who actually gets it, your website doesn’t just look good—it works hard for your business 24/7.