What to Look for in a Website Designer (Springfield Small Business Guide)
- Johnathon Crowder
- Aug 2
- 4 min read
Hiring a website designer can feel overwhelming—especially if you’re not a tech person.
Whether you're a Springfield business owner launching your first website or redesigning one that just isn't cutting it, knowing what to look for can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
This guide walks you through exactly what to look for in a website designer—especially as a small business owner in Springfield, MO. From strategy and SEO to communication and results, we’ll break it all down in plain English.
1. Local Experience Matters (Springfield-Specific Insight)
It’s tempting to hire the cheapest freelancer off the internet. But when it comes to getting found in your community, local knowledge makes a real difference.
A Springfield-based designer understands:
The local market and customer behavior
Nearby competitors and their strategies
What kind of content resonates with your audience
Bonus: It’s easier to communicate, collaborate, and even meet in person when you're working with someone in the same time zone and community.
Real-World Example: A local roofer might want to rank for "roof repair Nixa" and "leaky roof Ozark" — a local designer will know to include those terms without you having to ask.
2. A Portfolio That Proves Results
Don’t just look for "pretty" websites. Your designer should be able to show their work and explain why it gets results.
What to Look For:
Real client work (especially other small businesses)
Mobile-friendly design that loads quickly
Clear calls-to-action (CTAs) on every page
Sites that make it easy to contact or request quotes
Ask to See:
A homepage design that guides visitors to take action
A service page with strong SEO structure
A website that's helped a business grow
Pro Tip: Don’t just ask to see the finished site—ask what business results it got. More leads? Better rankings? Increased conversions?
3. They Talk Strategy—Not Just Design
You don’t need a digital artist. You need a business-minded designer.
A professional website designer should ask about:
Your target audience
Your top services or products
The #1 action you want visitors to take (call, book, buy, etc.)
Your growth goals for the next 6–12 months
If the conversation starts with colors and fonts instead of strategy and results, that’s a red flag.
Watch For: Strategy-first thinkers who connect design with your revenue goals.
4. Clear Process, Clear Timeline, Clear Pricing
You shouldn’t feel confused about what happens next. A serious web designer should walk you through a simple, step-by-step process.
Make Sure They Can Explain:
What happens after you say "yes"
What content or materials you need to provide
How long each phase will take (design, feedback, revisions, launch)
What’s included (and what costs extra)
Avoid: Designers who are vague, promise unrealistic timelines, or underprice. Cheap often means rushed or incomplete work.
5. SEO and Performance Know-How
Web design and SEO go hand-in-hand. A site that looks great but can’t be found on Google is like having a beautiful billboard in the middle of the woods.
Your designer should:
Structure pages around keywords (like "Springfield window cleaning")
Write title tags, meta descriptions, and image alt text
Build clean code that Google can easily crawl
Prioritize fast loading speeds and mobile usability
Ask This: "Will my site be SEO-ready when it launches?"
Bonus Tip: A great designer will offer ongoing SEO help or at least connect you with someone who does.
6. Ongoing Support Options
Websites aren’t one-and-done. They need updates, tweaks, and support over time.
Look for a designer who:
Offers monthly maintenance plans (even basic ones)
Can help you add or change content after launch
Provides tutorials or simple documentation if you want to manage your site yourself
What to Avoid: Designers who ghost you once the project is done, or who charge you $200 just to change one phone number.
Ideal: A monthly care plan that includes updates, minor edits, backups, performance checks, and occasional strategy calls.
7. A Focus on Conversions (Not Just Looks)
The most important job of your website? Turn visitors into leads or sales.
A smart designer will:
Place CTAs in key locations (above the fold, after sections)
Use headlines that speak to customer pain points
Build trust with local testimonials, reviews, and real photos
Remove friction (easy forms, mobile-friendly layout, clear contact info)
Pro Tip: Ask how your site will convert on mobile. Most local traffic is on phones, and a great desktop design doesn’t always translate.
8. Testimonials and Social Proof from Other Business Owners
If a designer is legit, they’ll have proof.
Look For:
Verified Google reviews
Testimonials with full names and business names
Local case studies or before/after examples
Clients who are willing to chat or recommend them
Pro Tip: Check their Google Business Profile and Facebook page for reviews outside their portfolio.
9. They Match Your Style and Communication Needs
Some clients want daily check-ins. Others want a designer to "just handle it."
Make sure your personalities and communication styles match. That includes:
How often you expect updates
Whether you prefer email, calls, Zoom, or text
If you're hands-on or hands-off
Hop on a discovery call before committing. Pay attention to how clearly they explain things and how well they listen.
Bonus: A good fit will make the process fun, not frustrating.
Final Thoughts: You’re Hiring a Partner, Not Just a Vendor
Your website is one of the most important assets your business has. It should attract leads, build trust, and support your goals every day.
That means your web designer needs to think like a partner—someone who helps you grow.
Take your time, ask good questions, and use this guide to vet anyone you consider hiring. The right website designer will save you time, money, and stress—and help your Springfield business stand out online.
Want to Know If Your Website Designer Did It Right?
Let me take a look — for free.
At Crowder Code and Design, I help Springfield businesses build websites that actually convert.
Get a custom video audit of your site showing:
🔹 What’s working—and what’s holding you back
🔹 How your site compares to competitors
🔹 What you can improve this week for better results
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