10 Questions To Ask Before Hiring a Squarespace Designer
Looking to hire a Squarespace Designer? You should know that no two designers are created equal so before you sign a contract or commit to a new project, here are ten questions you might want to consider. Pick and choose based on your priorities and of course add anything else you find helpful. The choice is yours.
What is their background? There is no formal “certification or training” for being a Squarespace Designer but it may be helpful to know how long they have been designing in Squarespace, number and type of projects/clients and any related experience.
Do they have any special training or skills? Some designers offer custom code as well as other services such as graphic design, SEO, copy writing, email marketing and social media. Never assume your designer can or will do it all so if any of these skills are needed, is it included in their design scope or will you need to hire someone else for additional fees.
What do they feel sets them apart from other Squarespace Designers? It may come down to skillset, industry experience or client reviews.
Who will be your primary contact and who will you actually be working with? If you are hiring an agency, you may be working with an assigned project manager or a variety of team members. If it’s a freelance designer, you will most likely work one-on-one.
What is their communication style? IMO this is a big one. It’s good to know if they prefer phone calls, Zooms, email, text or do they use a project management tool? It’s also important to get a sense of how accessible they will be to your questions and requests?
How much does a typical Squarespace Design project cost? Unlike many industries, there are no set fees or ranges for website design. In general terms, a less-experienced designer who may be starting out and looking to grow their portfolio may be less expensive. There are some great new talents to be discovered but if your budget allows it may make more sense for you to hire someone with more experience. Of course experience comes at a higher rate but may also include invaluable marketing and business mindset that lesser experienced, albeit super talented designers may not offer.
What is their revision process? Many designers restrict the number of revisions while others work more collaboratively. Know if you are limited to a set number of revisions and any associated fees if you go over.
Do they provide training or offer ongoing support? Somewhat self explanatory but it is good to understand if they will provide Squarespace training for basic updates or offer ongoing maintenance and of course ask about the fees.
Does their portfolio and design aesthetic align with yours? Every client project is different and should reflect the brand of the client but if you look at a designers work portfolio, you will see a general style and aesthetic. Some are more willing to take risks and be bolder, while others lend themselves more towards minimalist and classic styles.
And MOST IMPORTANT, do you like them? It sounds simplistic but you will be working closely with this person for the duration of the project and there should be a “click”. You want someone that makes you feel comfortable but also someone who feels confident enough to push back if needed and to be able to provide expert, industry knowledge. You are a team and you should feel empowered to choose the best teammate for you and your project.
