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Fiverr is a popular freelance web design website that’s easy to navigate and works great for small businesses. Paired with its adjoining app, you can search and select the services you want or post a job. When selecting a designer, you can view their packages and star ranking given to them after each job they complete. Here are some more details about Fiverr:
Fiverr takes a 20% commission from freelance web designers. Honestly, that’s a pretty high cut. While it doesn’t directly impact you as the client, this could mean more proficient freelance web design experts are on sites with a lower commission rate.
Freelancer.com is a global platform with over 55 million registered users. It operates similarly to Fiverr in that clients can search for a service or post a job.
Freelancer.com offers clients designer portfolios for review. Samples are open to the public which can help you narrow down your freelancer selection process.
Upwork is the largest freelancing platform out there. It departs from its budget counterparts and has worked to bring the scale of a huge platform with a more elite feel. Here’s what else it offers:
Upwork also offers an Enterprise Plan option for companies looking to build out their contract services through an Upwork Hub. Companies like Microsoft and Airbnb utilize Upwork Enterprise, so this is a viable option for large corporations.
DesignCrowd is a contest-based freelance platform built to crowdsource design work. In DesignCrowd:
By most accounts, DesignCrowd is a fast and high-quality platform. Because of that, there are no free plans available. The posting fee goes up to $129.
99designs is Vistaprint’s design service. 99designs:
You can’t hire a freelance web design “expert” in the basic plan. Those are only available in Gold and Platinum ranges.
Toptal is a highly selective freelancer platform in which the platform does most of the work.
With Toptal, you can also find on-site talent. Meaning, yes, your freelancer can come into the office. This approach is more like a traditional consulting agreement, with Toptal handling the details.
Dribbble is an invite-only platform for freelance web designers, automatically giving it a boutique feel.
Dribble doubles as a social network for the design community, which makes it easy to peruse work and engage with other designers.
Similar to DesignCrowd, DesignHill is a crowdsourcing design platform.
DesignHill offers a 100% money-back guarantee if you don’t like any of your design submissions. Plus, they allow for unlimited revisions. Typically, design revisions are limited by the platform or the designer.
Guru is one of if not the most affordable freelance web design options out there.
Guru reviews are hit or miss. We would suggest trying it with a smaller project first before locking in project timelines and budget.
LinkedIn Profinder is a freelancing platform born from LinkedIn that connects users with freelancers who are often already in their network.
The in-network feature does create a sense of trust when choosing to work with someone you might already know.
LinkedIn Profinder does not offer a way to pay in the app. This is a pretty big letdown since many freelancing websites offer multiple. Profinder’s price tag begins at $60 a month.
Now that we’ve talked through the best freelancing websites you should be using to hire a freelance web designer, it’s time to talk through connecting with a designer who understands your vision and can bring it to life. Here are our steps:
Web designers can’t know how to design until the project scope and goals are defined. So, internally, you should:
Having this information beforehand will help you hire a freelance web designer with the same priorities for your project.
Begin your search by exploring reputable freelance design websites, but don’t underestimate the power of referrals. Here’s what you should do:
While the websites we listed above can be great for finding freelance web design experts, often, the best talents can be found through word-of-mouth or your own network.
Once you have a list of potential designers, dive into their portfolios. Here is what you should look for as you are evaluating portfolios and experience:
Reviewing portfolios can help you gain a comprehensive understanding of a designer's capabilities and how they might align with your project needs. This isn’t just about finding someone with the right skills; it’s about finding a creative partner whose vision, style, and work ethic match what you're looking for in your project.
Effective communication is crucial in web design projects. Good communication can make the difference between a project that runs smoothly and meets its deadlines and one that is fraught with misunderstandings and setbacks. Here is what you should look for in communication skills:
Request a quote from the designer based on the scope, timeline, and creative brief you provided them. Many of the freelance web design experts on platforms from the section above already have their hourly rates visible, but sometimes it’s still good to ask.
However, be wary of estimates that seem too good to be true; quality work demands fair compensation. Make sure it is clear what is included in the quote they are making, what work you’ll get out of it, and what the protocol is if any additional costs arise.
Keep in touch with your freelancer. Websites require maintenance and updates. Discuss how you can get ongoing support for your project, including maintenance services and training for updating the content yourself. This can be crucial to the long-term success and health of your website.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to hiring a freelance web design expert who not only meets your needs but also enhances your project with their unique expertise and creative vision. Remember, the key to a successful partnership lies in clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to bringing your vision to life.
The best way to get feedback from your team or your clients into the hands of a freelance web design expert is through Punchlist.
Punchlist is an all-in-one creative collaboration and feedback management tool that compiles comments from creative teams, clients, stakeholders, and more in one place. Punchlist makes freelance web design easy, too! With guest accounts and easily shareable links, you can get feedback from your client and your team to a freelance web designer without having to compile it all into a Google doc you’ll never go back to.
To get started, sign up for your 30-day free trial. Once you do, you and your team will get full access to our library of features. Knock ‘em out!
