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Posted: October 10th, 2018

How to Find the Best Web Designer

Reading Time: 2 minutes

While hanging out on Quora recently I noticed quite a few people asking the question, “how to find a web designer?” I’ve seen the same question other places around the web and can understand how daunting the task of finding a good designer can be. Whether you’re an individual or a business, you’ve taken the first step in realizing how a professional designer can help you but now you have no idea how to find one. Simply typing into a search engine, “find a web designer” may bring up an overwhelming amount of results.

Start with who you know.

While you probably don’t already know a web designer (or else you wouldn’t be looking for one), there’s a chance you might know someone who has worked with one. So ask your friends, family or business connections. Business referrals happen in every industry and web design is definitely no exception. A large portion of our own business comes directly from clients we’ve worked with in the form of referrals.

Network.

Similar to referrals from people you know, you might try referrals from people you don’t know by joining a networking group or attending business mixers. These types of activities are tailor made to initiate referrals and business-to-business connections and I can almost guarantee someone there has either hired a web designer or is one themselves.

Go back to the web.

If you can’t connect with a web designer through referrals or networking, then your best bet is going back to the web. Here are a couple quick tips to help in that search.

Try a local (city, nearby cities, state) search to locate web designers or design agencies in your area.

Also keep in mind that a web designer does not have to be in your local area in order to build your website. We’re truly living in the digital age where telecommuting, online conferencing, and the internet make it possible to do business remotely. To widen your search without being overwhelmed try checking out websites that specialize in showcasing designers. Some popular sites include Clutch.co and AgencySpotter.com. Sites such as these list information about designers and agencies, some of their work, and their contact information.

The next step.

Once you’ve found one or more potential designers or agencies it’s time to do some research. Talk with them, get information about their history, experience, and skills. Look over their portfolio. If it seems like they have the knowledge and expertise to make your website a reality, contact them, explain your needs, and ask for a proposal.

You don’t have to feel overwhelmed by the task of finding a web designer, you simply have to know where to start and a good direction to go in. Your search might even end with this article. If you have a web project, look over how we work, then contact us and tell us about your needs.

You might also check out some of our other articles:

The original article was posted way back in 2018 and updated with slightly new information in 2025.

A photo of Sherry Holub leaning on the railing of some wooden steps in front of a large holly bush

Sherry Holub

I'm a creative problem-solver driven by the desire to see small businesses improve their image and succeed. I've got almost 30 years experience and have worked with clients as large as Nike and as small as the local farm down the road from me. I've been an advocate for education, a member of prestigious design organizations, won awards, and been invited to judge design competitions such as the Webbys. Over the years, I have also written blogs and articles for a number of online sites and print publications. I have a heavy background in art, photography, graphic design and thinking outside the box.

When not working, you'll find me getting outdoors, taking trips in my teardrop trailer ("The Gnome Home"), practicing Qi Gong, hitting the gym, snowboarding, keeping my cats entertained, driving around in a sweet 1970 Camaro and generally trying to live my best life.