Is your website optimized with the user experience (UX) in mind? If not, you could lose customers.
In fact, 88% of online shoppers won’t return to a site after a bad experience. Bad mobile optimization annoys nearly 50% of users, too.
Unfortunately, only 55% of companies think to conduct UX testing.
Consider hiring a UX designer this year. With their help, you can improve your site and appeal to your target audience. UX design could help you generate more online leads and sales.
It could help improve your search engine rankings, too. Higher rankings will help you appear in front of more customers online. You can boost brand awareness and website traffic to set your business up for success.
Not sure who to hire? Here are seven tips that can help you find the best professional UX designer around. Start your search with these seven simple tips today.
1. Consider Your Goals
Before you start looking for a freelance UX designer, take a moment to consider your goals. Outlining your goals will ensure you find the right designer. Otherwise, the designer you choose might lack the distinct experience and expertise you need.
They might struggle to accomplish your goals as a result.
Instead, determine what changes you want to make to your website. Determine how your website will align with your marketing goals, too.
For example, maybe you want to:
- Improve your search engine rankings
- Generate brand awareness and recognition
- Generate more website traffic
- Boost form submissions
- Increase online sales
- Establish yourself as a credible resource
- Boost brand trust and loyalty
- Improve your ROI
- Increase dwell times
Consider specific improvements you want to make to your website, too.
For example, maybe your site is slow. Perhaps it’s not optimized for mobile devices.
Run your website through Google’s PageSpeed Insights and Mobile-Friendly Test to double-check.
Consider appealing to Google’s Core Web Vitals, too. These user-centric factors could improve the UX on your site.
Once you determine your goals, find a UX designer who is up to the task.
2. Look for Experience
Before hiring a UX designer, it’s important to make sure they have years of experience.
An experienced UX designer will have an easier time accomplishing your goals. Their hands-on experience could save you time and stress, too.
Determine how long each designer on your list has worked in the industry. Ask how many websites they’ve worked on over the years, too. You can get started and hire a user experience designer here.
You’ll have peace of mind knowing you can leverage their experience for the help they need.
3. Consider Their Expertise
As you start narrowing down your options, make sure the designer you choose has the relevant expertise, too.
First, determine if they’ve worked for businesses like yours in the past. These designers might have a better understanding of your industry. They can leverage their knowledge to improve your site with your target audience in mind.
They’ll have a better understanding of the UX design trends to utilize for your site, too.
Ask each freelance UX designer about the latest UX design trends, too. What design tactics would they recommend for your website?
Consider their process as well. An experienced, knowledgeable designer will start by learning about your business. They’ll gather research about your industry, audience, and competitors, too.
If the designer rushes to start making changes without information, they might fail to appeal to your audience. They could struggle to accomplish your goals as a result.
Make sure the freelance UX designer you choose is knowledgeable. If they’re not up-to-date with the latest trends, look elsewhere. Otherwise, they might use outdated design tactics.
4. Review Their Portfolio
You can learn more about each designer’s abilities by looking at their portfolio.
Have they worked on websites for businesses within your industry? Look at those websites first. Make sure the site is easy to explore and use.
Test the website on a desktop and mobile device. If it’s not mobile-optimized, scratch them off your list. After all, mobile devices account for nearly 70% of all internet traffic.
If you’re not impressed by the designer’s work, choose someone else.
Make sure the designer has worked on multiple websites over the years. Reviewing their portfolio will help you determine if they meet your expectations.
5. Read Reviews
Take the time to read reviews for each UX designer on your list. If they have a business, look for their Google My Business or BBB profiles. Check their website for customer testimonials, too.
Reading reviews will help you determine if they’re capable of meeting client expectations.
Look for reviews about the designer’s responsiveness and time management, too.
6. Ask About Their Services
Consider asking each professional UX designer about the other services they offer.
For example, you might need a UX and UI designer.
Consider asking if they offer search engine optimization (SEO) services, too. They could help improve your rankings on search engines like Google. Improving your rankings will help you generate more website traffic and leads.
Ask the designer if you can make edits once they’re done working on your site as well. Make sure edits are included in the pricing.
7. Discuss Their Contract
Before hiring a UX designer to work on your website, get quotes from at least three different designers. Ask what’s included in each quote. Get an itemized list of any other services you’re requesting, too.
Don’t hire the cheapest option on your list. Instead, choose the freelance UX designer most capable of accomplishing your goals.
Choose a professional with the distinct experience and expertise you’re searching for, too.
Choosing an experienced UX designer will benefit you in the long run. Chances are, you’ll get what you pay for. If you choose the cheapest option, you might find yourself disappointed later on.
Optimized Experiences: 7 Tips for Hiring a UX Designer
Don’t hire the first UX designer you call. Instead, use these tips for hiring a UX designer capable of accomplishing your goals. With their help, you can set your business up for lasting growth and success.
Searching for more tips? You’ve come to the right place.
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