Buyer Beware: The True Cost of Inexperienced Website Designers

As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” This rings especially true when it comes to website design. As we’ve discussed in previous articles about Website Design Myths, it’s crucial to understand what separates a professional website designer from someone who’s just getting started or operating on a tight budget.

The Pitfalls of Hiring an Inexperienced Designer

One of the most common mistakes business owners make is hiring an inexperienced designer, such as a student or hobbyist, simply because they offer a cheaper price. While it may seem like a good deal at first glance, it’s important to be cautious. Students, fresh out of college, or individuals working on their own without real-world experience often lack the expertise needed to create a website that truly serves your business’s needs.

Here’s why you should be careful before committing to a student or inexperienced designer:

  • Overpricing for Limited Experience: A student or inexperienced designer may quote you a price that’s two or three times higher than what you’d pay for an experienced professional. Often, this pricing discrepancy comes from a lack of understanding of how much effort and expertise is required for a successful project. When a designer is still learning, they may overestimate their abilities, leading to an inflated price to cover their uncertainty. If their rate seems too high for the market, it’s a red flag—ask for examples of their past work and evaluate the quality before proceeding.
  • Unreliable or Inconsistent Results: If you hire a student or someone with limited experience, there’s no guarantee that they’ll deliver what you need. In many cases, students or beginner designers are still trying to figure out what works and what doesn’t. As a result, your website may end up looking unprofessional or lacking important functionality that’s crucial for running your business effectively. Additionally, a lack of real-world knowledge can lead to missed opportunities for proper branding, SEO optimization, and overall user experience, which are all critical for a business website.
  • Lack of Real-World Experience: When we originally published this article, we noted that many colleges didn’t offer specialized website design courses, instead focusing on graphic design, which only touches on part of the website design process. While some colleges have adapted and now offer website design courses, these lessons often fail to compare to the practical, hands-on experience gained by working directly in the field.

In fact, Advertising Solutions has worked with many “fresh out of school” job applicants who, despite their academic background, had no clue how to build a functional and successful website. The reality is that designing a website isn’t just about coding or making things look pretty—it involves understanding user experience, marketing strategies, technical performance, and more. This is something that can only be mastered through real-world practice, not classroom instruction.

The Unseen Costs of Inexperienced Designers

Beyond the potential for poor design and functionality, there are hidden costs to working with an inexperienced designer that can be just as damaging:

  • Lack of Ongoing Support: When you work with a student or hobbyist, it’s not guaranteed that they’ll provide ongoing support once your website is live. If you encounter technical issues or need updates, you may find that your designer is difficult to reach, or worse, has abandoned the project entirely. This can be incredibly frustrating for business owners who rely on their websites for day-to-day operations. A professional website designer, on the other hand, will be available for ongoing maintenance and will have the resources to keep your site running smoothly in the long term.
  • Uncertain Career Path: Another risk of hiring an inexperienced designer is that they may not stay in the field long enough to see your project through. Many individuals who start designing websites as a hobby or during their studies eventually change career paths or abandon their freelance work altogether. If this happens, you could find yourself stuck with a website that’s difficult to manage or update, or worse, abandoned entirely.
  • Lack of Accountability: Professional web design companies, like Advertising Solutions, have established reputations and are accountable for the work they do. They’ll provide clear timelines, set expectations, and be available for support when needed. If you hire a student or a less experienced designer, you risk working with someone who may not be as reliable or committed to your business’s long-term success.

Why Real-World Experience Matters

The difference between a student or hobbyist designer and a seasoned professional is vast. As we’ve mentioned, Advertising Solutions and other reputable companies have years of real-world experience, which allows them to anticipate problems and provide solutions before they arise. With a professional designer, you can expect:

  1. Clear Communication and Support: A professional designer will communicate with you effectively, offering updates, explaining their processes, and answering your questions. They’ll also be available for post-launch support, helping you make adjustments and improvements as your business grows.
  2. Strategic Design Decisions: A professional designer brings industry-specific knowledge to the table, understanding the needs of your business and creating a website that’s tailored to your target audience. They’ll use their experience to incorporate best practices for navigation, functionality, and user engagement, ensuring that your website meets your business goals.
  3. Time and Money Savings: Although hiring an experienced designer may cost more upfront, it often saves you time and money in the long run. A professional can deliver a polished website on time and within budget, preventing costly redesigns or additional work caused by mistakes from a less experienced designer.

Final Thoughts: Choose Experience Over Cost

When it comes to website design, it’s tempting to cut corners, especially when faced with the prospect of hiring a student or a cheap freelancer. However, the risks of this decision far outweigh the potential savings. Instead, invest in a professional designer who has the skills, experience, and commitment to create a website that not only looks great but also functions seamlessly for your business.

Advertising Solutions has the experience and expertise to design websites that not only meet your needs but exceed your expectations. When you choose a professional with real-world experience, you ensure that your website will serve your business now and into the future.