As a WordPress web designer of close to 10 years, I've noticed the same traits and qualities over and over again that make a great web designer.
While everyone has their own working and design style, there are still some key points that ALL web designers should adhere to. It's not that there is only one best way to approach situations, but its just common professionalism and courtesy that normal person or majority of people would expect with services given.
That being said, there are SO MANY shitty web designers out there. And not just in the technical aspect, but also just so many SHITTY professionalism that doesn't even exist anymore. No wonder clients these days have a hard time finding any decent web designer that is BOTH good at what they do and good at professionalism.
(Image courtesy credit: Ben Kolde of Unsplash)
Skills You Need as Web Designer for Majority of Client Population
One of the first things that many budding web designers ask me is how much education do you need, or do you need a college degree in computer science, or what is the best programming language to know to be a web designer.
That all depends on the type of client you get. Whether its a single person, or small business, or large corporation.
That being said, if you are a freelance web designer, and looking to be a digital nomad, for the most part, the majority of your clients will be single person or small businesses. Honestly, the main skills you'll need to know include:
A. WordPress
B. HTML5/CSS3
C. Basic PHP and Javascript
D. Basic to Intermediate graphic design
That's it. I know ... some people ask well what about C++ and other programming languages. Yes, those are definitely helpful to have, but those are more pertinent on larger and more complex projects that large corporations usually dish out. It's great to have those skills, but don't fret if you don't know those advanced programming languages. It's more than likely that the website you build for your client won't require that advanced programming.
Approach You Need as Web Designer
Obviously having the technical know how is the first requirement, otherwise you wouldn't have the ability to be hired.
But just having technical skills isn't enough. The approach in how you work and communicate with your client is very much important, and most of the time, many web designers lack the direction to be able to see through a project to its completion.
The key elements that web designer should approach a project with a client include:
A. Pre phone/Skype call to understand the CLIENT NEEDS.
B. Draft/Proposal of the project that outlines clearly the details of the project and what is expected for BOTH the client and designer. This is MOST important step. This prevents future misunderstanding and miscommunications.
C. Decide best method of communication. Whether by phone, email, or inperson meeting. Schedule one or two upfront of meetings.
D. Detail clearly the payment plan. Make sure that the client understands the fee structure and if there maybe additional fees that pop up later on.
E. Always communicate and communicate with your client. They like a designer who keeps them on their toes.
F. Communicate. Did I say that again? Yes ... believe it or not, many web designers just suck shit when it comes to communication (although I'll also say that clients are no better as well).
