Finding the right website designer is more than just ticking off a technical checklist—it’s about discovering a creative partner who understands your business goals, resonates with your brand, and knows how to make your online presence shine. For Somerset businesses, especially those in the wellness, counselling, and therapy sectors, your website is often the first impression potential clients will get. That means choosing the right designer can be the difference between a steady flow of new clients and missed opportunities. Whether you’re planning your first website or looking to refresh an existing one, understanding what to look for in a website designer can save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Understanding the Importance of Professional Web Design
Professional web design is about more than just making things look pretty—it’s about instilling trust and credibility from the moment visitors land on your homepage. Many small business owners underestimate the impact of design quality, but the reality is that your website is your digital storefront.
First impressions matter. According to research, 75% of consumers judge a company’s credibility based on their website design. If your site looks outdated or unprofessional, potential clients may assume your services are too. This is especially critical for therapists, counsellors, and wellness professionals, where trust and reputation are key.
It’s not just about aesthetics, either. A professionally designed website ensures that your content is accessible, easy to navigate, and clearly communicates your message. When your site is well-organised and visually appealing, visitors are more likely to stay, explore, and get in touch—exactly what you want for your business.
Moreover, professional web designers understand best practices for both user experience (UX) and search engine optimisation (SEO), boosting your visibility in Google searches and making it easier for your ideal clients to find you. If you want to put your best foot forward online, investing in quality web design is essential.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Website Designer
Choosing a website designer is a big decision, so it’s worth taking the time to weigh up your options. Here’s what you should keep in mind as you start your search:
- Experience and Specialisation: Look for a designer who has a track record of working with businesses similar to yours. Someone who understands the unique needs of wellness professionals will be able to create a site that speaks directly to your audience.
- Portfolio Quality: Examine the designer’s previous work. Is their style versatile? Are their websites easy to use and visually engaging?
- Technical Skills: Ensure your designer is proficient in the latest web technologies, especially if you want features like online booking, e-commerce, or AI-generated content integration.
- Communication: Building a website is a collaborative process. Choose someone who listens to your ideas, communicates clearly, and is responsive to your needs.
- Support Options: Setting up the site is just the beginning. Ongoing support, managed hosting, security monitoring, and backups are all vital for long-term website health—services that Richard Thorne Web Design (RTWD) offers as standard.
- Pricing Transparency: Be wary of hidden fees or unclear pricing structures. Opt for designers who offer clear, flexible payment plans that suit your budget.
Remember, 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. It’s not just about functionality—your website needs to look good and work seamlessly across all devices.
Finally, ask for references or testimonials. A reputable designer will be happy to share feedback from happy clients, helping you make a more informed choice.
The Role of Responsive Design in Today’s Digital Landscape
With more people browsing the web on smartphones and tablets than ever before, having a mobile-friendly site is non-negotiable. Responsive design ensures your website looks and works perfectly, whether visitors are on a laptop, tablet, or mobile device.
Why does this matter so much? 73.1% of web designers say that a non-responsive design is the main reason visitors leave a website. If your site isn’t easy to use on a phone, you’re likely losing a significant chunk of your audience (and potential clients) before they even get to know you.
Responsive design isn’t just about shrinking content to fit smaller screens—it’s about redesigning navigation, images, and interactive elements so that everything is intuitive and accessible. A responsive site loads faster, looks professional, and keeps users engaged. Plus, search engines like Google favour mobile-friendly websites, so you’ll get a boost in search rankings as well.
RTWD specialises in building responsive WordPress sites, ensuring your business looks its best—no matter how people find you.
Evaluating a Designer’s Portfolio and Client Testimonials
One of the most effective ways to judge a website designer’s capabilities is to review their portfolio and read client testimonials. This gives you a direct insight into their design style, technical expertise, and ability to deliver on their promises.
When browsing portfolios, look for:
- Variety: Can the designer adapt to different industries and client needs?
- Consistency: Are the websites visually appealing, easy to navigate, and consistent in quality?
- Functionality: Do the sites include features like contact forms, booking systems, or blogs relevant to your business?
Client testimonials are equally important. They highlight the designer’s communication skills, responsiveness, and ability to support clients post-launch. Remember, 88% of online consumers are less likely to return to a website after a bad experience. A designer with a track record of satisfied clients is more likely to deliver a website you—and your visitors—will love.
At https://richardthornewebdesign.uk/, you’ll find examples of work with counsellors, therapists, and various small businesses across Somerset, giving you confidence in both the process and the outcome.
Understanding Pricing and Contractual Agreements
No one likes nasty surprises when it comes to costs, so it’s crucial to understand exactly what you’re paying for. Good website designers are upfront about their pricing, offering clear breakdowns for design, hosting, ongoing maintenance, and any additional services.
Flexible payment options, like those available at RTWD, can make quality web design accessible to more businesses. Whether you prefer a one-off build or a manageable monthly plan, make sure the payment structure fits your cash flow and business goals.
Before you sign anything, review the contractual agreement. It should outline:
- Project scope and deliverables
- Timelines and milestones
- Ownership of content and design
- Support and update policies
Transparency is key—if something isn’t clear, ask. After all, 40% of users will leave a website if it takes more than 3 seconds to load. Speedy, reliable hosting and care are just as important as the initial design.
The Benefits of Local Expertise in Somerset
There’s a real advantage to working with a local web designer who understands your community and your audience. A Somerset-based designer like Richard Thorne brings unique insight into the local market, ensuring your website feels relevant and authentic.
Local expertise means:
- Better understanding of your target audience’s needs and expectations
- Potential for face-to-face meetings, boosting communication and trust
- Faster response times and ongoing support that’s never far away
- Connections with other local businesses, which can lead to valuable collaborations
For Glastonbury businesses in the wellness and therapy sector, this local perspective is invaluable. It means your website will resonate with the people you want to reach most. Plus, supporting local talent strengthens the Somerset business community as a whole.
With RTWD’s blend of technical know-how, creative flair, and deep local roots, you get the best of both worlds: professional web design tailored to your unique business and the Somerset market.