Web design outsourcing: The ins, the outs, and the between

Web design outsourcing lets you hire skilled designers outside your own team to build and refine your site. Web design is now a core part of any modern page. Just like other fields, design trends shift, and they shift fast.

Before, loud colors, messy layouts, and hard-to-read fonts were the norm. Now, the focus is on clean looks, simple layouts, and clear captions. Meanwhile, one trend rose with the demand: web design outsourcing. As a result, designers around the world can now work with the biggest brands.

Outsourcing also gives businesses access to world-class talent through business process outsourcing (BPO) companies.

What is web design outsourcing?

Web design outsourcing is the practice of hiring outside designers or agencies to plan, build, and update your website. In short, it hands your design work to experts who do it well. It usually gives you three things:

• Access to skilled designers without a full-time hire
• Lower costs than an in-house team
• Flexible support for short or long projects

Remote web design outsourcing in 2023

Remote work reshaped how design teams operate. Remote-first firms and home-based freelancers adjusted quickly to online setups. As a result, they were ready when many jobs moved off-site.

These teams had already embraced one of the biggest shifts in modern work: remote work. In fact, site design fits remote work well. Any modern computer with internet can handle the job.

So designers do not need to sit in an office from nine to five. Still, some companies hold back from letting online designers work from home. That question lingers for many leaders even today.

Web design: What does it mean?

Web design refers to the overall look and feel of a site. It covers both the internal build and the outside experience users get.

At first, designers only built pages for desktop browsers. Then mobile devices arrived. So designers began to craft pages built for phones and tablets too.

They make sure a page is readable, easy to reach on any device, and set up for its content. In addition, they organize content around the graphics and panels a site uses. A strong user experience depends on these choices.

The difference between web design and web development

People often lump website design and web development together. As a result, both designers and developers get frustrated.

Most of the time it is an honest mix-up. Still, some use it to lowball designers and developers. To be clear, development is the coding that makes a site work. Design, meanwhile, is the look and feel of that site.

Why web design is important

Web design matters because most of us expect clean, easy sites. When a page looks poor or feels clunky, people leave and find another one.

The look and vibe of a site shape how a company sells its goods or services. So a weak design hurts sales. In fact, if all you get are quick exits and high bounce rates, organic traffic stays out of reach.

Should companies invest in web design outsourcing services?

Short answer: yes. Companies should invest in online site designers, especially if they want a strong web presence. In addition, web design outsourcing works well for long-term projects.

Big firms often keep a few in-house designers. Still, many businesses hand design work to freelancers or agencies instead. As a result, digital outsourcing keeps booming as more people upskill for flexible careers.

The dos and don’ts of web design outsourcing

Like any field, web design outsourcing has its dos and don’ts. First, look at outsourcing as a whole. Some rules apply to every job it touches.

Keep in mind that outsourcing does not always mean partnering with a BPO or agency. For example, you can also hire freelancers and independent contractors.

Do #1: Invest in proper tools

Designers need the right tools to do their jobs. So in web design outsourcing, make sure you, the client, can supply what they need.

Do #2: Compensate appropriately

In most cases, outsourced design costs less than an in-house hire. Still, that is no reason to skimp on pay.

A clean, working site takes hours of effort. So respect that work. In short, value your designers and pay them fairly.

Do #3: Give realistic deadlines

Unless you can pay a rush fee, give designers enough time before the deadline. As mentioned earlier, good design takes time.

Perfecting layouts, buttons, and scrollers does not happen in a snap. So think of it this way: if you would not rush an author writing a book, why rush a designer building a site?

Don’t #1: Underestimate web design outsourcing

Some people wrongly claim that web design outsourcing “takes jobs from local talent.” In truth, that claim has little basis. Outsourcing has created millions of jobs across industries.

Still, some employers discredit the work because many designers today are self-taught. In some fields, though, skills matter far more than a degree.

Don’t #2: Be vague

When you brief your designer, be as clear as you can. So share your ideal look and vibe. Also, give them your ideas for the fonts and color family.

If you work with web design outsourcing firms, stay in touch and stay involved. Still, stay open to their creative ideas too. In short, communication is key.

Don’t #3: Be afraid of web design outsourcing (or outsourcing in general)

Some leaders find outsourcing scary because it lets an outside party into their work. Still, in many cases, this setup helps a business grow.

Web design outsourcing is a rich part of the wider industry. As a result, many people and firms work hand in hand to hit shared goals. The broader benefits of outsourcing apply here too.

What does it take to be a website designer?

Being an online site designer takes patience and skill. Some veterans say a design school helps rookies. Others swear by self-learning.

The truth sits somewhere in between. For some, classroom training is where they shine. Meanwhile, others learn on their own and upskill on the job.

So if a person has the drive and the tools, one good chance can launch a design career.

Must-have skills for internal and outsourced website designers

Whether or not a firm accepts non-degree holders, one thing makes or breaks a designer: skills. In general, there are two types we build: soft skills and hard skills. Creatives also have their own set.

Soft skills

Soft skills matter in any job. They show how well a person adjusts to a new work setup.

A designer must talk well with clients and work well with a team. So communication is one key soft skill on the list below. In fact, these skills help everyone, not just designers.

• Written and verbal communication
• Team player
• Attention to detail
• Resourcefulness
• Ability to take constructive criticism

Hard skills

Hard skills are taught, learned, and honed over time. They are practical and apply to school or work.

These skills grow with effort, as long as the person keeps learning. In addition, they overlap with skills used in software development outsourcing.

• Website design expertise
• Technological knowledge
• Keen sense of style
• Flexibility

How much do web designers make in a year?

In the US, web designers earn about US$27 per hour on average, based on Indeed’s web designers’ salaries data. So that works out to roughly US$56,000 a year for full-time work.

Outsourcing firms often pay their designers a lower hourly rate. Meanwhile, freelancers and contractors set their own rates. As a result, their pay rises or falls with their skill and experience.

FAQ about web design outsourcing

What is web design outsourcing?

It is the practice of hiring outside designers or agencies to build and update your site. In short, experts handle the work so your team can focus elsewhere.

Is web design outsourcing cheaper than hiring in-house?

In most cases, yes. You skip the cost of a full-time salary and benefits. Still, you must pay fair rates for quality work.

What is the difference between web design and web development?

Design is the look and feel of a site. Development is the code that makes it work. So the two roles support each other but are not the same.

How do I brief an outsourced web designer?

First, share your goals, style, and color ideas. Next, give clear examples you like. Then stay in touch through the project. As a result, you get a result that matches your vision.

Do outsourced designers need a degree?

Not always. Many strong designers are self-taught. In fact, a solid portfolio often matters more than a diploma.

Key takeaways

• Web design outsourcing hands your site work to skilled outside designers or agencies.
• It often costs less than an in-house team and scales up or down with your needs.
• Web design and web development are different jobs that work best together.
• Clear briefs, fair pay, and realistic deadlines lead to strong results.

Web design outsourcing: Is it worth it?

Partnering with a web design outsourcing company is worth every penny. A clean, well-built site is a must-have for any business online. It also supports smart content marketing that draws visitors in.

As mentioned earlier, attractive and easy sites keep people browsing. So this raises the chance they will explore a product or service they like.

Web design outsourcing may feel new to some. Still, it pays off in the long run. To protect that investment, partner with trusted BPO providers like MVP Asia Pacific.