3 Things That Actually Matter When Choosing a Web Designer (And One Thing That Doesn't)
Originally published in The Music Business Website Letter ♩ Issue #1
A prospective client found me on Upwork because my profile matched exactly what they needed. We had a great initial conversation, that is, until our locations came up. They were near Philadelphia. I told them Philadelphia is my first home (I was born and raised there), but I'm currently working remotely from another country. They backed out to find someone local.
It made me realize many business owners don't know what actually matters when hiring a web designer.
If you're a music educator, studio owner, or creative entrepreneur looking to build or refresh your website, here's what to focus on:
1. Can they deliver results for YOUR specific goals?
A beautiful website means nothing if it doesn't solve your actual business problem. Are you trying to increase student enrollment? Build credibility with parents? Streamline your registration process? Your designer should understand your goals first, aesthetics second.
They should be able to explain how they'd approach your specific enrollment challenge, not just show you their design style.
2. What's their process?
Uncertainty creates stress for busy business owners. A clear process (from strategy through launch and beyond) means you know what to expect, when to expect it, and what you need to provide.
This should be clearly outlined on their website, in a service guide, or explained in your first conversation. What does working together actually look like, step by step?
3. How do they communicate?
Responsiveness, clarity, and proactive updates matter more than being in the same city. Can they explain technical concepts in plain language? Do they keep you informed? Will they answer questions when you have them?
Pay attention to how they communicate during the sales process. That's what you'll get during the project too.
And the thing that doesn't matter as much as you might think: Location.
I built Amy Hang in Studio to be location-independent, not because I don't value relationships, but because I believe the best work happens when we design our lives around what matters most. For me, that's the freedom to work from anywhere. For my clients, it's having a designer who prioritizes results and clear communication over conference room meetings.
With video calls, screen sharing, and project management tools, geography is just geography. What matters is whether your designer understands your business and can create a website that actually works for you.
Many of you chose music education because it gave you creative freedom and flexibility. I chose to build my business the same way. That shared value, authenticity over convention, and the passion for music are what make our collaborations work.
Ready to build a website that actually enrolls students?
If you're looking for a web designer who understands music education businesses and thinks strategically to help you design a website that allows you to focus on what you’re good at (and not the tech stuff), let's talk. Book a discovery call or learn more about my process.
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What questions do you wish you'd asked before hiring your last web designer? I'd love to hear from you. Send me an email at amy@amyhangin.studio or connect with me on socials.
