10 Ways to Stand Out as a Web Designer
Potential clients have many options to choose from when selecting a web designer. If you are relatively new to the industry, this notion may make you feel like it’s impossible to stand out from the pack.
In reality, there are dozens of ways you can differentiate yourself as a designer. And when you figure out what works for you, you can impact both how you serve your clients and how you expand your business.
Why it’s important to stand out as a web designer
To operate successfully and lucratively as a web designer, it's important to find ways to stand out and make your work distinctive. This can help you attract target clients, make more money, and earn recognition in your industry.
Standing out isn’t just about creativity or your approach to projects. A mentor once suggested that clients don’t go with the most creative option, they go with the safest–the one who they feel most comfortable with.
By finding your “secret sauce” as a designer (i.e., the thing that makes you unique), you can assert why you are the best choice for potential clients. In doing so, you inherently let potential clients know two things:
What you do extremely well: Your work, portfolio, and style outline what clients can get from working with you.
What you don’t do at all: What you don’t talk about on your website, or show in your portfolio, is just as critical.
These two key factors can establish trust and confidence that you are the right person for a client’s project.
The top 10 ways to stand out as a web designer
From client interactions to design skills, there are proven and effective ways to stand out as a web designer. The following tips can help you voice your unique position in the market, succeed as a business owner, and draw in your dream clients.
1. Focus on feeling
When it comes to designing a beautiful and impactful website on Squarespace, it’s important to have strong technical skills, an analytical approach to problem-solving, and in-depth design knowledge.
However, today’s clients see these important attributes as table stakes. They’re also looking to have a positive experience with you.
Potential clients may evaluate you not only on what services you provide but also on how you make them feel. To stand out from the competitors who offer similar deliverables, focus on the feeling you create when working with clients.
You can stand out by offering a service that gives clients the feeling of:
Encouragement as they start a new project, which they may find nerve wracking.
Support by being present for them, especially as they already have a lot on their plate.
Fun throughout the project, because it helps lighten the load they carry as entrepreneurs.
By making potential clients feel supported and genuinely encouraged, you position yourself as someone who is memorable and a pleasure to work with.
Pro tip: Don’t give your clients any excuses to go elsewhere. Provide the best, most professional service and deliverables for every single project, regardless of how much the client is spending.
2. Provide excellent service
In the early stages of any client relationship, speed is a game changer. When you respond quickly to your client’s initial inquiry and messages, you build trust. And trust is what builds the foundation of a strong working relationship long term.
Speed of service can also be a deciding factor for many potential clients, so ensure you are available, especially when you are welcoming more business.
Once you’ve landed a job, it’s essential to continue offering outstanding customer service.
The key to maintaining effective communication is this: keep your clients informed throughout the design process before they have a chance to ask what’s next.
Reference our guide to writing client emails for communication best practices.
Pro tip: If you are not in the position to respond to potential or current clients immediately, set up an auto-response email that notifies recipients of when they can expect to hear back from you.
3. Invest in learning
You may be a great designer, but in a field that constantly grows and changes, there are always ways to improve.
Even if you specialize in a specific area, take the time to learn new skills in areas that can provide your clients with a better service. These areas may include:
Graphic design
Social media
App integrations
Digital marketing
You’ll want to highlight your expertise with Squarespace, particularly for clients who are looking for a web designer with ample experience on the platform.
4. Identify your why
People don’t just buy what you do, they buy why you do it. A great way to stand out as a web designer is to clearly identify, and talk about, why you are motivated to serve your clients.
Start by developing a narrative for your business, pulling from personal and professional experience to explain why clients would want to work with you. Include this messaging throughout your website, especially on your about page.
5. Choose a niche
Identify your area of expertise and become the go-to expert. By defining a niche, you can establish your reputation as a specialist in an industry, specialty, design aesthetic, project type, and more.
If you’re not sure where to start, take a look at past projects and take note of what stands out to you. Learn more about how to define your web design niche.
6. Build strength
Stand out as a web designer by showing off your strengths. You can do this through your website portfolio, services, and any web design packages you may offer.
Your portfolio and packages should reflect your ideal clients and projects so visitors come away understanding who you serve and how you serve them. For instance, if your target clients own ecommerce businesses, your portfolio should include packages that highlight your skills and services, such as the store setup, branding, email marketing, and more.
Pro tip: If you’re just starting out, build one to three sample sites that you would show to ideal clients. Use these to make up your portfolio, and add to it as you grow.
7. Provide support
A key time to stand out as a designer is after the launch of your client’s website. This includes training and support.
There are lots of ways to creatively train and support your client during offboarding by providing:
A live training session with your client, plus a recording of the session for their use.
A pre-recorded training session on how to update Squarespace websites.
A catalog of training materials on how to add a product to their store, post to their blog, update their Acuity scheduling availability, and so on.
A 30-, 60-, or 90-day post-launch support plan for minor tweaks and adjustments.
Pro tip: You can ensure compensation by setting expectations early on and including training and support details in proposal documents and contracts for every project.
8. Present social proof
Include social proof throughout your portfolio and social media channels to help validate your expertise in the market. Social proof can include client testimonials, reviews, past work and case studies, and years of experience. All of these components can show potential clients that you are both skilled and trustworthy.
Pro tip: If you’re a Circle member, showcase your Squarespace Circle Badge on your website. This can assert you as a pro at all things Squarespace. Badges can be found on the members-only forum.
9. Establish your style
Use a signature aesthetic throughout your website and marketing materials to reinforce your skill and style as a web designer. You may also want to include projects with a similar aesthetic in your portfolio as you showcase the work you’re really good at.
Clients may decide to work with you after finding that your aesthetic resonates with their project.
10. Show your personality
Your personality is ultimately what sets you apart from other designers. Attract new clients by letting your voice shine through your website and marketing materials.
Share professional and personal passions and highlight any interests that contribute to your identity as a web designer. You may find business opportunities through these interests. For instance, if you have a passion for supporting local businesses, you can convey this message through the projects you take on and include in your portfolio.
No matter where you are in your web design career, it’s essential to find interesting and impactful opportunities to stand out. Whether that comes in the form of a robust marketing strategy or taking a unique approach to showcasing your expertise, you can establish yourself as the go-to expert in your desired field by applying one or more of the tactics above.
Want more?
Check out Squarespace Circle, Squarespace’s program for professional web designers, developers, digital entrepreneurs, and creatives. Along with exclusive content, discounts, and other perks, Circle brings professionals together from all across the globe to exchange advice while connecting with new clients and collaborators.
