Web Designers do not always know it all. A lot of people who hire web designers, usually put some trust into them and sometimes even believe that they can do everything.
This topic came about because I was at WordCamp Columbus and happened to hear an attendee express their frustration over coming to some type of solution with their website. The website was a university site (I will not name) and unfortunately the person who was in the position of the web designer was telling the faculty member in charge of the project that they could not use WordPress and wanted to go back to regular static HTML. Lucky for her, she walked away knowing the solution to her problem and that she could continue using WordPress… and that her designer was not very knowledgeable with the CMS.
For me, it is frustrating to see this going on because even though it is WordPress (it could have been Joomla or Drupal or even static HTML or even a site in PHP from scratch), THERE IS ALWAYS A SOLUTION!
Webmaster Versus Web Designer Versus…
In the past, someone who was well-rounded in all aspects of the site (the design, the development, the content creation, and the marketing) was known as a webmaster. The problem is that there is a big difference between being a web designer and being the writer (content creator), the designer, the developer or even the marketer, and vice versa.
Some have strong talents in all areas, but also weaknesses. I will admit that I do not know it all. When someone says they believe I know it all or I am a genius, I thank then, but tell them that I try my best to find out a solution, but I do not know it all.
Being resourceful is a huge part of being a web designer, both in imagination, natural talent (getting the ideas from your brain to whatever medium you need it to get to), and the actual knowledge to get things done.
- Not all web designers are social media consultants.
- Not all web designers are web developers.
- Not all web designers are writers that can create content or even be well-versed in search engine optimization.
- Not all web designers are internet marketers.
To the web design client
And just in case you have a web designer who says something cannot be done without a plausible reason, they are not resourceful, knowledgeable, or imaginative enough and you should be careful about hiring such people. In some cases, this type of web designer exudes a “know it all” type of personality.
Be careful of these and make sure to have a plan B in effect in case a solution cannot come to fruition.
Yeah, that is pretty harsh to read, but it is true. Most website owners want something positive to happen as a result of web design, even if it is only to make their visitor’s time on their site a bit more pleasant of an experience. Of course, as a side note… the majority of sites I have designed for, both business and blogs, do have some type of monetization plan.
To the Web designer
Know your limitations and overcome them, even if it is to seek out a partner to help finish the job. There is always a way. While content and connecting are important, your web designer has to have an inkling on what works and what does not design-wise. In web design, there are many ways to code and design the elements of a page, and the information to do it is out there. If you need it, find it! If you cannot find it, ask – there are many web design related forums and even designers on Twitter and Facebook that are more than willing to give advice. For WordPress users, developers, and designers, you can hit the Support forums.
I am going to repeat -
THERE IS ALWAYS A SOLUTION IN WEB DESIGN!
So, while web designers do not always know it all… remember, there is always a way through any project.
No more excuses!