What Every Student Should Know to Succeed in The Field of Web Design

The field of web design is as challenging as it is promising, and many people are now taking courses to become a web designer. Sure, studying to become a web designer can arm you with the most basic skills that will help you create websites. Becoming a successful web designer, however, is an entirely different story.

By default, all web designers must have the requisite eye, creativity, and skills at using tools and software to come up with a website. Successful web designers, however, possess more than that. To succeed in web design, web designers need to do the following:

PLAN AHEAD.

Instead of just waiting for that spark of inspiration like most artists do, you can do better by planning your design ahead of time.

When doing some pre-design planning, it would be great if you do some research about clients, like finding out what they’re all about. You can also talk to them and ask what they want exactly for their website. A peek into their competitor’s websites can also either give you some inspiration or an idea of what not to do. If you already have a sketch of the website in mind, then put it on paper so you’ll have a very raw template of the work ahead of you.

WORK ON YOUR COMMUNICATION SKILLS.

You may have the talent and the tech skills, but all of that will be for naught if you can’t communicate your ideas clearly to clients. Whatever your design choices, you have to be able to present them as intelligently as you can to clients. And since the input of clients is also of paramount importance, you must be a good listener as well.

ALWAYS CHECK YOUR WORK AND HAVE IT EVALUATED BY OTHERS.

As with writers and other creatives, a web designer who is capable of assessing his own work is more likely to succeed. It always helps to have the ability to point out your own mistakes.

However, just like writers, web designers could become too close to their own work and therefore fail to spot all errors. In this case, another pair of eyes wouldn’t hurt. Other people can be more objective in checking your work for mistakes. Of course, you will also have to be prepared for feedback and be willing to accept and implement it if it’s necessary.

MARKET YOURSELF.

You can be the most technically-proficient web designer in the world, but if too few people know about your existence, you aren’t likely to get many clients.

So sell yourself. You can establish a presence on social media, hand out business cards, and of course, create your website to showcase your best work and attract potential clients. The world of web design is a highly competitive one, and being timid about your capabilities isn’t going to do you any favors. Blow your own horn because that’s the only way to let the world know how good a web designer you are.

KEEP UP WITH NEW TECH AND WEB DESIGN TRENDS.

If you’re still schooling yourself in the ways of web design, then you are likely to learn about the latest trends in web design as well as the newest apps, tools, and software that can help you come up with great-looking websites.

Even successful web designers need to keep abreast of what’s new in web design, and what old techniques or approaches aren’t working anymore and should be dropped. Considering how fast technology changes, web designers old and new have to be on their toes all the time.

WORK ON YOUR TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS.

Once you’ve established yourself as a web designer, you can expect to be swamped with projects. To keep your sanity, you have to bring your “A” game when it comes to time management. Whether you’re a freelance web designer or working for a company, it would help you immensely to be well-versed in the use of task lists or calendars, project tracking tools, and other productivity apps. The ability to set priorities and track your work effectively will be crucial to your success as a web designer.

UNDERSTAND THE BUSINESS SIDE OF THINGS.

Whether you’re employed with a company or working as a freelancer, it’s always important to know the goals and finances involved in the whole thing. After all, web designing is a business, and understanding the bottom line is instrumental in ensuring the profitability and sustainability of that business.

Web design requires talent, but you are going to need more if you want to succeed in the field of web design. On top of the tips presented above, a web designer also needs a boatload of patience. Clients could be difficult, and so could the projects that come your way. Just don’t get disheartened when things don’t go the way you expected them to go. With a little patience and determination on your part, you should be able to overcome any obstacle and eventually become a successful web designer.

About The Author

Shawn Byrne is the founder and CEO of My Biz Niche, an Arizona-based digital marketing company that has achieved superior results for their clients. Before My Biz Niche, Shawn worked for Venture Capitalists where he built a private portfolio of e-commerce and informational websites that generate revenue through various digital marketing strategies.