Web design for graphic designers: why you need a website

Importance of an online presence for designers

Every marketer will tell you that your online presence is key to success today. But what does being online mean for a graphic designer? It’s not just a profile on a design platform; it’s a space where you showcase your skills, creativity, and professionalism. A survey by Adobe found that 75% of clients judge a creative professional’s abilities based on their online presence.

Your online visibility allows potential clients to discover your work easily. And not only that. It establishes your credibility and demonstrates your expertise. You can be present on many channels at the same time. Still, a potential employer will always look for your graphic design portfolio website. It is the first touchpoint that is immediately showcasing UX/UI design potential of its owner.

Benefits of a personal website for graphic designers

According to a survey by Clutch, 64% of small businesses have a website. Even if you are just a beginner, a website for graphic design services can become a driving mechanism for your professional growth. How exactly does it happen?

• A website serves as your portfolio. It is a dedicated space where you can display your best work in a polished, curated manner. You have complete creative freedom in web design here and can reflect your professional style to impress potential partners.
• A website builds personal brand for graphic designers. It gives you the power to differentiate yourself from the competition. From the logo to the layout, you control every detail. A cohesive and memorable site signals professionalism.
• A website is a tool for lead generation for designers. Turn your website into a 24/7 digital business card. It’s accessible to clients worldwide, showcasing graphic design work and offering an easy way to contact you.
• A website boosts your portfolio SEO optimization. You can improve client outreach through websites optimized for SEO. Carefully chosen keywords will take your site to top search results. In other words, you will get more inquiries and projects.
• A website brings professional connections. Your website isn’t just for attracting clients. Networking through personal websites is another advantage to enjoy. You will connect with fellow designers, collaborators, and industry leaders.

Websites for graphic designers give you full control over your narrative. You decide how to present your work, tell your story, and communicate your value to clients. It’s a great tool for building credibility online.

Alternatives to a personal website

A website is the most straightforward way to showcase web design for graphic designers. However, there are other effective alternatives to consider. Here are a few:

1. A website vs portfolio platforms
• Behance. Here, you can showcase your projects and get feedback from the design community. Behance is a perfect place for designers who want to get noticed. However, your portfolio must match the platform’s ecosystem, and customization options are limited.
• Dribbble. This platform presents design works in quick snapshots. It has an active community where you can share your projects, get feedback, and connect with clients. Still, it doesn’t provide the depth of presentation that a personal website does.
• Portfolio.io. This service offers a customizable template for creating a professional online portfolio. If you want more control than Behance or Dribbble but without the complexity of building a full website from scratch, this is a great option.
2. Social media alternatives to websites
• Instagram. it is ideal for graphic designers who can demonstrate their work through stunning images and videos. It’s a great platform to share projects, creative processes, and design tips in a way that grabs attention. Here, you can build a following and get direct client inquiries.
• LinkedIn. This platform helps graphic designers to hunt for jobs and not only. You can share articles and design tips and connect with peers, clients, and industry leaders. It helps build your professional brand and reputation in the design world.
• Twitter. It is perfect for designers who like to share quick thoughts, industry news, and design tips. It’s also a good place to showcase work through tweets and threads, participate in conversations about trends, and connect with other creatives.

Online custom design portfolios

• Carbonmade. This user-friendly platform creates responsive portfolios. If you are looking for responsive web design for portfolios without much hassle, this is what you need. Later, you can quickly update and adjust your portfolio.
• Squarespace. You will find a wide range of customizable templates here. This platform is suitable for those who want more control over the design and layout of a portfolio.

How to build a successful graphic design website

You don’t need to have coding skills to build good graphic design websites. There are many website templates for designers that allow you to create portfolios in different formats. However, note these graphic design website tips may be helpful:

1. Choose a domain name and a hosting plan. Choose a memorable domain that reflects your brand. Use reliable web hosting for graphic designers that offers good customer support and sufficient storage.
A tip:

Popular domain registrars are GoDaddy, Bluehost, and Namecheap. Choose hosting plans with SSL certificates, backups, and easy site management tools.

2. Carefully choose your website design and layout. Use templates that are highly and easily customizable. Pay special attention to colors and typography, and choose those that are close to your personal style.
A tip:

Experiment with Squarespace, WordPress, or Wix website builders.

3. Upload your works and organize them in a portfolio. Choose graphic design for web you want to demonstrate. If these are in different styles or industries, arrange them into categories.
A tip:

Behance or Dribbble offer easy-to-upload tools for designers. Organize your portfolio in a way that highlights your strengths.

4. Create additional website pages. Include an About page and a Contact page. These pages should tell more about your background and allow users to get in touch easily.
A tip:

Consider adding a blog to your website. Well-selected content will help you gain authority in your niche.

5. Publish your portfolio website. Finally, review your site on different devices and browsers to see if it is responsive and accessible to all users.
A tip:

Use analytics tools (like Google Analytics) to track traffic and understand how visitors interact with your site.

Challenges of maintaining a website

Having a website is not the end of the story. You should be prepared for ongoing challenges. These include technical issues like broken links and slow loading times, timely updates of your portfolio and blog, and following SEO for graphic designers. Additionally, you must take measures to protect your website from cyber threats and have a budget for hosting and domain registration. It sounds a bit tricky at first glance, but if you are a pro in graphic design, you will surely handle these tasks successfully.

Future trends for graphic designers’ online presence

The digital space for graphic designers is changing fast. Key trends include AI tools that automate tasks and free time for more creative work. Virtual and augmented reality allows designers to create immersive experiences and unique portfolios. Web3 and blockchain technology streamline collaboration and protect intellectual property. Learn more about the possibilities new trends offer, continuously educate yourself and implement the things that may help you stay ahead in your career. All long journeys start with a small step.

So, does a graphic designer need a website? Or is it enough to use portfolio platforms to connect with clients? The answer is an absolute YES! Portfolio platforms are great to be noticed, but a personal website provides more control. It allows designers to present their portfolio in a professional way, build a strong brand, and attract a broader audience. A personal website is a powerful tool for marketing, networking, and boosting your online presence. Need expert help? The DreamX team knows all the intricacies of website design. Feel free to contact us, and let us create a website design tailored to your unique vision!