Web Designer vs. Web Developer: Who Should You Hire for Your Small Business Website?

If you’re a small business owner looking to build or update your website, you might be wondering: Do I need a web designer or a web developer? (Or both?) The terms are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different skill sets—and depending on your needs, you might require one, the other, or a combination of the two.

Let’s break it down in simple terms so you can make the best decision for your business.

What Does a Web Designer Do?

Think of a web designer as the architect and interior decorator of your website. They focus on:

• Visual appeal – Layouts, color schemes, typography, and branding.
• User experience (UX) – How visitors navigate and interact with your site.
• Responsive design – Making sure your site looks great on phones, tablets, and desktops.
• Graphics & branding – Custom icons, logos, and imagery that match your business style.

You’ll want a web designer if:
✅ You’re starting from scratch and need a beautiful, on-brand website.
✅ Your current site looks outdated and needs a fresh look.
✅ You want to improve how users move through your site (fewer bounces, more conversions!).

Tools they use: Figma, Adobe XD, Photoshop, Canva, WordPress themes (like Elementor or Divi).

What Does a Web Developer Do?

A web developer is like the engineer and builder of your website. They handle:

• Coding & functionality – Turning design mockups into a working website.
• Technical features – Forms, shopping carts, login systems, databases.
• Performance & security – Making sure your site loads fast and stays safe from hackers.
• Custom solutions – Building tools specific to your business needs.

You’ll want a web developer if:
✅ Your site needs complex features (e-commerce, memberships, custom apps).
✅ You’re switching platforms (e.g., moving from Wix to Shopify).
✅ Something’s broken, and you need a fix beyond basic drag-and-drop editors.

Tools they use: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, React, Shopify/Liquid, WordPress plugins.

Do You Need Both?

Sometimes! Many professionals specialize in both design and development (often called “unicorns” in the industry). But if you’re working with a tight budget, here’s how to decide:

• For a simple, brochure-style site? A designer with WordPress/Wix/Squarespace skills may be enough.
• For an online store or custom web app? A developer (or a designer + developer team) is essential.
• For a full redesign with new features? Consider hiring both to ensure a seamless process.

FAQ: Common Questions About Hiring for Your Website

1. Can’t one person do both design and development?

Some can! These “hybrid” professionals (sometimes called “designer-developers”) exist, but they’re rare. Many specialize in one area—so if you need both skills, ask upfront about their experience.

2. What’s more expensive: hiring a designer or a developer?

It depends! Developers often charge more for complex coding work, while designers may charge for branding and custom graphics. However, a simple WordPress designer might cost less than a developer building a custom e-commerce site.

3. Do I need a designer if I’m using a template (like Shopify or WordPress)?

Templates save time, but a designer can customize them to match your brand, improve user experience, and make your site stand out. If you want a truly unique look, a designer helps.

4. How do I know if my website needs a developer?

Ask yourself:

• Does my site need special features (booking systems, payment gateways, etc.)?
• Is it slow, glitchy, or not working properly?
• Am I moving to a new platform or scaling up?
  If yes, you probably need a developer.

5. Can I just use a website builder (like Wix or Squarespace) instead?

Absolutely! These are great for simple sites, but they have limits. If you need advanced customization, scalability, or unique functionality, a developer can take your site further. They can also be time consuming and surprisingly expensive if you doing it yourself.

6. What should I look for when hiring?

• Portfolio: Do their past projects match what you need?
• Communication: Do they explain things clearly?
• Reviews: What do past clients say?
• Budget: Are they upfront about costs?

Final Tip: Ask the Right Questions

Before hiring, clarify:

• “Do I need visual polish, functional upgrades, or both?”
• “Can one person handle this, or do I need a team?”
• “Does this professional have experience with businesses like mine?”

The right expert will save you time, money, and headaches—so choose based on your goals, not just price.