In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence is essential for businesses of all sizes. E-commerce has changed how companies interact with customers, making it easier than ever to reach a global audience.
However, with this increased opportunity comes increased competition. To stand out in the crowded online marketplace, your e-commerce website needs to be more than just functional – it needs to be exceptional.
This is where an e-commerce designer’s expertise becomes invaluable. While numerous options are available, including freelancers worldwide and large agencies, there’s a compelling case for hiring a local e-commerce designer.
Reasons to Hire a Local Ecommerce Designer
In this article, we’ll explore the top five reasons why choosing a local professional can give your online business a significant edge.
1. Personalized Attention and Communication
One of the most significant advantages of hiring a local e-commerce designer is the level of personalized attention and communication you’ll receive. Face-to-face meetings allow for clearer communication of ideas, immediate feedback, and brainstorming.
According to a Forbes study, 84% of executives prefer in-person meetings to build stronger, more meaningful business relationships. This face-to-face interaction can be crucial when discussing the nuances of your brand and vision for your e-commerce site.
Local designers offer real-time communication, which means:
- Quick responses to queries
- Easier scheduling of meetings
- No time zone barriers
Regular, in-person interactions allow a local designer to gain deeper insights into your business culture, understand your long-term goals more comprehensively, and align the design strategy with your overall business objectives.
By fostering this close working relationship, you’re more likely to end up with an e-commerce site that truly reflects your brand and meets your specific needs.
2. Local Market Expertise
Another compelling reason to hire a local e-commerce designer is their intimate knowledge of your local market. Local designers bring insight into local shopping habits, regional preferences in design and user experience, and an understanding of local consumer expectations.
A study by McKinsey & Company found that 71% of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions, and 76% get frustrated when this doesn’t happen. A local designer can help you meet these expectations by tailoring your e-commerce site to local preferences.
Benefits of a local designer’s market expertise include:
- Awareness of local market trends
- Knowledge of what works (and doesn’t work) in your area
- Ability to help you differentiate from local competition
- Incorporation of culturally relevant design elements
- Avoidance of potentially offensive or misunderstood imagery
- Creation of a site that resonates with your local customer base
This local touch can be particularly important for businesses with a strong regional focus or looking to build a loyal local customer base online.
3. Customized Solutions for Your Specific Needs
Every business is unique, and your e-commerce site should reflect that uniqueness. A local designer is well-positioned to provide customized solutions that perfectly fit your business needs. They offer solutions based on your business model, designs that align with your existing branding, and features tailored to your product or service offerings.
As your business evolves, a local designer can quickly implement changes to your site, scale features as your business grows, and adapt the design to new product lines or services. They can also provide seamless integration with local payment gateways, incorporate local shipping and delivery options, and ensure compliance with local e-commerce regulations and tax laws.
A 2021 Baymard Institute study found that 21% of US online shoppers have abandoned an order due to a too-long/complicated checkout process. A local designer familiar with regional preferences can help streamline these processes for your local customer base, potentially increasing conversion rates.
4. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
An e-commerce website isn’t a one-time project. It requires ongoing maintenance and updates to remain effective and secure. This is where having a local designer can be particularly advantageous.
Local designers provide:
- Rapid troubleshooting of issues
- Fast implementation of updates and changes
- Immediate assistance during critical sales periods (e.g., holiday seasons)
- Proactive identification of potential issues through regular in-person check-ins
- Ongoing optimization based on performance data
- Continuous alignment with your evolving business goals
A local designer can become a trusted advisor for your digital strategy, a partner in your business growth, and a valuable resource for staying ahead of e-commerce trends.
According to a report by Clutch, 90% of small businesses plan to outsource business functions in 2022, with IT services being one of the top areas. A local, trusted partner for your e-commerce needs can be a significant asset.
5. Supporting the Local Economy and Building Networks
Choosing a local e-commerce designer is good for your business and your community. By hiring locally, you’re contributing to the local economy, supporting local jobs and talent, and encouraging the growth of local digital skills.
Working with a local designer can lead to opportunities for local business partnerships, cross-promotion with complementary local businesses, and increased visibility in the local business community.
You’ll also benefit from access to the designer’s network of local professionals (e.g., photographers and content writers), potential referrals from the designer’s other local clients, and strengthened ties within the local business ecosystem.
A study by American Express found that 67 cents of every dollar spent at a small business stays in the local community. By hiring a local e-commerce designer, you’re investing in not just your own business but also your entire local business ecosystem.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, having a well-designed, user-friendly website is crucial for success. While many options are available for choosing an e-commerce designer, hiring locally offers unique advantages that can significantly benefit your online business.
From personalized attention and local market expertise to customized solutions and ongoing support, a local e-commerce designer can provide the tailored approach your business needs to thrive online. Moreover, by choosing a local professional, you contribute to your community’s economic growth and build valuable business networks.
As you consider your options for developing or redesigning your e-commerce site, consider the potential benefits of partnering with a talented professional in your backyard. Combining technical skills, local knowledge, and personalized service could be the key to taking your online business to the next level.
Remember, in the digital age, success often comes down to standing out from the crowd. A local e-commerce designer might be the secret ingredient to creating a unique, effective online presence that resonates with your target audience and drives your business forward.
