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Does creating / choosing correct wordpress theme for your clients count as web designers?

by Spark
21 replies
  • WEB DESIGN
    • |
Hi guys,

I am thinking of opening a website design company. First off, i am no basic in create those template.

However was wondering whether does i count as web designer if i work on WP theme only? Choosing nice layout for my clients? do they ever requested anythings?

As i am new in website designs, would really appreciate anyone can teach me or what are the things that i need to think of before making my first contact?

My main idea was to mix/match WP website theme for our clients. Appreciate someone can give some advice? Thanks!
#choosing #clients #correct #count #creating #designers #theme #web #wordpress
  • Profile picture of the author Richard Whyte
    Hi Spark

    If you are just finding pre-made themes, I am not sure I would call myself a web designer... More of a Wordpress Theme consultant.

    Now, if you are making the design, or digging in to a pre-made one and making changes to it at the core level, then I would call you a web designer.

    How good are your Wordpress skills? Can you redesign CSS code inside? Can you change layouts? If you answer no, then I think you need to spend some time learning about the internals of Wordpress and how to do these types of things. Cleints will ask you to not just pick a theme, but to make changes to it. You need to be ready for that.

    Have a Great Day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Spark
    Hey guys,

    Thanks for your comments on this! will do, perhaps i will do some freelancing for now. Till i know what's am i doing. Not just pre-selling template. Will do, Thanks guys!
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    • Profile picture of the author Minisite Nerd
      My advice is not to let some negative thoughts and comments here hold you back.

      Guess what...knowing how to set up a great looking site is a SKILL. Even if it is only setting up a site using a WordPress theme that you didn't create.

      Fact is many people in the offline world just don't have a clue where to get started.

      For some of them, a custom option is the best way to go. For others, everything they could possibly need for their site can be done with WordPress.

      I know one guy who does almost nothing but WordPress sites for offline customers. He gets most of his work thru referrals and if he gets someone who wants something that requires too much custom work that he can't handle, he forwards them to a web design company that can handle the project....and gets a commission for that too.

      You are actually helping people out offering services like this. Lots of people and businesses wind up looking and looking for a way to get online and get sold on the idea that it is going to cost them an arm and a leg and that a custom option is the ONLY way to go.

      That's because that is how BIG offline design companies make money. Even if there is a SIMPLER option, they aren't likely to suggest it. WHY? So they can LOSE thousands of dollars?

      I met a guy the other day while I was out and about who was looking for a website for his non-profit. They had looked at other options and everything they looked at was WAY beyond a realistic price they could afford.

      After talking to him about what he needed, it was clear all that was needed was WordPress, a professional theme, and some professional graphics and design work.

      Not some custom site for several thousand dollars.

      He was thrilled. Not only about the price but also about the fact that his wife would be able to handle running the site....I mean if you can write an email, you can add content to WP.

      It was a match made in heaven. He will finally get a professional website for his non-profit, not spend a fortune doing it, and it will be user-friendly to run the site into the future.

      I'll make some extra cash on a site that will likely only take me several hours worth of simple work and even make some extra money every month hosting the site and helping him with a little support if necessary.

      The jobs are out there and what many IMers chalk up as "common knowledge" is actually the exact opposite in the offline world.

      So...I say go for it and see where it takes you.

      And who cares what you "call yourself"...?? Just be honest with people upfront about what you can and cannot do.
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  • Profile picture of the author pyen13
    Hello! I think A web designer is more on really creating a web site and designing with own domain..Good Day!
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  • Profile picture of the author Spark
    Guys,

    What about those self customize Wordpress theme? Does these count as designer as well? But it's more toward WP usage. Cause i remember that's some WP website that sell those customize theme where we can actually create the columns, heading, etc.

    As for the flash, this also include as web designer job scoop as well? Sorry abt this. Just want to know more on web design stuffs.
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  • Profile picture of the author Spark
    Minisite Nerd,

    Thanks for your comment on this, i am glad to really post my question on this.
    Perhaps i will just tell them upfront about what i can and cannot since it's also look bad to myself if i pretend to be somebody that i don't.. Thanks MS!

    Perhaps, i will just go ahead and check any interesting clients who want to do any simple WP Theme layout and choosing those theme that suit them. I will also be adding those logos as well. Maybe the layout theme should be same. Plus providing SEO for clients. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author n7 Studios
    I'd avoid the title web designer; as others have suggested, try a different title.

    There's certainly a client base for those looking for someone to set them up a professional web site quickly - and that's where you come in with your ability to:
    - setup Wordpress,
    - install an existing theme (to suit the client's business / aims),
    - customise it slightly (perhaps outsource some logo designing?),
    - configure and install plugins and run the client through using Wordpress.

    Be prepared for the client to ask for something custom; if they do, you could do what others have done here on WF and outsource parts of the work you're less comfortable with.
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  • Profile picture of the author Spark
    Hi there,

    Thanks for giving me some idea regarding the title. Which you are right, as if i am using web designer, they will term me as those that can build website, etc. any good suggestion for title? I will have to work it on for my 'title'.. haha

    Thanks for your help anyway. Cheers!
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    • Profile picture of the author Karen Blundell
      Hi Spark,

      I call myself a WordPress consultant and coach. But to be successful at it, you pretty much have to know everything about WordPress and you should know XHTML, CSS, and some PHP, at the very least. An understanding of Javascript and AJAX is handy too.

      If you can actually create your own WordPress themes, if you can actually customize existing themes, if you can create a theme from a website's existing design, these are the things you'll be expected to know.
      You'll also be expected to answer questions about WordPress SEO, how to monetize blogs, how to use certain features of WordPress, what plugins to use for different functions, and you have to know the answers or at least have access to the answers.

      I wish you every success in your new business venture. If you have any more questions, please feel free to send me a pm.
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      • Profile picture of the author Minisite Nerd
        Originally Posted by Karen Blundell View Post

        Hi Spark,

        I call myself a WordPress consultant and coach. But to be successful at it, you pretty much have to know everything about WordPress and you should know XHTML, CSS, and some PHP, at the very least. An understanding of Javascript and AJAX is handy too.

        If you can actually create your own WordPress themes, if you can actually customize existing themes, if you can create a theme from a website's existing design, these are the things you'll be expected to know.
        You'll also be expected to answer questions about WordPress SEO, how to monetize blogs, how to use certain features of WordPress, what plugins to use for different functions, and you have to know the answers or at least have access to the answers.

        I wish you every success in your new business venture. If you have any more questions, please feel free to send me a pm.

        Yes....because you are dealing with people who KNOW what WordPress is....

        I'll bet you 99% of the people I run into in the offline world have never heard of WordPress. They don't have a clue what it is, what it does, etc,etc. Let alone know what a plugin is, or what CSS or PHP are.

        Lots of businesses out there just want a WEBSITE, they don't care about the particulars of HOW it runs, they just want it to look good and be easy to manage.

        My advice is not to get hung up on what title to give yourself or little stuff like that. That's just a waste of time.

        If you call yourself a "WordPress Consultant" or something like that and you're out in the offline world....NO ONE is going to know what the heck that means.

        At least if you call yourself a web designer, they will be able to understand what it is you do.

        Like I said before, just be honest with them about what you can and cannot do, and if you can't handle what they need pass them along to someone who can.

        Will some "real" webdesigners get angry at you for calling yourself one? Who cares....what does it matter what some snobby latte-sipping designer thinks. As long as you are helping people and doing what they need....it's all gravy.
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        • Profile picture of the author Karen Blundell
          Originally Posted by Minisite Nerd View Post

          Yes....because you are dealing with people who KNOW what WordPress is....

          I'll bet you 99% of the people I run into in the offline world have never heard of WordPress. They don't have a clue what it is, what it does, etc,etc. Let alone know what a plugin is, or what CSS or PHP are.

          Lots of businesses out there just want a WEBSITE, they don't care about the particulars of HOW it runs, they just want it to look good and be easy to manage.

          My advice is not to get hung up on what title to give yourself or little stuff like that. That's just a waste of time.

          If you call yourself a "WordPress Consultant" or something like that and you're out in the offline world....NO ONE is going to know what the heck that means.

          At least if you call yourself a web designer, they will be able to understand what it is you do.

          Like I said before, just be honest with them about what you can and cannot do, and if you can't handle what they need pass them along to someone who can.

          Will some "real" webdesigners get angry at you for calling yourself one? Who cares....what does it matter what some snobby latte-sipping designer thinks. As long as you are helping people and doing what they need....it's all gravy.
          you are absolutely right. When I tell people offline what I do, they look at me funny. If I tell them I'm a web designer, they understand

          so Spark, if you market your services to offline clients and you know the basics of WordPress, you know more than they do., it's true.

          I certainly did not mean to discourage you. Again good luck
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      • Profile picture of the author NetMan
        Originally Posted by Karen Blundell View Post

        Hi Spark,

        I call myself a WordPress consultant and coach. But to be successful at it, you pretty much have to know everything about WordPress and you should know XHTML, CSS, and some PHP, at the very least. An understanding of Javascript and AJAX is handy too.

        If you can actually create your own WordPress themes, if you can actually customize existing themes, if you can create a theme from a website's existing design, these are the things you'll be expected to know.
        You'll also be expected to answer questions about WordPress SEO, how to monetize blogs, how to use certain features of WordPress, what plugins to use for different functions, and you have to know the answers or at least have access to the answers.

        I wish you every success in your new business venture. If you have any more questions, please feel free to send me a pm.

        That is absolutely true for someone that wants to go high-end customizations without limits. A must, no doubt, I couldn't agree more myself

        However, as Ministe stated, there should be room to grow for someone who begins to get into the business with solid knowledge of at least good wp management and installation skills. And one can start also with several of the flexible theme packages available nowadays, and be able to serve a confortable wide range of offline kind of "wordpress blind" clients .

        Good luck.

        Andre Foisy
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  • Profile picture of the author Spark
    Hi guys,

    Thanks for your help on this. Actually i was looking at this theme WPRemix Premium Wordpress CMS Theme

    Was wondering whether using this template should be more then enough since the interface of a website is around the same just that the different colors, logos play different.

    Oh ya..i actually do own Xsitepro 2 which i didn't use it yet..or i should just stick on Xsitepro2 since i already purchase it? Appreciate some advice.
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    • Profile picture of the author Minisite Nerd
      Originally Posted by Spark View Post

      Hi guys,

      Thanks for your help on this. Actually i was looking at this theme WPRemix Premium Wordpress CMS Theme

      Was wondering whether using this template should be more then enough since the interface of a website is around the same just that the different colors, logos play different.

      Oh ya..i actually do own Xsitepro 2 which i didn't use it yet..or i should just stick on Xsitepro2 since i already purchase it? Appreciate some advice.

      WP Remix is not a bad place to start.

      iThemes is also good and so is Thesis. Flexx theme too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Spark
    Guys, thanks for all the information you all have gave.

    Minisite Nerd, thanks for the theme that's able to customize. i am going to look into it.

    Thanks guys! Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author ldsmedia
    Don't forget about the free Word Press theme Atahualpa it is very similar with Thesis but I am not sure if it has as many options as Thesis since I did not try it. Unfortunately, I don't think Flynn will work on it any more because donation levels were so low and he is trying to make a living.
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  • Profile picture of the author BeauJustin
    What we're talking about here is the difference between a designer, and a developer. A designer can take a blank Photoshop/Fireworks/Illustrator document and create a full, unique web site from scratch. Designers typically focus 100% of their efforts on usability, GUI, layout, typography, graphics, etc., etc., and then get their unique design off to the developers to do the hard coding into a valid HTML document.

    Developers focus their efforts on the script installations, hard coding the HTML/XHTML, php development, database connections, and turning the design into a functioning, dynamic web site. It's possible to wear both hats, I can (but won't), and I'm sure there are many here on this forum who can and do. I don't recommend it starting out, as the debugging phase alone can drive you quite mad until you get the hang of it - which can take a long time. A good place to start finding your strengths and get a jump on gaining the knowledge is www.Lynda.com. The training you receive from their video collection is incredibly comprehensive, and will serve you well in whatever arena you choose.

    Focus on either the developing side or the designing side, based on what you're interests are, and partner with good counterpart for the time being. If you like designing themes from the bottom up. Design. If you like getting into the backend of the web site and making the CSS dance, or hack the php to make it do things it's not supposed to - develop.
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    • Profile picture of the author Success2020
      Originally Posted by BeauJustin View Post

      What we're talking about here is the difference between a designer, and a developer. A designer can take a blank Photoshop/Fireworks/Illustrator document and create a full, unique web site from scratch. Designers typically focus 100% of their efforts on usability, GUI, layout, typography, graphics, etc., etc., and then get their unique design off to the developers to do the hard coding into a valid HTML document.

      Developers focus their efforts on the script installations, hard coding the HTML/XHTML, php development, database connections, and turning the design into a functioning, dynamic web site. It's possible to wear both hats, I can (but won't), and I'm sure there are many here on this forum who can and do. I don't recommend it starting out, as the debugging phase alone can drive you quite mad until you get the hang of it - which can take a long time. A good place to start finding your strengths and get a jump on gaining the knowledge is Tutorials - Online Training - lynda.com. The training you receive from their video collection is incredibly comprehensive, and will serve you well in whatever arena you choose.

      Focus on either the developing side or the designing side, based on what you're interests are, and partner with good counterpart for the time being. If you like designing themes from the bottom up. Design. If you like getting into the backend of the web site and making the CSS dance, or hack the php to make it do things it's not supposed to - develop.
      Thanks BeauJustin Your suggestions is awesome and the link you share with us here also.....
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  • Profile picture of the author robbiex
    I offer word press themes to my clients... but call them 'optimized sites' ... I use paid themes.

    The clients are happy, google's happy, my bank managers happy and I'm happy!

    hope this helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author NetMan
      Originally Posted by robbiex View Post

      I offer word press themes to my clients... but call them 'optimized sites' ... I use paid themes.

      The clients are happy, google's happy, my bank managers happy and I'm happy!

      hope this helps.

      I offer complete WP customization (optimized) site, for my clients and with a powerful social media integration twist etc...

      I'm always more happy than my bank manager.... lol

      Regards,

      Andre Foisy
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  • Profile picture of the author Branding_bible
    learn as much as you can and just go for it if it's what you want to do

    I think BeauJustin summed up pretty much what I would have said so will keep it short, ultimately though you can only try and offer your services and see what happens, if you don't get any work then your not offering quite what people are after.

    If it's something you really want to pursue as a career then just learn as much as you can, web stuff is pretty much an endless learning curve so be prepared to have to be constantly improving your knowledge.

    James
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