Your website has been stuck in “I’ll fix it soon” mode for months. Every time you open it, you’re greeted with an outdated layout, walls of text and an ever-growing to-do list. But between managing operations, helping customers, and dealing with daily fires, setting aside hours to overhaul your website isn’t realistic.
Hiring a full-time web designer seems ideal, but not all businesses need permanent help. Sometimes you just need a solid redesign – and you can handle minor updates later.
This is where outsourcing changes everything. Instead of handling the work yourself, delegate it to skilled web designers or developers just when you need them. You get access to the right skills for the job, without paying overtime or long-term wages.
When done well, outsourcing gives you an amazing, high-performing website, delivered on schedule, without going over budget. Your site looks better, performs better and actually supports your goals.
Here’s what you need to know before outsourcing your website design agency.
What Kinds of Web Design Services can you Outsource?
User experience (UX)
UX focuses on how easy and intuitive your site is to navigate. If checkout takes too many steps or your menu confuses visitors, a UX expert can streamline the path from entry to conversion.
User interface (UI)
UI includes the visuals users click and interact with—buttons, menus, icons, colors, typography. If key actions blend into the background or important pages are hard to find, a UI designer can clean up the clutter.
Layout updates
If your site feels dated or loads slowly, developers can modernize the layout, improve responsiveness, and optimize for better performance. Faster sites convert more, and a responsive layout ensures smooth browsing across all devices.
Graphic design
Designers help maintain brand consistency through cohesive colors, fonts, and imagery. They can also add visual enhancements—hover effects, transitions, or illustrations—to make your site more engaging and professional.
Ecommerce functionality
For platforms like Shopify, outsourced developers can manage theme edits, app integrations, checkout improvements, product page updates, and custom landing pages to boost conversions.
Keep in mind: design alone isn’t enough. Visual mockups still need to be built with code—HTML for structure, CSS for styling, JavaScript for interactivity. Some professionals handle both design and development, but others specialise in only one area. Always confirm what services your hire provides.
Why Outsource Web Design?
Outsourcing gives you specialized help only when you need it. The main benefits include:
Cost Savings
No full-time salaries or benefits. Businesses often cut web design and development costs by up to 70% through outsourcing.
Faster Delivery
Experienced agencies work efficiently. Many launch standard websites in roughly 12 weeks, while in-house teams typically take longer due to competing priorities.
Freelance Platform
Marketplaces like Upwork, Fiverr and Toptal connect you directly to web designers and developers. You can browse portfolios, see customer reviews, compare prices and filter by skill set or time zone.
Freelancers are ideal for smaller tasks – fixing a broken page, updating a theme or creating a quick landing page. Junior designers can handle simple updates, while larger builds require more experienced professionals.
Remember that you are responsible for the project. You must provide a detailed overview, manage communications, keep track of deadlines and ensure that the work meets your expectations.
Web Design Agencies
Agencies offer a “done for you” model. Instead of hiring one person, you get an integrated team—designers, developers, and often SEO or content specialists—led by a project manager. This ensures a smooth workflow from concept to launch without you needing to coordinate several people.
Agencies are especially valuable for complex or large projects, such as multilingual stores, customized payment experiences or complete e-commerce builds.
A reliable way to find experts is through the Shopify Partner Program, where you can browse experienced teams who are experts in Shopify design and development.
Other Outsourcing Setups
Some businesses combine different approaches. They can use freelancers for quick fixes or seasonal updates, then bring in an agency when it’s time for a complete rebuild. Others rely on containers or subscription design services to get predictable monthly support without hiring in-house.
This hybrid model offers flexibility: freelancers for speed and affordability, agencies for complex work, and retainers for frequent, ongoing updates.
Factors to Consider when Outsourcing Website Design
Before bringing in outside help, be clear about what you need – and what it might cost. Here are the key factors to plan for:
Scope
Start by defining exactly what you want to put out. It often helps to start small: assign a page or feature to assess its quality before assigning a site-wide project. Many companies manage minor updates in-house or with freelance help, and rely on agencies for larger or more complex construction. This approach prevents burnout and ensures that the final product meets professional standards.
Budget
Set your budget early. Small updates—like adding subscription options or updating seasonal content—don’t require a huge outlay. For reference, basic small business websites can range from $500 to $5,000, while complete redesigns or complex custom builds can cost $3,000 to $75,000+ depending on features, scope, and agency pricing.
Payment Structure
Choose whether you want to be paid hourly or at a fixed project rate. Whatever the model, tie payments to specific milestones—like approving draft layouts—to keep work on track and on time.
Do you like building yourself? Shopify’s themes and AI store builder make it easy to design a website without external support. If you decide to outsource, the Shopify Partners Network connects you with verified designers and developers who understand the platform and can get your project up and running quickly.
Outsource website design: FAQ
What is outsourcing website design?
Outsourcing web design means hiring someone outside your company to handle your site’s visuals or functionality. It could be a freelancer fixing long-pending issues or an agency building a new store from the ground up. You get access to their expertise, tools, and time—without committing to a full-time hire.
How much does it cost to outsource a website?
Smaller, one-off projects often cost under $10,000, but total website costs vary widely—anywhere from $1,000 to $145,000, depending on customization.
- Agencies: typically $3,000–$75,000
- Freelancers: usually $3,000–$10,000
- DIY/in-house: often $800–$5,000
On freelance platforms, hourly rates often range from $20 to $100, with full projects landing between $500 and $10,000 depending on scope.
Is outsourcing website design a good idea?
Yes—if you lack the time, bandwidth, or technical skills to build the site yourself. The key is choosing the right professional for the job, defining the scope clearly, and keeping communication consistent to ensure the project stays aligned with your goals.
What are examples of outsourcing websites?
For freelancers, popular platforms include Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal, where you can review portfolios and client feedback. For agencies, directories like the Shopify Partners Marketplace or DesignRush help you filter by location, expertise, and project type. Shopify users can also hire vetted designers and developers directly through the Shopify Partners network.
Rahul M.
B2B Service Provider