Is a Web Designer on Subscription Worth It for Growing Brands?

TL;DR – Many growing brands hire a web designer on subscription to save time and money and avoid long-term commitment while having access to top-notch web design services.

Growing brands need all the visibility they can get. And when it comes to online visibility, a well-designed website is the ultimate reflection of the brand’s identity, values, and trustworthiness.

A survey reveals that 40% of consumers said photos and images are the elements they appreciate most in a website, closely followed by color (39%).

With this much at stake, it all becomes clear: you shouldn’t depend on generic website templates if you want to stand out in a crowded industry. And that’s where a web designer on subscription comes in.

But first, let’s tackle the basics:

What Is a Web Designer on Subscription?

A web designer on subscription refers to a service where you pay a flat monthly subscription fee for ongoing web design-as-a-service.

Think of a web design subscription service as having a web designer on retainer, but with more flexibility. An unlimited web design lets you control your costs within a monthly flat rate while requesting different visual assets, including:

• Landing pages
• Website hero
• Header, footer, and  sidebars
• UI elements
• Graphics
• Other web-related design

Unlimited graphic design companies like Penji offer this service, but your subscription isn’t limited to web design. Penji, for instance, offers more than 120 creative projects, so you can request web design alongside other projects, from logos to social media cards, all within the same subscription plan.  

Why is the Web Designer on Subscription Model Growing Fast?

It’s not surprising that the web designer on subscription model is growing fast, given the boom of the higher demand for internet presence over the past years.

Data cited by Forbes said a 70% increase in internet usage has been recorded during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020.  

Even with lockdowns gone, internet usage is still on a steady rise. In fact, the Digital 2026 Global Overview Report, meanwhile, said internet users all over the world have passed the 6 billion mark.

With more people researching, reading, and shopping online, creating a website isn’t enough. A website has to be a living creature that’s constantly updated and grows with the brand.

Here’s why a web design service subscription fits to address this need:

• Fast Delivery. A flat rate web design service from the best on-demand platforms offers a turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours. With this fast workflow, brands can roll out campaigns without delays.
• Strong Brand Alignment. Because on-demand platforms offer more than just web design, they can also work on your other design projects, such as email templates, social media posts, merch design, and more. That said, you can keep your brand’s look consistent throughout all your assets.
• Practicality. Subscribing to an unlimited graphic design service is like hiring an affordable web designer without spending weeks hiring a creative and without the long-term commitment of hiring an employee. You only need to pay a flat rate per month and cancel it at any time.  

What’s the Difference Between Web Designer on Subscription and Traditional Hiring Models?

Here’s a table that compares hiring a web designer on subscription and other solutions.

	Web Designer on Subscription	Freelancer	In-House Designer	Traditional Agency
Cost	Flat monthly rate	Per hour or per project	Salary + benefits + software licenses	Per project or retainer
Turnaround	24-48 hours	Depends on workload and projects	Depends on workload and complexity	Often slower due to hierarchy approvals
Scalability	High	Medium	Low	Meedium
Commitment	Renewable monthly, cancel anytime	Project-based	Long-term employment	Contract-based
Best for	Ongoing design needs	One-off projects	Deep brand ownership	Full branding and campaign needs

Perhaps one of the best benefits of an unlimited graphic design subscription is having access to a pool of vetted creatives with diverse fields of design expertise. With a freelancer or an in-house designer, your designs are limited to that person’s skills and expertise. 

With unlimited graphic design, however, you can have your projects designed by designers who are experienced in a wide range of formats, industries, and expertise. 

What are Red Flags to Watch Out For? 

Whether you’re looking to find a web designer or an on-demand graphic design service, not all plans and contracts are created equal. Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

• Unclear Turnaround Times. The service provider must be able to tell you straight how long they’ll need (an estimate at the very least) to work on your project.
• Weak Portfolio. A service provider with a limited (or worse, no portfolio) could mean that it’s still in its initial phase. Though their services might be good enough for simple projects, they might not be the right fit for complex projects like web design.
• Poor Communication. When it comes to collaborative projects, clear communication is crucial. Without it, you and your designer could have different ideas and outcomes in mind, leading to wasted time, effort, and money. 

The Bottom Line

Going back to the original question: Is a web designer on subscription worth it for growing brands?

Absolutely! Hiring the right service can spell the difference between maintaining a website that only exists for the sake of having an online domain and having a website that attracts customers, fosters trust, and boosts engagement. 

Ready to try unlimited web design backed by the world’s top 2% designers? Watch Penji’s short demo or view their portfolio to see why Penji is your top choice for subscription-based web design.

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