How to Choose the Right Web Designer for Your Freight Forwarding Company

Getting a website is one thing — getting the right website is another.

For freight forwarding companies in Tanzania, your website isn't just an online brochure. It's your digital sales rep — the first impression for local and international clients who are deciding if they can trust you with their cargo.

So how do you choose the right web designer for your freight forwarding business? Let's break it down in simple terms.

1. Choose a Web Designer Who Understands Your Industry

Not all web designers understand logistics. Many can design pretty websites, but if they don't know what freight forwarding is, they'll miss what matters.

Your web designer should understand:

• The flow of freight forwarding operations (shipping, clearing, warehousing, delivery)
• The type of clients you serve — exporters, importers, agents
• The importance of speed, trust, and communication in your business

When a designer knows your industry, your website will speak your client's language — and that means more leads.

**Pro tip:** Ask the designer if they've built websites for logistics or freight companies before.

2. Look for Strategy, Not Just Design

A good-looking website is useless if it doesn't bring results. You want a strategic designer — someone who thinks about user experience, Google ranking, and conversions.

Ask them:

• How will my website attract new clients?
• What SEO strategy will you use for freight-related keywords?
• How will we track leads or quote requests?

If they can answer these confidently, they're thinking like a partner — not just a web artist.

3. Review Their Past Work and Testimonials

Before hiring, check what the designer has built before. Do their websites look professional, load fast, and represent businesses well?

Also, ask for testimonials or client feedback. Good designers are confident to show their past results — poor ones make excuses.

4. Understand the Pricing and Process

Web design pricing in Tanzania varies. Some charge little and deliver template sites with no strategy. Others charge fairly but include design, SEO, and support.

Before you agree, ask these questions:

• What's included in the price (hosting, SEO, updates)?
• How long will it take?
• Who writes the content?
• Is there post-launch support?

Transparency builds trust — and trust leads to great results.

5. Make Sure You Own Your Website

Some designers build your site on their own hosting or lock you out of your files. You should always own your domain, hosting, and website content.

✅ Ask for full access once the site is done. ✅ Make sure your company name is on the domain registration.

Your website is an asset — treat it like one.

6. Choose a Partner, Not a Freelancer

The right designer isn't just someone who builds your website and disappears. They should help you grow — by updating your site, improving SEO, and keeping your online presence fresh.

When you find a designer who acts like a business partner, you'll never need to look for another one.

7. Check for Mobile Optimization

In Tanzania, most people browse the internet on their phones. That means if your website doesn't look and work perfectly on mobile, you're losing half your potential clients instantly.

Your web designer should guarantee:

• Fast mobile loading speed
• Easy navigation
• Clickable "Call" and "Request a Quote" buttons
• Responsive design for all screen sizes

**Remember:** A mobile-friendly website makes your company look modern and trustworthy.

8. Ask About Content and SEO

Design is one part — content is the other. Without the right words, Google won't find you and clients won't understand what you offer.

Your web designer should help you with:

• Keyword optimization (e.g., "freight forwarding Tanzania", "shipping logistics Dar es Salaam")
• Service page copywriting
• Blog strategy to improve ranking over time

If they say "we don't do SEO" — that's a red flag.

Final Thoughts

Your website is your company's first impression. Choosing the right web designer can mean the difference between a site that just looks nice — and one that actually brings clients.