Did you know that nearly 42% of small businesses in the U.S. don’t have a website at all, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration? And here in Washington State, where small businesses make up more than 99% of all businesses, that’s a huge missed opportunity.
Even more surprising? Many business owners who do decide to get a website often find themselves juggling two separate providers, one for design and one for development, when they could have chosen a single team to do both.
This question comes up all the time among local shop owners, real estate brokers, restaurant managers, and service providers around Tacoma, Bremerton, and Spokane: “Can I hire a service that handles both website design and development?” The short answer is yes, and in most cases, that’s exactly what you should do.
Why This Question Matters Right Now in Washington State
For small businesses in Tacoma, Seattle, or Port Orchard, every marketing dollar matters. You don’t want a pretty design that doesn’t function, or a technical site that looks outdated.
Splitting design and development between two vendors often creates miscommunication, higher costs, and longer delays. For example, I’ve seen a Tacoma café spend months waiting on a site to launch because the design firm and the coding team weren’t speaking the same language.
Choosing a single Washington State Website Designer or agency that can manage both roles means your brand voice, layout, and technical foundation are aligned from day one. That saves time, money, and stress.
What’s the Difference Between Design and Development?
A lot of local business owners I’ve talked to get stuck here. Let’s make it simple:
- Website Design: This is the look and feel. Fonts, colors, images, page layouts, branding. It’s about creating an inviting storefront, but online.
- Website Development: This is the build. The coding, functionality, speed optimization, and backend systems that make the design work.
When these two jobs get split between separate vendors, you’re left playing project manager, something most small businesses don’t have time for. That’s why the trend in Washington State Web Design is moving toward bundled services.
The Local Challenge: Small Teams, Big Needs
Washington businesses face unique challenges. We’re not just competing with each other, we’re competing with big Seattle brands and national chains.
A boutique shop in Tacoma’s Proctor District needs a website that not only looks gorgeous but also handles e-commerce, online booking, and mobile visitors.
According to Statista, over 58% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site isn’t mobile-ready, you’re already losing potential customers walking around Point Ruston or downtown Olympia with their phones in hand.
Benefits of Hiring One Team for Both Web Design and Development
Here’s why going with a combined service makes sense in Washington State:
- Seamless Communication: Designers and developers are already in sync. No finger-pointing.
- Faster Launch Times: A unified process reduces back-and-forth delays.
- Cost Savings: Bundled packages are often cheaper than hiring two separate providers.
- Better Strategy: The same team can handle branding, SEO, and technical performance in one roadmap.
- Local Expertise: A Washington State Website Designer who knows our culture, neighborhoods, and industries will build something that feels authentic to your audience.
What to Look for in a Washington State Web Design Service
If you’re ready to move forward, here are some key questions to ask:
- Do they offer both design and development in-house?
- Can they show examples of local businesses they’ve worked with?
- Do they provide ongoing support, not just a one-time build?
- Are they familiar with SEO for Washington State markets?
In Tacoma, for example, it’s not enough to just build a sleek website. You need your site showing up when people Google “best plumber near Stadium District” or “Tacoma web design services.” That’s where local expertise pays off.
Local Example: How Tacoma Businesses Benefit
Let’s say you’re running a yoga studio near Wright Park. If you hire one vendor for design and another for development, you’ll likely spend weeks explaining your brand voice twice.
But if you work with a Washington State Web Design team that does both, they’ll create a calming, modern design and also build the backend to handle class bookings, payment gateways, and email reminders. One point of contact, one bill, one process.
Common Misconceptions About Combined Services
Some local owners worry that a team offering both design and development might cut corners.
But in reality, most established Washington agencies or freelancers take pride in wearing both hats. Many of them even specialize in small business bundles, offering web design, development, SEO, and digital marketing together.
Quick Answer Section
Q: Can I hire a Washington State Website Designer that handles both?
A: Yes, and you should. It saves time, money, and headaches.
Q: Is it more expensive to bundle design and development?
A: Not usually. Most local teams offer packages that are cheaper than splitting services.
Q: Why does local expertise matter?
A: Because Washington audiences, from Spokane to Tacoma, respond best to websites that reflect our local culture and values.
Final Takeaway for Washington Businesses
If you’re in Tacoma, Olympia, or anywhere across the Sound, the smart move is to hire one provider who can handle both website design and development.
Look for someone who understands small business realities here in Washington State, not just trendy templates. That’s how you’ll stand out against bigger competitors and actually connect with your local customers.