Web Designer vs UX Designer: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters for Your Business

When most people think about building a website, the first thing that comes to mind is design. Fair enough—it’s what you see right away. But here’s the part that trips business owners up: do you hire a web designer or a UX designer? Sounds like the same thing, but they’re not.

Knowing the difference can save you from pouring money into a site that looks amazing but doesn’t actually do much. Or the opposite—a site that works fine but looks like it’s stuck in 2010.

What Does a Web Designer Do?

Web designers handle the visual side. They’re the ones deciding how your website looks, feels, and reflects your brand.

They usually take care of things like:

• Page layouts and typography
• Color choices that match your branding
• Making sure the site works on desktop and mobile
• Keeping everything visually consistent

It’s not just about making things “pretty.” A Stanford study showed that 75% of users judge a company’s credibility based on website design. That first impression can decide if someone stays or bounces.

What Does a UX Designer Do?

UX designers are more concerned with how the site works for real people. The flow, the navigation, the speed—all the stuff that makes or breaks the actual experience.

Their focus often includes:

• Researching what users need
• Planning navigation and structure so it feels natural
• Boosting site speed and accessibility
• Making it easier for customers to complete tasks

The numbers speak for themselves. Forrester Research found that a well-designed user experience can increase conversion rates by up to 400%. That’s not a minor bump.

Why Both Roles Matter

A polished site with no thought to usability? It won’t convert. A highly functional site that looks outdated? People won’t trust it.

The magic happens when the two roles overlap. One handles trust and visual appeal, the other handles flow and usability. Together, they create a site that draws people in and keeps them moving forward.

Take mobile speed, for example, 53% of mobile users abandon a site that takes longer than three seconds to load. A web designer makes sure it looks sharp on smaller screens. A UX designer makes sure it loads quickly. Both matter.

Hiring Individually vs Working With an Agency

Hiring separately can work, but it’s messy. Two people, two timelines, double the stress.

A web design agency usually blends both from day one. Less juggling, smoother process.

How to Pick the Right Web Design Agency

Not every agency delivers the same quality. Some crank out pretty websites with no thought to conversion. Others focus too much on data and forget branding. Here’s what to check before signing on:

• A solid portfolio and track record
• Clear focus on conversion, not just visuals
• Testimonials or case studies that show real results
• Ongoing support for updates and improvements
• A process that’s transparent, not full of jargon

Why Chromatix?

Chromatix puts both worlds together, design and UX, so the sites they build look sharp and perform. The team doesn’t just stop at aesthetics; they tie design decisions directly to business outcomes.

Instead of clients piecing together freelancers and hoping it all works, they handle it start to finish. That cuts down stress and produces websites built to grow revenue, not just sit online.

Final Thoughts

Web design and UX design aren’t competing. They’re complementary. You need one to build trust and the other to make sure users don’t get frustrated. Businesses that invest in both see the difference—higher engagement, better conversions, more growth.

That’s why agencies like Chromatix matter. They bring both sides together under one roof, so you don’t waste time or money trying to stitch it together yourself.

So—be honest. If you were about to redesign your site today, would you lean more toward looks or user experience?