The future of Web Design?

Hey Guys,

What does everyone think of the future of Web Design as a profession?

With more companies coming out with software that can be used for a simple Joe Blow to use and build his own website...how can a web designer compete and create value for their customer?

Check this list.
http://www.top10bestwebsitebuilders.com/?kw=free%20website%20building%20programs&c=16404185917&t=search&p=&m=p&adpos=1t2&a=2020

How do these companies make money?

Me thinks that web designers will have to specialize in some area to make it in the future...

What do you think?

thanks for your constructive input!

Ads and Banners are the maiden source of income of these companies...

I am unsure but I'd bet whatever it is it will be outsourced.........,

If you want to succeed as a web designer, you need to have several important skills. I mean updated one, make sure you practice the latest technology and focus on a certain niche and be good at it.

Thanks guys.

Funny thing is...most people are totally lost when it comes to building websites.

Daisysiegal said:

...how can a web designer compete and create value for their customer?

Click to expand...

There will always be a need for custom web design and programming solutions. Cookie-cutter sites are not for everyone.

Daisysiegal said:

Funny thing is...most people are totally lost when it comes to building websites.

Click to expand...

Exactly, which is why sites like the ones that you listed are in demand. However, they have their limitations. The other issue is that they're not 100% idiot-proof, nor are the templates and WordPress themes that Joe Blow can buy for < $50 at places like Themeforest, so there will always be room for people who know how to customize the templates -- or fix them when Joe Blow decides to try his hand at editing code.

Then, of course, there are all of the other marketing-related services that one can offer. Someone who really wants to be in the design business can target other types of services in order to get clients, and then he or she can suggest a re-design of a client's site. I believe that there are still ways to make a killing in web design if you stay away from bottom feeders who want something for nothing, and if you get creative with your client acquisition methods.

Be the one who designs the software for the simple joe blow maybe?

You need to convince your potential clients that having a good web-design is a lot better than a "normal" web-design.
Take Conversion Rate Optimization into consideration, many people think just having a good web-design will do the job, and most don't focus on Conversion Rate Optimization, so a good web-design with proper CRO will do a Much Better job than does free/paid web-design tools.
Now it's your job, to convert the client.

Luka

WHYSIWYG's have been around for a long time, I have only heard one client actually mention one and he was just extremely cheap. So there was no loss there even if he decided to use it. He was lazy too, so I still did it.

There will always be people who want others to do stuff for them (design). I believe there will always be a need for web designers as well as other type like UI. Its a solid profession not going anywhere any time soon. I could tell people where to go to get cheaper designers like odesk and it would still scare them and I would still get the job, no matter whether contracted online or in person.