Your website is one of your most important business tools, so choosing who builds it matters. A great web designer will create a site that brings in customers. A poor choice can leave you with a slow, hard-to-update website, surprise costs or even a site you don’t fully own.
Before you hire anyone, ask these ten questions.
1. Can I see websites you’ve built?
A portfolio shows you a designer’s style and quality. Visit the live sites, not just screenshots. Check that they load quickly, look good on your phone and are easy to use.
2. Have you worked with businesses like mine?
Industry experience isn’t essential, but a designer who understands your type of business, for example a restaurant, an online store or a service company, will know which features and pages your customers expect.
3. What exactly is included in the price?
Ask for a written quote that lists the number of pages, features, revisions and what happens after launch. Clarify whether hosting, your domain, premium themes, plugins, stock photos and copywriting are included or extra.
4. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
Ask for a timeline with clear milestones. Delays often come from waiting for content, so find out what you need to provide (text, photos, logo, product details) and by when.
5. Will my website work well on phones?
Most visitors browse on mobile, so this should be a firm yes. Ask how they test sites on different screen sizes and devices.
6. Will the website be set up for SEO?
A good designer builds in the SEO basics: fast loading, clean structure, unique page titles and descriptions, proper headings, image alt text, a sitemap and connection to Google Search Console. Ask what they include and what would cost extra. See what good SEO setup looks like on our SEO services page.
7. Will I be able to update the website myself?
You’ll want to change prices, add photos or post news without paying every time. Ask which platform they use and whether they’ll show you how to make simple updates.
8. Who owns the website and domain?
This is one of the most important questions. Your domain should be registered in your name, and you should receive full access to the website, hosting and any accounts created for your business. Avoid arrangements where the designer keeps control.
9. What happens after launch?
Websites need updates, backups and occasional fixes. Ask whether they offer support or maintenance, how much it costs, and how quickly they respond if something breaks.
10. How do you communicate during the project?
Good communication makes projects smoother. Ask how often you’ll get updates, how you’ll review designs and how feedback works. A designer who explains things in plain language, without jargon, is a big plus.
Looking for a web designer you can rely on?
We build fast, mobile-friendly websites and Shopify stores with clear pricing, SEO built in, and you own everything. See our website design service.
Red flags to watch for
- Prices that seem far too low, with vague details about what’s included
- No portfolio, or only screenshots and no live sites
- Pressure to pay everything upfront
- Refusal to register the domain in your name
- Promises of “guaranteed #1 on Google”; nobody can honestly guarantee that
The bottom line
The best web designer for you is one who understands your goals, is clear about costs and timelines, builds with SEO and mobile users in mind, and makes sure you own your website. Wondering what to budget? Read our guide: How much does a website cost in 2026?