How to choose a web designer: 9 questions to ask first
Short answerTo choose a web designer, compare two or three options using the same brief. Look at live examples of their work, ask who writes the content, how they handle SEO, what the site will cost to run each year, and whether you'll own everything. Pick the one who gives a clear written scope and explains things in plain language.
Key takeaways
- Look at live sites, not just screenshots.
- Ask who writes the content. It's the step that stalls most projects.
- Get a written scope and the yearly running cost, not just the build price.
- Make sure the domain and content are in your name.
9 questions to ask before you hire a web designer
1. Can I see live sites you've built?
Click around them on your phone. Are they fast? Easy to use? Do they look like different businesses, or the same template with new colors?
2. Who writes the content?
Many quotes quietly assume you'll write every page. Content is the most common reason projects stall, so find out early whether writing is included.
3. How do you handle SEO?
A good answer mentions keyword research, page structure, titles and descriptions, speed and schema markup. "We install an SEO plugin" isn't a strategy.
4. What about AI search?
More people now ask ChatGPT, Gemini or Perplexity for recommendations. Clear question-and-answer content, schema and consistent business details help you show up there too.
5. What will the site cost to run each year?
Ask about hosting, domain, plugins, licenses and maintenance. Our website cost guide lists typical ranges.
6. Can I edit it myself?
You should be able to change text and photos without paying someone every time.
7. Will I own everything?
Your domain should be registered in your name. You should own your content and be able to take it with you.
8. What happens after launch?
How long is support included, how fast do they respond, and what does ongoing help cost?
9. What exactly is included?
Number of pages, revisions, features and timeline, written down. If it isn't written, it isn't included.
Red flags to watch for
- Guaranteed first-page Google rankings
- A price with no list of pages or features
- The domain registered in their name, not yours
- No live examples of recent work
- Pressure to decide quickly or pay before anything is in writing
What a good proposal includes
- A list of every page
- Who provides the content and images
- Features, integrations and revision rounds
- Timeline with milestones
- Build price, yearly running costs and payment terms
- Support period and maintenance options
We try to make all of this obvious before you pay a cent. Our pricing page lists what each package includes, our FAQ covers the rest, and you can start a project whenever you're ready.
Frequently asked questions
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
A freelancer or small studio is usually the best value for a personal or small business site. Agencies make sense for complex builds or when you need ongoing marketing from several specialists.
How many web designers should I compare?
Two or three is plenty. Send each the same short brief so the quotes are comparable.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
Anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. Our Business sites are usually live in one to two weeks once we have your input.