Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Website Designer

Hiring the right website designer can make or break your online presence. A great designer will build a site that works as a sales machine for your business. A poor one? You’ll end up wasting time, money, and missing opportunities. The key to avoiding that mistake is asking the right questions before signing any contracts.

Start with the basics: “Can I see examples of your past work?” Don’t just look at visual style—click through and explore the sites. Are they fast? Mobile-friendly? Do they have clear calls-to-action and intuitive navigation? A portfolio tells you a lot about a designer’s real-world capabilities.

Ask “What’s your design process?” A pro should be able to walk you through each phase—from discovery and strategy to design, development, and post-launch support. If they wing it or skip steps, that’s a red flag.

One critical question is: “Do you design with conversions in mind?” A beautiful site is useless if it doesn’t turn visitors into leads or customers. Look for someone who understands user experience (UX), buyer psychology, and how to create an intentional flow that drives results.

Inquire about SEO strategy. Ask: “Do you optimize on-page elements like meta titles, alt text, and URL structure?” A professional website designer should know how to structure a site that helps you rank higher on Google from day one.

Ask about mobile responsiveness. In 2025, mobile is the standard—not the exception. Your designer should test layouts and features across all screen sizes to ensure a smooth user experience everywhere.

Clarify what’s included in your quote. Is content writing or photo sourcing part of the package? Will you be able to make edits on your own after launch? What platform will your site be built on? Will it be scalable as your business grows? Avoid vague proposals—get it all in writing.

Another great question is: “How do you handle revisions?” Most designers include a set number of revision rounds. Make sure that timeline works for your schedule, and that communication expectations are clear upfront.

Talk tech: “Do I own the website after it’s built?” You should have full access to the site files, domain, and hosting. If a designer tries to hold your website hostage unless you pay monthly, look elsewhere.

Ask about support: “What happens after the website goes live?” Some designers offer monthly maintenance or on-demand updates. Others leave everything in your hands. Decide what level of support you’ll need before you start the project.

Finally, ask for client references or testimonials. If past clients are thrilled with the results—and happy to talk about their experience—that’s a strong sign you’ve found someone who delivers.

Asking these questions helps you avoid surprises, set realistic expectations, and choose a designer who aligns with your goals. Don’t rush the decision—take the time to vet properly, and you’ll save yourself major headaches down the road.

Schedule your Free Custom Website Demonstration to see what it’s like to work with a professional designer who’s focused on your business goals, not just looks. Let us show you how we build results-driven websites—before you spend a dime.
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