Hiring a web designer is a big decision, and the cheapest or the flashiest option is rarely the best one. These eight questions help you compare providers fairly.
1. Can I see work like mine?
Look at live sites, not just screenshots. Do they load quickly on your phone? Do they look like they belong to real businesses?
2. Who will actually do the work?
Some agencies sell the work and outsource it. Ask who designs, who builds and who you will talk to.
3. Is the design custom or a template?
Templates are cheaper and sometimes fine, but you should know which you are paying for.
4. Will the site be built to be found?
Page titles, headings, speed and structure all affect search. Ask how they handle SEO from the start.
5. Who owns the site, the content and the domain?
The answer should be you. Be wary of anyone who keeps control of your domain or locks you in.
6. What does it cost after launch?
Ask about hosting, updates, backups and support, and what each costs per month.
7. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
Delays usually come from content and feedback, so a good designer is clear about timelines and what they need.
8. What happens if something breaks?
You want a named person and a clear way to get help.
Not sure where to start? Tell us about your project and we will answer these questions for ours.