Choosing a web designer is hard when every portfolio looks good. The right questions show you how someone works, what you’re really paying for, and whether the website will help your business. Here are 10 questions to ask a web designer before you hire them — what a good answer sounds like, and how I’d answer them myself.
The most important question
“How will this website bring in customers?”
A designer who answers with questions about your business — not just colours and layouts — is usually a good sign.
Book a call10 questions to ask a web designer
You don’t need to ask them in this order, and a short call is usually enough to cover them all.
1. Can I see websites you’ve built for businesses like mine?
Screenshots are nice; live websites are better. Click around, try them on your phone, and ask what problem each one solved.
A good answer: real, live examples, with a clear story of what the client needed and what changed. Mine: you can browse my selected work.
2. What’s included in the price — and what isn’t?
Two quotes with the same number can include very different things. Ask about content, photos, revisions, launch and support.
A good answer: a written list of what’s included, and the extras named upfront. Mine: websites start at €2,000, and my price guide lists exactly what’s included.
3. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
Timelines slip most often while the designer waits for texts, photos and feedback. Knowing what’s expected of you keeps the project moving.
A good answer: a plan with dates, and a clear list of what you’ll need to provide. Mine: usually 3 to 6 weeks for a small business site — here’s the full timeline.
4. Who will actually work on my website?
Some designers pass parts of the work to others. That isn’t always bad, but you should know who’s doing what, and who you’ll talk to.
A good answer: names and roles, and one person responsible for your project. Mine: I design and build every website myself, and you talk to me directly.
5. How will you make sure the website brings in enquiries?
A beautiful website that nobody contacts you from is an expensive brochure. This question shows whether a designer thinks about your business or only about looks.
A good answer: questions about your goal and customers, and a clear next step for visitors on every page.
6. Will it work well on phones and load quickly?
Many of your visitors will arrive on a phone, often in a hurry. A slow or awkward mobile site loses them before they read a word.
A good answer: “yes” — plus how they test it, on real phones and not just a resized browser window.
7. What do you do for SEO?
Every website should be built so Google can understand it: clear page titles, sensible structure, a page per important service, and fast loading.
A good answer: those basics included, plus honesty that rankings take months and can’t be guaranteed.
8. Will I be able to update the website myself?
Changing a price, a photo or your opening hours shouldn’t mean sending an email and waiting a week.
A good answer: yes, with a handover so you know how. Mine: every project ends with a handover, so you can edit your own texts and images.
9. Who will own the website, domain and hosting?
This is the question people forget — until they want to switch designers and can’t get access to their own website.
A good answer: you do. The domain and hosting should be in your name and accounts, with the designer given access when needed.
10. What happens after launch?
Websites need updates to stay secure and running smoothly, and small fixes always come up in the first weeks.
A good answer: a clear plan for support and updates, and what it costs. Mine: I keep sites updated with Sitefar, a tool I designed and built to manage WordPress sites from one place (see the case study).
Red flags to watch for
Be careful if a web designer:
- Guarantees first place on Google — no one can honestly promise that
- Can’t show live websites they’ve built
- Gives a vague quote without saying what’s included
- Registers your domain in their own name
- Never asks about your customers or goals and only talks about design
A good web designer will have questions for you too
Expect to be asked about your goal, your customers, your budget and your deadline. If a designer quotes without asking anything, they’re guessing — and you’ll find out later what they guessed wrong. To have your answers ready, use my checklist of what to prepare before hiring a web designer.
Frequently asked questions
What should I ask a web designer before hiring them?
Ask to see live websites they’ve built, what’s included in the price, how long it will take, who does the work, how they’ll help you get enquiries, and who will own the website, domain and hosting.
How do I compare web design quotes?
Compare what’s included, not just the total. Check content, revisions, launch, support and ownership. A cheaper quote that leaves these out often ends up costing more.
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
It depends on the size of the project. A freelancer usually means one person who designs, builds and talks to you directly; an agency suits very large or complex projects. My price guide compares the options.
Is it a red flag if a designer guarantees Google rankings?
Yes. A designer can build a website that’s easy for Google to understand, but nobody controls the rankings. Treat any guarantee with caution.
Can I ask to speak to a past client?
Yes, and it’s a good idea. A short chat with someone who has worked with the designer tells you more about communication and reliability than any portfolio.
Ask me these questions
Book a short call and ask me all ten. I’ll answer honestly — including if I’m not the right fit for your project.
