Short answer: look at websites they've built for real businesses, get the full price in writing (build and monthly), check who owns your domain, ask what happens if you want to leave, and walk away from anyone who guarantees first place on Google.
10 questions to ask a web designer
- 01Can I see websites you've built for real businesses? Not just templates or mock-ups. Open them on your phone and try calling from them.
- 02What's the total price? Get the build cost and any monthly or yearly fee in writing.
- 03What does the monthly fee cover? Hosting, changes, the domain, email? Find out exactly what's included.
- 04Is there a contract or minimum term? Know how long you're tied in for before you sign.
- 05Who owns my domain name? Ask whose name it's registered in.
- 06What happens if I want to leave? Can you take your domain and your content with you?
- 07Who writes the words and sorts the photos? Some designers expect you to do it all.
- 08How do changes work? How do you ask, how quickly are they done, and do they cost extra?
- 09Will it be set up for Google? Proper page titles, fast loading and help with your Google Business Profile.
- 10Can I see it before I pay? A demo or design you can look at first takes a lot of the risk out.
Red flags to watch for
- A guarantee of first place on Google. Google itself says no one can guarantee a number one ranking.
- No real websites to show you, only templates
- A long contract with a big fee for leaving
- Your domain registered in their name, with no way for you to take it
- Prices that keep growing with extras you didn't expect
Agency, freelancer or website builder?
An agency gives you a team but usually costs more. A freelancer or one-person business is often cheaper and you deal with the same person every time. A website builder like Wix or Squarespace can cost less up front, but you do the work yourself. I've compared the last two in website builder or web designer?, and there's a price breakdown in how much does a website cost?
Ask me
If you're thinking of using me, ask me any of these and I'll give you a straight answer. Call or WhatsApp me on 07481 817498, or ask for a free demo.
Questions
Can a web designer guarantee I'll be first on Google?
No. Google's own advice says no one can guarantee a number one ranking, and that if someone promises first place, you should find someone else.
Who should own my domain name?
Ideally, you. Ask whose name the domain is registered in, and what happens to it if you ever leave.
Should I pay a monthly fee for a website?
Many designers charge monthly for hosting and changes. That's fine, as long as you know exactly what it covers and how long you're tied in for.
Sources: Google Search Central: do you need an SEO?