10 Questions to Ask a Potential Website Designer
A website is not just a digital business card. It is a tool that should work for you every day, helping new people find you, understand what you offer, and take the next step.
Hiring a website designer is an important investment. Whether you are building your first site or planning a redesign, the person you choose will shape how your business looks and functions online for years. Asking the right questions up front will help you find out which type of designer you are talking to, whether their process is right for you, and whether they feel like they understand your goals and care about creating something that helps you reach them.
✔ Question 1: What is your process from start to finish?
This question tells you how a designer approaches their work. Do they start with strategy and planning, or do they immediately talk about colors and layouts? A clear process should include discovery (getting to know you and your goals), content planning, structure, design, revisions, and launch. You want to hear that there is a roadmap rather than a rush to pick a template.
✔ Question 2: How do you make sure a website is designed to meet business goals?
A website is more than a design exercise. It needs to have a purpose. This question helps you see whether the designer thinks about outcomes, such as generating enquiries, sales, or sign-ups, or if they are only focused on the final visual. Look for a designer who talks about strategy, conversion goals, user experience, and planning the path a visitor will take through the site.
✔ Question 3: Do you help with content and messaging?
Some designers only handle visuals. Others offer guidance on the words and structure of the site. Content has a huge impact on how well a website works, so find out if you will be expected to hand over all of your copy fully written or if the designer collaborates on shaping it. If you already have content, ask whether they review and refine it as part of the process. If you do not, ask if they provide copywriting or if they can recommend someone who does.
✔ Question 4: Can I see examples of sites you have designed for businesses like mine?
Portfolios show style, but they also show whether the designer understands your type of business. For example, designing for an e-commerce brand is different from designing for a consultant or service provider. Ask to see work for companies with a similar level of complexity or audience. It is less about finding an identical industry and more about seeing that they know how to create a site that works for a similar goal.
✔ Question 5: How will the site be built, and will I be able to make updates myself?
The platform and structure matter. If the designer builds on a platform that requires coding knowledge, you may need to hire them for every small change. If they build on a user-friendly system like Squarespace, Webflow, or Shopify, you may be able to make routine updates yourself. Ask what training they provide once the site launches, so that you understand how to manage your site without being dependent on someone else.
✔ Question 6: What is included in your pricing?
Website quotes can vary widely, so clarity here is key. Find out what is included in the price they give you and what is not. Typical areas to confirm include:
Number of pages
Custom design versus templates
Revisions
SEO basics
Training after launch
It is worth remembering that you usually get what you pay for. A very low-cost website might look tempting to get out there quickly, but it often comes at the expense of strategy, planning, and long-term performance. That does not mean you need the most expensive option, but be clear about what you are buying. A good website is an investment, not just a line item.
✔ Question 7: How do you approach SEO?
Even if you plan to invest in a larger SEO strategy later, a new website should be built with search engines in mind. Ask if they handle the basics:
Titles and meta descriptions
Mobile responsiveness
Fast loading times
Clean structure that search engines can index easily
✔ Question 8: What happens after the website is launched?
A launch is not the end of the journey. Websites need updates, backups, and sometimes tweaks as your business grows. Ask whether the designer offers ongoing support packages, whether they are available for hourly updates, or whether you will be expected to manage everything yourself. Even if you plan to handle your own updates, it is helpful to know that you can return to someone who already knows your site if you need help.
✔ Question 9: How do you handle timelines and communication?
Clear communication makes the process smoother. Ask how they manage deadlines, what happens if you need extra time to provide feedback or content, and how you will stay updated on progress. It is also helpful to know whether you will work directly with the designer or with a larger team.
✔ Question 10: What makes your approach different from other designers?
Every designer has a slightly different philosophy. Some focus on brand storytelling, some are very technical, and others are primarily visual. This question gives them an opportunity to explain their strengths and gives you a sense of whether they are a good fit for you. The right answer will depend on your priorities. The goal is to make sure their values align with what you need.
