Hiring a Web Designer? 8 Questions to Ask First

Choosing someone to build your website is a big decision for a small business. These eight questions will tell you most of what you need to know, whoever you end up working with.

1. Who will I actually be working with?

With some agencies you meet a salesperson, then the work goes to someone you never speak to. Ask who does the work and who you'll talk to when something needs changing.

2. Will I own the website and the domain?

Your domain name should be registered in your name, and you should be able to take the site elsewhere if you ever need to. Get this in writing.

3. What will it cost after launch?

Hosting, domain renewal, email, plugins, support and updates. Ask for the yearly running costs, not just the build price.

4. How will people find it on Google?

A good answer covers page titles and descriptions, a page per service, local signals, speed, and linking up your Google Business Profile. "We'll add some keywords" isn't enough.

5. Will it work properly on phones?

Ask to see examples on your own phone, not just on a big screen.

6. Can I update it myself?

If you'll want to change prices or add photos, check how easy that is, or what it costs to have it done for you.

7. What do you need from me, and when?

Words, photos, logins, decisions. Projects usually stall waiting on content, so it helps to know up front.

8. What happens if something breaks?

Is there a support plan? How quickly do they respond? Who keeps backups?

Ask me too

These are the same questions I'd expect anyone to ask me. You can see how I handle website builds and ongoing support, or get a ballpark with the free Website Cost Estimator.