What to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer (And What the Answers Should Sound Like)

Most Bad Web Experiences Start the Same Way

You find someone who seems professional. The portfolio looks good. The price seems reasonable. You sign a contract, pay a deposit, and then... weeks of silence. Endless revision rounds. A final product that doesn't match what you discussed.

The frustrating part? Most of this is avoidable. You just have to ask the right questions upfront.

Question 1: What's Your Process?

What you're looking for: A clear, step-by-step explanation of how they work. Red flag: Vague answers like "we'll figure it out as we go."

Good answer: "First we do discovery, then sitemap and wireframes, then design, then development, then testing. You'll have checkpoints to review at each stage."

Question 2: What Platform Will You Build On?

What you're looking for: A platform you've heard of and can manage yourself. Red flag: Custom-coded solutions or obscure platforms that lock you in.

You should never be held hostage by your website. If only one person in the world can update it, that's a problem.

Question 3: What's Included in the Price?

What you're looking for: A detailed breakdown, not a lump sum. Red flag: "That covers everything" without specifics.

Unclear scope is how projects go over budget. Get it in writing before you start.

Question 4: What Do You Need From Me?

What you're looking for: Clear expectations about your involvement. A good web partner sets expectations upfront. If they don't tell you what they need, you'll both be frustrated later.

Question 5: What Happens After Launch?

What you're looking for: Clarity on support, maintenance, and future changes. Your website isn't done when it launches. Make sure you know what happens next.

The Meta-Question: How Do They Make You Feel?

Are they patient with your questions? Clear in their explanations? Honest about limitations? Responsive in their communication? If the sales process feels difficult, the project will be worse. Trust your gut.

Ready to Have This Conversation?

We're happy to answer all of these questions — and any others you have. Whether you end up working with us or not, you deserve to know what you're getting into before you sign anything.