Choosing the right web designer is a critical step toward building a successful online presence for your small business. The process can seem overwhelming, but asking the right questions helps ensure you select a professional who truly understands your needs, industry, and goals. A well-informed decision not only results in a high-quality website but also fosters a smooth collaboration and a lasting relationship. Before you dive into your project, take the time to clarify expectations, processes, and capabilities to set yourself up for success.
Many entrepreneurs underestimate the importance of thorough vetting during the early stages. Asking detailed questions about their research methods, technical expertise, design approach, and ongoing support can reveal their level of professionalism and fit for your business. Remember, your website is a vital marketing tool—so investing in the right partnership from the start makes all the difference. To help you navigate this process, here are 25 crucial questions to ask your potential web designer before making your final decision.
1. What kind of research will you conduct on my business?
Effective branding and website design hinge on comprehensive research about your industry, target audience, and competitors. This process, often called “discovery,” allows designers to understand your unique value proposition, client challenges, and market position. At Design Powers, we refer to it as the Power Plan, detailed in our blog about how this approach enhances your website’s effectiveness.
A skilled designer will ask questions about your ideal clients’ problems and how your services address them. They should also investigate industry-specific software or platforms you use, especially if your field relies on specialized technology like real estate listing tools or medical practice management systems. Understanding these intricacies early on ensures your website integrates seamlessly with your business operations and follows best practices for user experience and functionality.
Learn more about creating a strategic website roadmap with our Power Plan here.
2. Will you review my current or previous website before designing the new one?
If you already have an existing site, it’s essential that your designer evaluates it thoroughly. A quick review helps identify what works, what doesn’t, and what needs improvement. If they skip this step or suggest starting from scratch without analyzing your current platform, it could be a red flag.
A detailed assessment of your current site—including content, structure, tech setup, and SEO—guides the direction of your new website. For small websites with just a few pages, a verbal feedback session may suffice, but larger sites require a comprehensive audit or sitemap analysis. This process ensures that valuable content is transferred correctly, unnecessary pages are removed, and the new structure enhances user experience.
Before proceeding, ask about their process for reviewing existing websites, especially if you plan to migrate or upgrade your current platform. This step is crucial to prevent losing valuable SEO rankings or content assets.
3. Do you offer services beyond web design?
Your website should be part of a broader marketing ecosystem. Ask whether your designer provides additional services such as logo creation, branding, content writing, SEO strategies, or digital marketing. A full-service provider can streamline the project, ensuring consistency across all elements and saving you time.
Many designers also partner with specialists, including photographers, videographers, and copywriters, to deliver a comprehensive package. For example, we excel in brand identity, SEO, content development, and review management, which supports your website’s long-term success. If you already have some assets like logos or photos, clarify whether they can be integrated into the new design or if new materials are needed.
4. Can you work within my budget?
Being upfront about your budget is vital. Ask the designer for their starting prices and whether they offer flexible packages. Some agencies publish their rates online; others prefer to develop custom quotes based on your specific needs.
Think of website costs like purchasing a vehicle: you can choose a budget model or invest in a premium, fully customized solution. Be sure to discuss payment plans and additional expenses such as hosting, domain registration, plugins, or premium stock images. Content creation and professional photography can also significantly impact your total budget.
To get an accurate estimate for your project, schedule a consultation with your designer and complete their discovery process, often called the Power Plan, which helps define scope and costs in detail.
5. Do you develop websites in-house or outsource?
Some firms outsource parts of their projects to third-party developers or freelancers, which can lead to communication challenges and delays. Clarify whether your designer’s team handles every aspect internally or collaborates with external specialists.
In our case, we manage all core design and development in-house, partnering with trusted creative professionals for content writing and photography. Knowing who is involved at each stage helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures quality control.
6. Will I have a dedicated project manager or main contact?
Effective communication is key to a smooth project. Confirm whether your designer assigns a single point of contact who manages all stages—from research and design to launch—and how updates will be communicated.
Some agencies have dedicated project managers, while smaller firms like ours often have the lead designer also serve as the project manager. We prefer to work with one or two decision-makers to keep feedback streamlined and decisions efficient. Using project management tools like Asana or Trello can help keep everyone on the same page.
7. What is your design and project management process?
Request a clear outline of their workflow—do they have a documented process or SOP? Do they use project management software? A structured approach indicates experience and professionalism.
We utilize Asana to guide clients through each phase, from initial discovery to final launch, ensuring transparency and accountability. Knowing their process helps you anticipate timelines, deliverables, and how your feedback will be integrated.
8. How long will the project take?
A typical website design and development process ranges from about one to three months, depending on complexity and content readiness. Ask your designer for a timeline based on your project scope and check if you are prepared to participate actively during the process.
Factors influencing schedule include content availability, client responsiveness, and coordination with other vendors like photographers or copywriters. Allow some buffer time for unexpected delays.
9. What do you need from me before the project begins?
Clarify what materials and information you should prepare—such as written content, images, logos, login credentials, or brand guidelines. Early clarity prevents last-minute scrambling and ensures a smooth start.
Content creation can be outsourced or handled by you, but understanding your responsibilities helps set expectations. Many designers provide questionnaires or content briefs to streamline this phase.
10. Should I write the website copy?
Most designers aren’t professional copywriters, but they understand the importance of compelling web content. You can hire a dedicated copywriter or craft the content yourself. Whatever approach you choose, ensure the copy aligns with your brand voice, SEO best practices, and target audience.
Well-written content not only improves user experience but also enhances your search engine rankings. Collaborate closely with your designer to ensure your messaging is clear and effective.
11. Should I provide my own images?
Visual content is crucial for engaging visitors. You may supply existing photos, logos, and graphics, or opt for professional brand photography to elevate your brand.
Ask whether your existing images can be used or if new photos are recommended. If you need a photographer, ask for referrals. Consider the style and quality of images suited to your brand, whether headshots, lifestyle shots, or product photos.
Stock images are an alternative if custom photography isn’t feasible, but personalized visuals tend to resonate more with your audience.
12. Can I see your portfolio?
Reviewing a designer’s portfolio helps assess their style, quality, and versatility. Look for modern, responsive designs with clear navigation and compelling visuals.
Ask for examples relevant to your industry or project type, and check if their work aligns with your aesthetic preferences. Additionally, read reviews or testimonials to gauge client satisfaction.
13. Which CMS platform do you use?
The content management system (CMS) determines how easily you can update and maintain your website. Popular options include WordPress and Squarespace, each with its advantages.
We build on Squarespace because it’s user-friendly and supports small business needs effectively. If you prefer a platform with more flexibility or specific features, discuss options early on.
Learn more about the differences in our comparison guide here.
14. Do you use pre-made templates or create custom designs?
Some designers work with templates, which can be quicker and more cost-effective, while others build fully custom websites tailored to your brand.
Our approach involves starting with a blank canvas on Squarespace, enabling us to craft a unique design that fits your business perfectly. Ask about the platform’s limitations and possibilities to ensure it meets your needs.
15. Is your web design responsive?
Responsive design ensures your website looks and functions well on all devices—desktop, tablet, and mobile. With Google’s mobile-first indexing, having a mobile-friendly site is essential.
Test responsiveness by resizing your browser window or using online tools. Ask your designer how they optimize for different screen sizes and ensure your site will provide a seamless experience for all visitors.
16. Are SEO best practices incorporated during development?
SEO should be integrated from the start—considering site structure, page titles, meta descriptions, image alt tags, and keyword placements.
Ask whether your designer implements SEO strategies during the build process to improve your organic search visibility. We stay current on SEO trends and best practices to embed them into every project.
17. Will you develop or support marketing strategies?
Your website is a core component of your marketing plan. Inquire how your designer can help develop or integrate strategies such as email campaigns, paid advertising, or social media integration.
While many designers include basic marketing considerations, comprehensive strategies often involve specialists. We collaborate with marketing strategists to enhance your online presence beyond just the website.
18. How many pages will my site include?
Most small service businesses start with five key pages: Home, About, Services, Blog, and Contact. Additional pages like policies or legal notices are also common.
The content complexity and purpose of your site influence the total number of pages. If you operate an e-commerce store, each product is a page, increasing the total significantly.
Ask your designer to create a site map that visualizes page hierarchy and user flow, helping you understand the structure.
19. Can you build an e-commerce platform?
Not all web designers specialize in online stores. If you plan to sell products or services online, confirm whether your CMS supports e-commerce functionalities, payment processing, and inventory management.
Platforms like Squarespace support small stores, while Shopify is better suited for large inventories. Discuss your needs upfront to choose the best platform and ensure scalability.
20. How many rounds of revisions are included?
Clarify how many revision cycles are built into your project. Typically, 2–3 rounds are standard, with additional revisions billed hourly.
Our process emphasizes clear milestones—design approval before moving to development reduces unnecessary revisions. This structured approach keeps the project on schedule and within budget.
21. Is my website secure, and will it have an SSL certificate?
Website security is non-negotiable. An SSL certificate encrypts data and is vital for protecting user information and building trust.
Platforms like Squarespace include SSL certificates with their plans, making security straightforward. Always verify that your designer implements security best practices, including regular updates and backups.
22. What training and ongoing support do you provide?
Post-launch training enables you to manage your website confidently. Ask whether your designer offers tutorials, documentation, or support packages.
We provide a complimentary two-hour training session to familiarize clients with website management, plus options for ongoing support if needed.
23. Do I own the website and its content after launch?
Ownership rights should be clarified before starting. You should own all content, graphics, and the website itself once the project is complete and paid in full.
Ensure your domain registration, hosting, and design assets are transferred to your control, not retained by the designer. This ownership allows you to make future updates or switch providers as needed.
24. Is your website ADA-compliant?
Accessibility matters for reaching all users, including those with disabilities. Ask your designer about their approach to web accessibility standards.
While full ADA compliance can be complex, basic practices like descriptive alt text, logical navigation, and high contrast improve accessibility. For organizations with strict requirements, consider working with specialists in ADA-compliant web design.
25. Finally, do you feel more confident about what to ask before hiring?
Preparing these questions ensures you’re informed and ready to choose a web designer aligned with your goals. If you have additional questions or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out or schedule a consultation. Exploring resources like web design inspiration and tips to improve your design skills can further empower your decision-making.
Your online presence is an investment—asking the right questions now will pave the way for a successful, high-performing website that grows with your business.
