Hiring a web designer in the DC area

Search for a web designer in DC, Silver Spring or Arlington and you'll get a long list. Big agencies, freelancers, template shops and people overseas who use a local address. They can all build a site. The question is who fits a small business.

Local helps in a few real ways

Someone nearby knows the area. They know Bethesda and Wheaton aren't the same market, and that people in Fairfax search differently than people on Capitol Hill. That shows up in the words on your pages and the towns you list.

You can also meet in person if you want to. Most of the work happens over email and text anyway, but it's nice to know the person exists and has a phone number that rings.

Being local doesn't make someone good, though. Look at the work first.

Check their work like a customer would

Open a few sites they've built on your phone. Do they load fast? Can you find the phone number and hours in a few seconds? Do the sites look different from each other, or like the same template with a new logo?

If they don't show any work, ask for links. A designer with nothing to show is a risk, even if the price is low.

Get the price and timeline in writing

You should know the full price before anything starts, what's included and what costs extra later. Hosting is the one people forget. My Starter site is $295 and takes about 3 days, with 3 months of hosting included. Standard is $395, about 7 days, with 6 months. After that, hosting is $19 a month. You don't have to pick me, but you should get numbers that clear from whoever you hire.

Make sure you own it

Your domain should be in your name. You should be able to get your files and content if you ever leave. Ask about this up front. It's a short conversation and it saves a lot of trouble later.

Talk to them before you decide

Send a short email or call. See how fast they answer and whether they ask about your business or just pitch you. Someone who asks good questions early usually builds a better site.