What to ask a web designer

Most people hire a web designer by looking at a few portfolios and picking the one that feels right. That's a fine start, but a short conversation tells you more. These are the questions I'd ask if I were hiring someone myself.

What exactly is included?

Get it in writing. How many pages, who writes the copy, whether photos are included, how many rounds of changes you get. A good quote is specific. If it just says "website design" and a price, ask for more detail.

How long will it take, and when does the clock start?

A lot of delays come from waiting on content, not from the build. Ask when the timeline starts and what they need from you to begin. A clear answer here saves weeks of back and forth later.

Who owns the site and the domain?

You should own your domain, and it should be registered in your name. Ask whether you can take the site and your content with you if you leave. Some setups make leaving hard on purpose. Better to know now.

What happens after launch?

Ask who hosts it, what that costs each month and what small edits cost. Ask who to contact when something breaks and how fast they usually reply. A site needs small changes over time, like new hours, new photos and holiday closures. You want to know how that works before you need it.

How do you handle payment?

Some designers charge everything up front. Some split it in two. Some charge monthly. All of these can be fair. What matters is that it's clear, and that you know what you get at each step.

Will it work well on a phone and show up on Google?

Every designer will say yes. Ask how. A good answer mentions things like page titles, fast loading, readable text on small screens and your business details in plain text. Then look at their past work on your own phone.

Can I talk to someone you've worked with?

A designer with happy clients will usually be glad to connect you. Even a quick text exchange tells you a lot about how they communicate.

What a good conversation feels like

A good designer asks you questions too. Who your customers are, how they find you, what you want people to do on the site. If someone shows you mockups before they understand your business, that's worth noticing. You're looking for someone who listens first and answers plainly.