What should I ask a web designer before hiring them?

Ask how they decide what the website needs

A designer should ask about customers, services, enquiry quality, service area, current problems and the action the site needs to create. If the conversation moves straight to colours and page count, the commercial thinking may be thin.

Ask what happens before design begins and what you will receive from that stage. A useful answer might include discovery, a sitemap, content responsibilities and agreement on the main conversion journey.

Clarify exactly what the price includes

Two quotes with the same page count can involve very different levels of work. Compare responsibility, not only price.

• Strategy and sitemap planning
• Copywriting or copy editing
• Image sourcing and optimisation
• Mobile and accessibility testing
• Forms, booking tools and integrations
• Technical and on-page SEO setup
• Analytics and conversion tracking
• Hosting, maintenance and post-launch support
• Revisions and what counts as extra work

Ask who will write and approve the content

Many projects stall because everybody assumed somebody else was writing the copy. Find out whether the designer provides interviews, drafts and editing, or expects finished text before work starts.

For technical or regulated services, the business still needs to check accuracy. The designer can shape the message, but should not invent qualifications, guarantees or specialist advice.

Understand ownership before signing

Ask who owns the domain, design, code, written content, photographs and third-party accounts. Also ask whether ownership changes after a payment term and whether there is a transfer or release fee.

The answer does not have to follow one model, but it should be written clearly. Problems usually arise when the client discovers the arrangement only after deciding to leave.

Ask what happens after launch

Find out who monitors forms, backups, updates and hosting. Ask how routine amendments are requested, what response times are realistic and how larger changes are priced.

A provider may offer a care plan, pay-as-you-go support or a handover for the client to manage. Any can work when the responsibilities are clear.

Question promises about SEO and leads

A web designer can improve technical quality, content, calls to action and measurement. They cannot guarantee a number-one ranking or a fixed number of enquiries because demand, competition, location and the wider business all matter.

Ask what will be measured. A practical answer should mention calls, forms, bookings or other meaningful actions rather than only traffic and page views.

Ask to see how they explain decisions

Good communication is visible before the contract. Can the designer explain why a particular structure is recommended? Do they distinguish essential work from optional ideas? Are limitations stated plainly?

You do not need the most technical person in the room. You need somebody who can make sound decisions, explain them clearly and deliver what was agreed.

The questions worth putting in writing

• What are the project stages and expected timescale?
• What do you need from me, and by when?
• How many revision rounds are included?
• What could increase the price?
• Who owns the domain and finished website?
• What ongoing fees apply?
• How can the website be transferred if we stop working together?
• What evidence will show whether the project is useful?