How to Choose a Web Designer: 8 Questions to Ask First

Choosing a web designer is a bit like choosing a builder – the portfolio photos all look good, but what actually matters is what happens after they hand over the keys. Here are the questions worth asking before you commit.

1. What happens after the site goes live?

Some designers hand you a finished site and disappear. Others include hosting, updates and support as part of an ongoing relationship. Neither is automatically wrong, but you need to know which one you’re getting into, because a website left unmaintained becomes a liability within a year or two.

2. Who actually owns the site once it’s built?

Ask plainly whether you’ll own the domain name, the hosting account and the website files, or whether they sit under the designer’s own accounts. You should always have (or be able to get) full ownership.

3. What platform will it be built on?

WordPress, Wix, Squarespace, or something fully custom – each has very different implications for cost, flexibility and who can work on it in future. There’s no single right answer, but you should understand the trade-off you’re choosing.

4. How is SEO handled?

A nice-looking site that nobody can find is a wasted investment. Ask specifically what’s included for search visibility – page structure, meta descriptions, page speed, mobile-friendliness – rather than accepting a vague “yes, it’s SEO friendly.”

5. Can I see examples of real client sites, not just the portfolio piece?

Portfolio showcases are, understandably, the best-case examples. Ask to see (or visit) a couple of ordinary, live client sites to get a feel for the real, everyday standard of work.

6. How will I make small edits myself?

You should be able to update your own opening hours, add a photo, or tweak some text without needing to contact anyone. Ask for a quick demonstration of the admin area before you commit.

7. What does ongoing support actually cost?

Get a clear, specific monthly or annual figure for hosting, security, backups and support – not a vague “we’ll sort something out later.” Surprise costs are the most common source of frustration after launch.

8. What happens if we ever want to part ways?

A trustworthy designer will have a clear, low-drama answer about how you’d take your site elsewhere if you needed to. If the answer is evasive, treat that as useful information in itself.

These aren’t awkward questions – a good web designer will be glad you asked them. If you’d like a genuinely honest conversation about your options (including whether you actually need a full rebuild at all), get in touch with ChrisXCreative.