To choose a web designer well, ask about their process, who owns the finished site, how they handle SEO and speed, what happens after launch, and to see results from similar businesses. The answers tell you far more than a portfolio of pretty pictures.
Start with the outcome, not the look
A good designer asks what the site is for before talking design. If the first conversation is all about visuals and not about your customers, enquiries, or goals, that is a warning sign.
Questions worth asking
- What is your process? You want a clear path from discovery to launch, not just a promise to design something.
- Who owns the site and content? Make sure you own your domain, content, and ideally the build. Avoid being locked in.
- How do you handle SEO and speed? These decide whether anyone finds and stays on the site. They should have a real answer.
- What happens after launch? Updates, support, and who fixes things. A site is not finished at launch.
- Can I see results, not just designs? Ask what happened for similar businesses after their site went live.
Watch for the warning signs
- No discovery, straight to a quote.
- Vague answers on ownership or ongoing support.
- A portfolio that all looks the same, or nothing like your kind of business.
- A price that seems too good, which usually means a template and little thought.
Where we land
We start every project with what the site needs to achieve, build it brand-led and fast, and hand over full ownership. If you are choosing between designers, send us a line and we will give you an honest view, even if it is not us.