15 Essential Questions to Ask a Website Designer
What to look for in a web designer
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Knowing what questions to ask a website designer is super important in finding the perfect fit for your website launch. Hiring the right website designer is a crucial step for any business looking to create a powerful online presence, so it’s important to get it right. Your website is often the first impression potential clients get of your business, and it needs to be more than just visually appealing—it has to be functional, user-friendly, and tailored to your goals. With so many designers to choose from out there, how can you be sure you’re picking the right one?
Asking a website designer the right questions is key! This guide will walk you through 15 essential questions to ask a website designer, why they are important and what kind of answers to look out for. These questions to ask a website designer will help you see if they are a good fit for you and your business, and help you get a handle on their experience and capabilities, ensuring you find the ideal designer for you and your project.
Table of Contents - Questions to ask a website designer
Does your portfolio align with our vision?
What is your website design process?
How long will the project take?
What’s included in your pricing?
Do you use pre-built themes or create custom designs?
How do you optimize for SEO during the build?
Will the website be responsive and mobile-friendly?
How involved will we be in the process?
Do you handle content creation or only design?
Can you integrate third-party tools and systems?
How do you ensure the website is secure?
What happens after the website goes live?
What platform do you use to build and design the website, and why?
Will I have full ownership of the site once it’s complete?
What are your terms for revisions?
Key Takeaways from questions to ask a website designer & what to look for in a web designer
Aligning with Your Vision and Goals: Ensure that the designer’s portfolio reflects the style you want for your website and that they are able to include industry specific and/or desired functionality.
Understanding the Process: A good designer will have a clear, structured process to guide you from start to finish, keeping you informed at every stage.
Cost Transparency: It's essential to understand what’s included and what’s not in the project, including any additional costs or optional add on services.
SEO and Mobile-Friendliness: Make sure your designer optimizes their websites for search engines and mobile devices so that your website is set up for success.
Long-Term Partnership: Launching a website is not a set it and forget it kind of project. Ask about post-launch support and maintenance options, security and how its maintained, and whether you’ll have full control of the website after it’s live.
How to find a good web designer - Here are the questions to ask a website designer
Now that you understand the key factors in selecting the right website designer for you, it’s time to dive into the specific questions to ask a website designer that will help you make the right decision. These 15 questions are designed to guide you through the process of choosing a website designer, ensuring that you choose a partner who aligns with your business goals and can deliver the results you need. Let’s take a closer look at the questions to ask a website designer to find the best fit for your project. Don’t be afraid to ask your website designer these questions, they should be happy to walk through these things with you because they are looking for a good fit in a client as much as you are looking for a good fit in a designer.
1 - Does the designers portfolio align with your vision
This question is more for you than the designer but it’s important to start with this one because if the answer is no the answers to the rest of the questions are irrelevant. Don’t waste your time!
Does the designer’s previous work/ portfolio match your style and vision. Take a close look at their portfolio to see if their designs fit the aesthetic that you are looking for and include the functionality you require to meet your goals. Each designer has a unique style, so ensuring that their past projects align with your expectations will save you from potential frustration down the road. If you are looking for a classic, clean and minimalistic website and the designers portfolio has a bunch of fun, super colorful, content packed websites it’s likely not a good match.
Why it’s important: If the designer’s portfolio doesn’t reflect the kind of website you want, it’s likely they won’t be able to deliver a product that aligns with the vision you have and it won’t be something you will be proud to share.
What to look for:
A diverse range of work that matches the quality and style you need.
Sites that are visually appealing, functional, and user-friendly.
Experience in your industry or similar projects so they understand your specific needs.
You can check out our Squarespace web design portfolio for a variety of design styles tailored to different businesses.
2 - What is your website design process?
A well-organized design process is crucial for a smooth project. Your designer should have a clear, step-by-step approach that outlines everything from initial inquiry to the final launch. Understanding their process will give you confidence in how they will handle your project and set expectations for timelines and deliverables. If they leave you hanging, waiting days for a response to your initial inquiry or they miss a consultation call chances are that will carry through to the rest of the project.
Why it’s important: A structured process ensures the project stays on track and prevents surprises or delays.
What to look for:
A clear process from discovery to launch.
Regular updates and checkpoints.
A timeline that meets your project’s needs.
Check out our Custom Squarespace Web Design page to learn more about how we structure our design projects.
3 - How long will the project take?
This one is related to the previous one but worth its own spot because its so important. Timelines can vary greatly depending on the scope of the project, the designer’s availability and how many projects the designer works on at a given time. A typical custom website can take anywhere from a week or two weeks to several months. Make sure you and the designer are on the same page regarding start and end times for the project as well as what factors can impact these timeframes. For example if the designer requires feedback from you with 24 hours and it takes you 3-4 days to provide feedback, how will that impact the timeframe?
Why it’s important: Clear timelines help you plan around the launch of your new website. It helps you know when to set aside time to collect content if needed and when to make yourself available for feedback. Your business doesn’t stop because you are working on the launch of your website so being able to coordinate your other business activities and keep your business running smoothly is important.
What to look for:
A realistic timeline that accounts for revisions and testing.
Flexibility to accommodate your schedule.
To learn more about our design process and how we handle timelines schedule a free consultation call with us.
4 - What’s included in your pricing?
This is one of the most important questions to ask a website designer. Understanding what you need/want and exactly what’s included in the quote is essential to avoid any surprises and misunderstandings later on. What is included in your website design package will vary from designer to designer so it’s important to ask if it’s not spelled out or if your not sure. Ask whether the price covers design, development, content creation, image sourcing, SEO, and post launch maintenance. Get clarity on what additional costs are expected outside of the project cost with them, for example, hosting, domain registration, coding for a specific feature/functionality, custom fonts etc. This is a good time to also ask about supporting services post launch so you can factor in that cost if need be. Depending on the hosting platform supporting services may include content updates, security updates, plugin testing, SEO services, email marketing services.
Why it’s important: Transparent pricing helps you budget accurately and prevents unexpected costs from derailing your project or leaving you with a website that doesn’t fully meet you goals.
What to look for:
A detailed breakdown of costs.
Information on any additional fees or ongoing costs.
Flexibility in terms of payment options.
Check out this resource on what pages your website should have to ensure that the package you are considering includes all these must have pages.
5 - Do you use pre-built themes or create custom designs?
Pre-built themes can be a good fit for smaller budgets or faster turnaround times. However, if you want something tailored to your brand, a custom design will give you more control over the look and functionality of your website.
Why it’s important: A custom design ensures your website stands out from competitors and better aligns with your business’s unique needs.
What to look for:
Experience in creating both theme-based and custom designs.
The ability to explain the pros and cons of each approach.
Examples of previous custom work.
Learn about how a custom web design can help you attract more customers.
6 - How do you optimize for SEO during the build?
A well-designed good looking website is important, but without proper SEO, it won’t be effective in driving traffic and ultimately bringing in business. Make sure you ask the designer how they plan to incorporate on page SEO best practices, such as proper use of headings, meta tags, and image optimization. This is only a small part of an overall SEO strategy but will help your website rank higher on search engines and attract more traffic. Can’t hurt to ask if the designer provides additional SEO services as well such as keyword research, backlink support, content creation etc.
Why it’s important: SEO is critical for driving organic traffic to your website, making it easier for potential customers to find you.
What to look for:
An understanding of SEO fundamentals.
A plan for on-page SEO (keywords, tags, alt text).
Experience with optimizing site speed and mobile responsiveness.
For more tips on website mistakes that can harm your SEO, read our article on 6 Mistakes You Should Avoid On Your Website.
7 - Will the website be responsive and mobile-friendly?
With the majority of web traffic coming from mobile devices these days, having a responsive design is non-negotiable. Some platforms make it easier than others but make sure your designer prioritizes mobile optimization so that your website looks and functions well across all devices, from desktops to smartphones.
Why it’s important: A mobile-friendly website ensures a good user experience and helps with SEO rankings, as search engines like Google prioritize mobile-first indexing.
What to look for:
Examples of responsive websites they’ve built.
Mobile-specific testing procedures.
A focus on user experience across all screen sizes.
You can check out my Squarespace web design portfolio to see examples of my mobile responsive designs on all my website projects.
8 - How involved will we be in the process?
Some businesses prefer to be hands-on and involved at every step, while others would rather let the designer take the lead. Where do you fall? This is a great conversation to have with your potential designer to ensure that you are both on the same page. Clarify how much input you’ll have during the project, including how often you’ll review designs and provide feedback.
Why it’s important: Clear communication ensures that the final product meets your expectations and reduces the chance of costly revisions later.
What to look for:
Regular updates or check-ins during the project.
Flexibility to accommodate your preferences for involvement.
9 - Do you handle content creation or only design?
This is a popular question to ask a website designer because some designers offer content creation services, while others (most) require you to provide your own content in terms of text and images. A beautiful website needs great content to succeed. Make sure you know what’s included in your package and whether you need to hire additional help for copywriting, photography, or graphics. If content creation is part of your package make sure that there is a way for them to create content with your industry, brand, and personality in mind so that there isn’t a disconnect when someone visits the site vs engages with you and/or your business. Remember no one knows your business better than you!
Why it’s important: Having clear, compelling content is just as important as the design in converting visitors into customers.
What to look for:
Experience with content creation or partnerships with copywriters.
Clear guidance on what you need to provide (text, images, etc.).
Tools and guides that help you put content together yourself or with the help of a copywriter
10 - Can you integrate third-party tools and systems?
Your business likely uses other third-party tools such as CRMs, email marketing platforms, or e-commerce solutions to run smoothly. Make sure that your designer is familiar with these tools and is capable of integrating seamlessly into your website. Not asking a website designer this question could leave you with a website that doesn’t fully integrate with tools your business needs.
Why it’s important: A website that works well with your existing tools will help streamline your business processes and reduce manual work. That is a true win win and having a website designer that understands the value of this is key!
What to look for:
Experience integrating the systems you use.
Examples of previous integrations they’ve done.
They ask questions about what tools you use to run your business to see if there are any efficiencies that can be created
11 - How do you ensure the website is secure?
Website security is critical to protect your business and customers’ information. Ask about the designer’s approach to securing the site, including SSL certificates, regular updates, and security monitoring. This is an interesting question to ask a website designer because their answer will greatly depend on the platform they use to build and design your website.
Why it’s important: A secure website protects your business from cyber threats and builds trust with your customers.
What to look for:
SSL certificates and other encryption methods.
Regular security updates and monitoring.
Knowledge of industry-standard security practices.
Squarespace, the platform I use for all my client websites handles all the security needs for me and my clients, you can check out the details here.
12 - What happens after the website goes live?
Launching your website is just the beginning so don’t forget to ask your website designer this question. Ask your designer what kind of post-launch support they offer, including updates, troubleshooting, potential future changes, and/or training if you want to DIY post launch.
Why it’s important: Having ongoing support ensures your website remains functional and up to date as your business grows and allows you to focus on what you do best!
What to look for:
Clear terms for post-launch support.
Available packages for ongoing maintenance.
13 - What platform do you use to build and design the website, and why?
It's super important to ask your website designer this question about which platform they plan to use to build your website. This decision will impact everything from design flexibility to long-term management and growth. Popular platforms include Squarespace, WordPress, Wix, and Shopify, each with its own strengths and limitations. For example, Squarespace is ideal for sleek, visually appealing designs with easy-to-use content management, while WordPress is known for its powerful customization options. Shopify is typically best for e-commerce sites, while Wix can be a good choice for simpler, smaller websites.
Why it’s important: The platform used will affect how easily you can manage and update your website, integrate tools and features, and optimize for search engines. Some platforms may be better for specific industries or business needs, such as e-commerce or blogging, while others may be easier to maintain without technical skills. It’s important that your website designer know what will be best for your business now and in the long run so that your website can grow with your business.
What to look for:
The ability to justify why one platform is better for your business over another.
The ability to show how the platform aligns with your business goals (e.g., Shopify for e-commerce, WordPress for advanced customization, Squarespace for visually-driven sites).
Examples of previous work using the recommended platform.
General knowledge of what platform is best for what industries or business objectives.
14 - Will I have full ownership of the site once it’s complete?
Make sure you own the rights to your website once it’s live. This includes full control over the content, design, and domain. Some designers retain partial ownership, which could lead to issues down the road if you decide to switch providers or make significant changes. I have heard of some nightmare situations related to this, it’s super important that you own your website and domain so that you can make changes as your business grows and changes without being held hostage by a previous service provider.
Why it’s important: Full ownership gives you the flexibility to make changes or move to another provider without restrictions.
What to look for:
Clarification on ownership rights.
Transfer of files and access post-launch.
15 - What are your terms for revisions?
No design is perfect on the first draft. Make sure to ask your website designer how many rounds of revisions are included in the price and what the process looks like. This will help you avoid unexpected fees or delays.
Why it’s important: Knowing the revision policy upfront helps you budget time and money for any necessary changes.
What to look for:
A set number of revisions included in the contract.
A review process in place that handles revisions and edits prior to launch.
Transparent pricing for additional changes beyond the initial scope.
Conclusion
Choosing the right website designer is a critical step in building a successful online presence for your business. By asking a website designer these 15 essential questions, you can ensure that you find a designer who not only understands your vision but can also deliver a website that drives traffic, generates leads, and helps grow your business. Whether you’re looking for a simple, budget-friendly site or a fully customized design, having clarity on these questions will help you make the best decision.
At YStrategize, I am committed to creating custom Squarespace websites that not only look great but are built to perform. I take the time to understand your business goals and guide you through the entire design process, ensuring your website reflects your brand and meets your needs.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule a call with me today to discuss how I can help you create a website that stands out and supports your business growth. I am here to turn your vision into a reality.
FAQs
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The cost of hiring a website designer varies significantly depending on the complexity of the project, whether you're opting for a custom design or using pre-built templates, and the level of post-launch support you need. For small business websites, pricing typically ranges from $2,000 to $10,000. Custom-built sites with advanced features such as e-commerce, custom integrations, and extensive SEO optimization can cost more. Be sure to ask what’s included in the quote, such as hosting fees, domain registration, or ongoing maintenance. You can also discuss payment plans to spread out the cost over time.
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Hiring a professional website designer ensures that your site not only looks great but also functions smoothly and is optimized for both user experience and search engines. Designers understand the technical aspects like responsive design, fast load times, and integrating SEO best practices. A custom-built site tailored to your business will help improve brand credibility and conversions, allowing you to stand out from competitors. Additionally, a website designer can integrate tools like customer relationship management (CRM) systems, payment gateways, or marketing automation, streamlining your business processes.
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Yes, hiring a professional web designer is a worthwhile investment, especially if you want a site that drives conversions and offers a seamless user experience. DIY platforms might seem more affordable upfront, but they often lack the custom functionality and SEO optimization that a professional designer can provide. A well-designed website can improve your search rankings, reduce bounce rates, and increase engagement, ultimately leading to higher revenue for your business. Plus, a designer can save you time and effort by handling the technical aspects, allowing you to focus on running your business.
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When choosing a website designer, you want to ensure their portfolio aligns with your brand’s style and functionality needs. Look for designers who understand SEO, offer mobile-responsive designs, and have experience with your industry or similar projects. Additionally, ask about their website design process, pricing structure, and ongoing support options. If they offer custom website design services, this is a bonus as it shows they can create a site specifically tailored to your business goals, rather than relying on generic templates.
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When redesigning a website, it's essential to focus on both aesthetics and functionality. Start by analyzing what isn't working on your current site. Are visitors bouncing too quickly? Is the user experience smooth, especially on mobile devices? Ensure the redesign enhances usability, improves page load speed, and integrates SEO best practices. Additionally, consider how the redesign will impact your content management system (CMS). Many businesses opt for a custom website design to ensure it aligns with their brand and goals. Don't forget to optimize your site for SEO and mobile responsiveness, as search engines like Google prioritize mobile-friendly, fast websites.
