Hiring someone to build your website is a big decision. You’re trusting them with your money, your brand and the main way new customers will find you. Yet most business owners only go through the process once or twice, so it’s hard to know how to choose a web designer, or what a good one looks like.
The questions below will help you compare quotes fairly and spot problems before you sign anything. Use them with any designer, including us.
Start with what you need the website to do
Before you talk to anyone, jot down what the site is for. It might be more phone calls, online bookings, selling products, or simply looking credible when people check you out after a referral.
A clear goal makes it much easier to judge whether a designer understands your business, and to compare quotes that might otherwise look very different.
It also helps to list the pages you think you’ll need and any features, like a booking system, an online shop or a gallery. It doesn’t need to be perfect. It just gives every designer the same starting point.
Questions to ask about their work
Can I see websites you’ve built for businesses like mine?
A portfolio shows you their style and the kinds of businesses they work with. Look at a few of the sites on your phone, not just in screenshots. Check whether they’re easy to use and whether you can find the phone number quickly.
Who will actually do the work?
Some agencies sell the project locally and send the build offshore or to freelancers. That isn’t always bad, but you should know. Ask who designs the site, who builds it, and who you’ll talk to when something needs changing later.
What do past clients say?
Google reviews give you a feel for what working with them is like. Look for comments about communication and what happened after launch, not just the design.
Questions to ask about cost
What’s included in the price?
Quotes can vary a lot, and the cheapest isn’t always the cheapest once extras are added. Check whether the price covers mobile-friendly design, basic SEO set-up, security, an SSL certificate, contact forms and help getting the site live.
What will it cost each year after launch?
Ask about hosting, domain renewals, email, software licences and maintenance. A low build price with high ongoing costs can work out more expensive over a few years.
Will I get a written quote before work starts?
You should. A clear written quote protects both of you and avoids surprises halfway through. If you’re trying to make sense of the numbers, our article on what a $1,595 website includes shows what to look for.
Questions to ask about ownership and lock-in
This is where many website problems start, often years later.
Will I own the website and the domain?
The answer should be yes. You should be able to move your site to another provider if you ever want to, with your domain registered in your business’s name.
Is there a lock-in contract?
Some providers rent you a website on a long contract, and when you leave, the site stays with them. That can suit some businesses, but read the terms closely before you sign.
What platform will it be built on?
Sites built on widely used, open-source software like WordPress, the open-source website platform, can be looked after by many developers, not just the person who built them. A custom system that only one company understands can leave you stuck. We cover this in more depth in who really owns your website.
Questions to ask about timing and process
- How long will it take? Ask for a realistic timeframe and what it depends on. Content is often the thing that holds a project up.
- What do you need from me? Text, photos, logo files and access to your domain. Knowing early saves weeks.
- How many rounds of changes are included? Agreeing this up front avoids awkward conversations later.
- What happens after launch? Find out who to call when you need an update, and how quickly they usually respond.
Warning signs to watch for
- Pressure to sign on the day, or a “special price” that expires tomorrow
- A vague quote with no breakdown of what’s included
- No clear answer about who will host the site or own the domain
- Few or no examples of recent work you can look at yourself
- Promises of guaranteed first-page rankings on Google
None of these alone means a designer is bad, but two or three together should make you pause.
How to choose a web designer you’ll still like in five years
When you’re weighing up how to choose a web designer, the best fit is usually someone who explains things in plain English, gives you a clear price, and is still around when you need them. Being local helps too. It’s easier to sit down together, and they’ll understand the towns and customers you deal with.
Here’s how we answer those questions at Inversit:
- We’re a small team based in Lismore, working with businesses across the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast since 2015. Carrie designs and builds the websites, Bella handles photography and graphic design, and Luke looks after IT. No offshore teams and no handballing.
- Custom WordPress websites start from $1,595 + GST, and eCommerce from $2,950 + GST. Every site is mobile-responsive, with on-page SEO foundations, security and an SSL certificate.
- You get a free consultation and a clear written quote before any work starts.
- A standard build typically takes 21 business days once we have your content.
- You own your website, and there are no lock-in contracts.
You can browse recent projects for local businesses, or read more about our custom web design service.
Talk it through before you decide
If you’re still working out how to choose a web designer, book a free consultation and bring your questions, including the ones above. We’ll give you straight answers and a written quote, with no obligation. Call 02 6610 9202 or get in touch online.
