10 Questions To Ask A Web Designer
When you're searching for a website designer near you, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by options. Everyone has a portfolio, pricing sounds similar, and nearly all claim to offer “modern” or “custom” websites. So how can you separate the pros from the amateurs? The key is asking the right questions before you sign anything.
Not only do these questions help you gauge skill and reliability, but they also protect you from making an expensive mistake. A well-built website is a business asset. A poorly executed one is a liability that repels customers. Here's what you need to ask every designer you consider.
1. Can I see a custom demo or sample for my business?
A reputable designer will be happy to show you a sample of what they envision for your business. This could be a preview of your homepage or a quick design mockup tailored to your brand. If a designer pushes back on showing a demo or says they can’t give you anything until payment, proceed with caution. You wouldn’t buy a car without seeing it first—your website should be no different.
2. Who owns the website once it’s launched?
Ownership is a surprisingly overlooked issue. Some design firms retain control over your website, even after it’s published. Make sure the contract clearly states that you have full ownership of the files, domain, and content. If you ever want to switch providers, you shouldn’t be held hostage by restrictive terms.
3. Is the website built to be SEO-friendly?
Good looks won’t matter if no one sees your site. Ask if the designer understands basic search engine optimization principles. That includes fast page load times, mobile responsiveness, clean code, metadata optimization, and image compression. A designer doesn’t need to be an SEO expert, but they should build your site to be ready for search engines.
4. Will my website be mobile responsive?
More than 60% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your designer doesn’t guarantee full mobile responsiveness—meaning the site adapts to screens of all sizes—you’re missing out on conversions and user engagement. Mobile-first design isn’t optional in 2025. It’s expected.
5. How is ongoing maintenance handled?
Websites aren’t “set it and forget it” assets. They need regular updates, backups, and occasional tweaks. Ask whether the designer offers a maintenance plan and what’s included. Some offer monthly packages with updates, backups, and security checks; others charge hourly for changes. Know what to expect.
6. How fast will my website load?
Speed matters. Users will abandon a slow-loading site in seconds. Ask what tools the designer uses to optimize speed—such as image compression, lazy loading, and streamlined code. Ideally, your site should load in under three seconds on both desktop and mobile. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help you evaluate performance.
7. What platform or system will the site be built on?
Different designers use different systems—some custom-code from scratch, others use platforms like Squarespace or Shopify. Some, like our agency, use custom builders designed for performance and simplicity. Ask what CMS (content management system) your site will use and how easy it will be to update content later on.
8. Do you offer support after launch?
Some designers disappear after delivering the final product. Ask if there’s a support window included in your package—like 30 days of bug fixes or small changes. Better yet, see if they offer affordable support plans. A good designer wants your site to succeed long-term and will be available to help when needed.
9. What’s your typical turnaround time?
Timelines matter—especially if you’re launching a new business or rebranding. Ask for an estimated timeline upfront. Some designers overpromise and underdeliver. Others may take weeks to respond to a single email. Clear communication and realistic deadlines are signs of a professional.
10. What’s included in the final deliverable?
Finally, make sure you’re clear on exactly what you’re getting. Does the designer include basic SEO setup? Do you get access to your files? Will the site be tested across browsers and devices? Are there training resources or documentation for how to update it? The more transparent they are, the better.
These ten questions are more than just due diligence—they’re your insurance policy against poor service and disappointing results. A great designer will welcome them and answer confidently. A hesitant or vague response is often a red flag.
If you're looking for a website designer near you and want to see what working with a professional feels like, schedule your free custom website demonstration today. We’ll show you exactly what your future website could look like—no strings attached.
Not only do these questions help you gauge skill and reliability, but they also protect you from making an expensive mistake. A well-built website is a business asset. A poorly executed one is a liability that repels customers. Here's what you need to ask every designer you consider.
1. Can I see a custom demo or sample for my business?
A reputable designer will be happy to show you a sample of what they envision for your business. This could be a preview of your homepage or a quick design mockup tailored to your brand. If a designer pushes back on showing a demo or says they can’t give you anything until payment, proceed with caution. You wouldn’t buy a car without seeing it first—your website should be no different.
2. Who owns the website once it’s launched?
Ownership is a surprisingly overlooked issue. Some design firms retain control over your website, even after it’s published. Make sure the contract clearly states that you have full ownership of the files, domain, and content. If you ever want to switch providers, you shouldn’t be held hostage by restrictive terms.
3. Is the website built to be SEO-friendly?
Good looks won’t matter if no one sees your site. Ask if the designer understands basic search engine optimization principles. That includes fast page load times, mobile responsiveness, clean code, metadata optimization, and image compression. A designer doesn’t need to be an SEO expert, but they should build your site to be ready for search engines.
4. Will my website be mobile responsive?
More than 60% of all web traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your designer doesn’t guarantee full mobile responsiveness—meaning the site adapts to screens of all sizes—you’re missing out on conversions and user engagement. Mobile-first design isn’t optional in 2025. It’s expected.
5. How is ongoing maintenance handled?
Websites aren’t “set it and forget it” assets. They need regular updates, backups, and occasional tweaks. Ask whether the designer offers a maintenance plan and what’s included. Some offer monthly packages with updates, backups, and security checks; others charge hourly for changes. Know what to expect.
6. How fast will my website load?
Speed matters. Users will abandon a slow-loading site in seconds. Ask what tools the designer uses to optimize speed—such as image compression, lazy loading, and streamlined code. Ideally, your site should load in under three seconds on both desktop and mobile. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights can help you evaluate performance.
7. What platform or system will the site be built on?
Different designers use different systems—some custom-code from scratch, others use platforms like Squarespace or Shopify. Some, like our agency, use custom builders designed for performance and simplicity. Ask what CMS (content management system) your site will use and how easy it will be to update content later on.
8. Do you offer support after launch?
Some designers disappear after delivering the final product. Ask if there’s a support window included in your package—like 30 days of bug fixes or small changes. Better yet, see if they offer affordable support plans. A good designer wants your site to succeed long-term and will be available to help when needed.
9. What’s your typical turnaround time?
Timelines matter—especially if you’re launching a new business or rebranding. Ask for an estimated timeline upfront. Some designers overpromise and underdeliver. Others may take weeks to respond to a single email. Clear communication and realistic deadlines are signs of a professional.
10. What’s included in the final deliverable?
Finally, make sure you’re clear on exactly what you’re getting. Does the designer include basic SEO setup? Do you get access to your files? Will the site be tested across browsers and devices? Are there training resources or documentation for how to update it? The more transparent they are, the better.
These ten questions are more than just due diligence—they’re your insurance policy against poor service and disappointing results. A great designer will welcome them and answer confidently. A hesitant or vague response is often a red flag.
If you're looking for a website designer near you and want to see what working with a professional feels like, schedule your free custom website demonstration today. We’ll show you exactly what your future website could look like—no strings attached.