Hiring a website designer is an important investment for any small business. Whether you’re launching your first website or replacing an outdated one, the person or company you choose can have a significant impact on your online presence, customer experience, and ability to generate new leads.
Unfortunately, many business owners focus primarily on price or visual design and overlook other important factors such as website ownership, hosting, ongoing support, and long-term maintenance. These details may not seem important at the beginning of a project, but they can become critical once your website is live.
Before hiring a website designer, it’s important to understand what you’re paying for, what responsibilities each party will have, and what happens after the project is complete. Asking the right questions upfront can help you avoid surprises, set clear expectations, and choose a website design partner that aligns with your business goals.
In this article, we’ll cover seven important questions every business owner should ask before hiring a website designer.
1. What Platform Will My Website Be Built On?
Many business owners focus on how a website will look, but it’s equally important to understand what platform it will be built on. The platform serves as the foundation of your website and affects everything from functionality and flexibility to ongoing maintenance and costs.
For many small businesses, WordPress remains a popular choice because it offers flexibility, ownership, and the ability to expand functionality over time. Businesses considering a custom WordPress website should understand how the platform works, what ongoing maintenance may be required, and whether it aligns with their long-term goals. However, every business is different, and a good website designer should be able to explain the advantages and limitations of the platform they recommend.
Before hiring a website designer, ask which platform they recommend and why. Their answer should be based on your goals rather than simply the platform they prefer to use.
Consider asking:
- Why is this platform the best fit for my business?
- Will I be able to make updates myself?
- Can the website grow as my business grows?
- Are there any ongoing software or licensing costs?
Understanding the platform your website will be built on can help you make a more informed decision and avoid unexpected limitations in the future.
2. Who Will Own The Website After It Launches?
Before hiring a website designer, it’s important to understand who will own the website once the project is complete. While this may seem like a straightforward question, ownership can include several different components, such as the website files, content, domain name, hosting account, and access credentials.
A reputable website designer should clearly explain what you will own and what level of access you will receive after launch. Business owners should never feel locked into a specific provider because they do not have access to their website or related accounts.
Business owners should also verify that they have access to the account where their domain name is registered. Tools such as the official ICANN Registration Data Lookup Tool can help identify domain registration details and ownership information.
Consider asking:
- Will I own the website after it launches?
- Will I receive administrator access?
- Who owns the domain name?
- Will I have access to my hosting account?
Understanding ownership from the beginning can help prevent confusion later and ensure your website remains a business asset that you control.
3. What Is Included In The Website Project?
Not all website design projects include the same services. Some designers may only build the website itself, while others may also include content assistance, contact forms, mobile optimization, basic SEO setup, training, or post-launch support.
Before hiring a website designer, ask for a clear breakdown of what is included in the project and what may require additional fees. Understanding the scope upfront can help avoid surprises and ensure both parties have the same expectations. Reviewing a designer’s website design process can also provide insight into how they manage planning, revisions, communication, and project delivery.
Consider asking:
- How many pages are included?
- Will the website be mobile-friendly?
- Are contact forms included?
- Is basic SEO setup part of the project?
- What services would cost extra?
A detailed proposal can help you compare options more effectively and understand exactly what you’re receiving for your investment.
4. How Will Revisions Be Handled?
Website projects are rarely completed without revisions. As designs, content, and functionality are reviewed, it’s common for clients to request changes before the website is approved for launch.
Before hiring a website designer, ask how revisions are handled throughout the project. Some designers include a specific number of revision rounds, while others may bill additional changes separately.
Consider asking:
- How many revision rounds are included?
- How should revision requests be submitted?
- What happens if additional revisions are needed?
- Will revisions affect the project timeline?
Having a clear understanding of the revision process can help avoid misunderstandings and keep the project moving forward efficiently.
5. What Happens After The Website Launches?
Launching a website is an important milestone, but it’s not the end of the process. Websites require ongoing updates, security monitoring, backups, and occasional content changes to remain secure and effective over time.
Before hiring a website designer, ask what happens after the website goes live. Some designers offer ongoing maintenance and support, while others consider the project complete once the website is launched.
Consider asking:
- Will support be available after launch?
- Who is responsible for software updates?
- Are backups being performed regularly?
- How are future content changes handled?
Understanding what level of post-launch support is available can help you plan for the long-term management of your website and avoid unexpected challenges down the road.
6. Is Hosting Included, and Who Manages It?
Every website needs hosting, but not all website designers handle hosting the same way. Some include hosting as part of their services, while others expect clients to purchase and manage their own hosting accounts.
Before hiring a website designer, ask how hosting will be handled and who will be responsible for managing it after launch. Understanding this relationship can help avoid confusion when updates, support requests, or technical issues arise.
Consider asking:
- Is hosting included in the project?
- Who manages the hosting account?
- What happens if I need technical support?
- Can I move my website to another hosting provider in the future?
Understanding how hosting is managed can help you make a more informed decision and ensure your website remains accessible, secure, and supported over the long term.
7. Have You Worked With Businesses Similar To Mine?
Experience matters, especially when it comes to understanding the goals, challenges, and expectations of different types of businesses. While a website designer doesn’t need experience in every industry, they should be able to demonstrate an understanding of how websites help businesses attract customers and generate leads.
Before hiring a website designer, ask if they have worked with businesses similar to yours and request examples of relevant projects. Reviewing past work can help you evaluate design quality, functionality, and whether their approach aligns with your goals.
Consider asking:
- Have you worked with businesses in my industry?
- Can I see examples of similar projects?
- What challenges did those projects solve?
- How do you approach different business types?
Looking at previous work can provide valuable insight into a designer’s experience and help you feel more confident in your decision.
Final Thoughts on Hiring a Website Designer
Hiring a website designer is about more than comparing prices or choosing a design you like. The right website partner should be transparent about their process, explain their recommendations, and help you understand what to expect both during and after the project.
By asking these seven questions before hiring a website designer, you can make a more informed decision, avoid common misunderstandings, and choose a solution that supports your business for years to come.
If you’re considering a new website or redesigning an existing one, taking the time to ask the right questions now can save time, money, and frustration later.
Ready to discuss your website project? Contact AJT Digital Designs to schedule a consultation and learn how we help small businesses build professional, effective websites designed to support their goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a website designer?
Website design costs can vary significantly depending on the size, complexity, functionality, and goals of the project. A simple small business website may cost a few thousand dollars, while larger custom websites can require a greater investment. It’s important to understand exactly what is included in a proposal when comparing costs.
How do I choose the right website designer for my business?
The right website designer should understand your business goals, communicate clearly, explain their process, and provide examples of previous work. Asking questions about ownership, hosting, support, and project scope can help you make a more informed decision.
Should I hire a freelance website designer or a web design agency?
Both freelancers and agencies can produce excellent websites. The best choice often depends on your budget, project requirements, desired level of support, and the experience of the provider. Regardless of who you hire, it’s important to understand their process and ongoing support options.
What should be included in a website design proposal?
A website design proposal should clearly outline the project scope, number of pages, timeline, pricing, revision process, ownership details, and any ongoing costs. Reviewing these details carefully can help avoid misunderstandings later in the project.
Do I need website maintenance after launch?
Most websites require ongoing maintenance to remain secure and functional. Regular software updates, backups, security monitoring, and occasional content updates can help keep your website performing properly over time.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
Project timelines vary based on the size and complexity of the website, as well as the availability of content and feedback. Many small business websites can be completed within a few weeks, while larger projects may take several months.
Will I be able to update my website myself?
Many modern website platforms allow business owners to make basic updates such as editing text, updating images, publishing blog posts, or adding new pages. Before hiring a website designer, ask what level of access and training will be provided after launch.
