Hiring a web designer without asking the right questions leads to missed deadlines, surprise fees, and sites you can't update without paying someone every time. These five questions tell you most of what you need to know.
1. Do you build custom or from a template?
Templates aren't inherently bad, but you should know what you're getting. A template site from Squarespace, Wix, or a WordPress page builder looks like thousands of other sites. A custom-built site is designed around your business specifically and usually performs better on load speed and SEO.
Ask to see examples. If every site they've built looks structurally identical, it's probably a template.
2. Who actually does the work?
At larger agencies, your project gets assigned to a junior designer after the account manager closes the sale. You might not meet the person building your site until handoff. For a small business, working directly with the person building your site usually produces a better result. They understand your context and ask better questions.
3. Do I own my files when we're done?
Some designers retain ownership of source files or lock your site to their hosting. You should own your logo files, your source code, and your domain. Get this in writing before you pay anything. If a designer hesitates on this question, walk away.
4. What happens when something breaks after launch?
Sites break. Hosting lapses. Plugins conflict. APIs change. Find out upfront what post-launch support looks like and what it costs. Is there a retainer option? A flat fee for fixes? Or does every issue start a new billing conversation?
5. Can you update the site yourself without calling them?
Some sites are built in ways that make routine updates (changing your hours, adding a new service, swapping a photo) require a developer. If your business changes frequently, find out how locked-in you'll be.
How we answer these
- →We build custom from scratch. No templates.
- →Michael and Isaac do the work directly. You'll have both of our contact info.
- →You own everything. Every file, every pixel.
- →Our Care Plan ($99/mo) covers updates, bug fixes, and security. Or we quote repairs individually.
- →We build with straightforward code and document what we hand over.
Ready to build?
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Tell us what you need and we'll give you a real number, not a range. We respond within 24 hours.