Hiring a web designer is a big decision. Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business. Choose the wrong person, and you could waste time, money, and end up with something you're not proud of.
But here's the good news: asking the right questions separates the pros from the amateurs. Here are 10 questions to ask before saying yes.
1. "What's the total cost — and are there any hidden fees?"
Why ask this: Some designers quote low, then hit you with "extras." Ask upfront: is this the final price? What's not included — domain, hosting, email, images?
We're transparent from the start. Our quotes include everything. The only ongoing costs are domain + hosting, which we explain clearly before you commit — see our fixed pricing.
2. "How long will it take?"
Why ask this: If they can't give you a timeline, that's a warning sign. A good designer knows their process and can commit to dates.
We deliver most sites within 10 working days. You get a clear timeline upfront, and we stick to it — read our full breakdown in A Realistic Website Timeline.
3. "Will my website work on phones?"
Why ask this: This should be a "yes" without hesitation. If they hesitate, walk away — over 60% of web traffic is mobile.
Every site we build is fully responsive. It looks correct on phones, tablets, and computers, tested before launch — not after.
4. "Can I update the site myself?"
Why ask this: Some designers lock you out, forcing you to pay for every tiny change. Ask if you'll have access.
We can set you up with an easy-to-use system if you want control, or you can simply email us for changes. Your choice — both are fine.
5. "What happens after the site is live?"
Why ask this: Do they disappear forever? Do they offer support? What about maintenance and security?
We're here for the long haul. Our optional maintenance plan keeps your site secure, backed up, and up-to-date. No disappearing acts.
6. "Will my site be found on Google?"
Why ask this: Any designer who promises "#1 on Google" is lying. But they should explain how they'll set you up for success.
We handle the technical foundation — fast loading, proper structure, meta tags — so Google can find and rank you. No guarantees, just solid work.
7. "Can I see examples of your work?"
Why ask this: Portfolio matters. But also ask: "What did you specifically do on these projects?" Some designers overstate their role.
Our gallery shows real, live sites we've built. Happy to connect you with past clients too.
8. "Do I own my website and content?"
Why ask this: Believe it or not, some designers retain ownership. Make sure you walk away with full control.
You own everything — the design, the files, the content. It's your website, period.
9. "How do we communicate during the process?"
Why ask this: Will they disappear for weeks? Do they explain things in plain language? Communication style matters as much as technical skill.
No jargon. No ghosting. We're business owners too — we treat you how we'd want to be treated.
10. "What makes you different?"
Why ask this: This tells you everything. Are they passionate? Do they understand small businesses? Or are they just doing this for a paycheck?
We're small business owners ourselves. We know every euro counts. We build websites that actually work — not just pretty designs — because we've been in your shoes.
Quick answers
A transparent web designer will give you a quote that includes everything — design, build, and setup — and explicitly tell you what is not included, such as domain registration and hosting renewal. If a quote seems unusually low, ask directly what's missing before agreeing.
A small business website typically takes between 10 and 14 working days from the first call to going live, assuming content like text and photos is ready. A professional designer should give you a clear timeline upfront and commit to it.
Yes, it should — without hesitation. Over 60% of website traffic comes from mobile devices, so a professionally built site must be fully responsive and tested on phones, tablets, and desktops before launch.
This depends on the designer and the platform used. Some set clients up with an easy editing system; others handle small changes by request. Either way, you should be told clearly which approach applies before work starts.
You should own the design, files, and content outright once the project is paid for and delivered. Some agencies retain partial ownership or lock content behind their own platform, so this is worth confirming in writing before you commit.
Ready to ask us these questions?
No pressure, no sales pitch — just an honest conversation about what you actually need.