10 Questions to Ask a Website Designer… to Get the Website (and Experience) You Want
Building a website is a big decision. Whether you're starting from scratch or your current site no longer reflects the value you offer, hiring someone who understands your brand and goals can turn an overwhelming task into a creative and inspiring experience.
Why hire a website designer?
A well-designed website is more than a digital brochure—it’s a powerful tool for connection and brand expression. A good designer combines design, strategy, functionality, and storytelling to bring your vision to life. If you’re serious about building your business online, working with a professional can save you time, elevate your brand, and help you avoid expensive mistakes.
What You’ll Learn
Whether you're preparing for discovery calls or just want to better understand what to look for in a designer, this guide will help you:
Know what questions to ask (and why they matter)
Understand what a thoughtful, strategic web design process should include
Clarify what kind of support, services, and outcomes you can expect
Avoid common pitfalls that lead to misalignment, confusion, or wasted money
Feel empowered and informed before making a big investment
10 Questions to Ask a Website Designer
Here are 10 questions to ask before you hire a website designer—so you can feel confident you’re choosing someone who gets you, your brand, and your goals.
1. What’s your design process like from start to finish?
This helps you understand what to expect in the design phase, how decisions are made, and when you’ll be involved. Every designer has a different approach—but a clear, well-communicated process is a sign you’re in good hands.
2. What kind of collaboration or communication can I expect during the process?
The design process is about more than just the final product—it’s also about how you get there. Some designers work independently and check in at major milestones; others create a more collaborative experience with regular communication, shared feedback, and room for ideas to evolve.
Ask how often you’ll meet or get updates. If you like to feel involved and supported, this kind of clarity can make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable.
Personally, I love having weekly video calls with my clients—it keeps us aligned and makes the process feel creative, connected, and supportive.
3. What platform do you use, and why?
Will your site be built on Squarespace, WordPress, Showit, or something else? A good designer should explain why they use a particular platform—and why it’s a good fit for you and your business. If you want to be able to make updates to the website yourself, like changing some of your copy or adding a new image, be sure the platform is user-friendly and aligns with your comfort level using technology.
4. How do you incorporate my brand strategy and business goals into the website?
A beautiful site that doesn’t support your goals isn’t a win. Ask how the designer aligns their work with your business objectives—so your custom website doesn’t just look good, but works hard for you, too. For example, if your top website goal is to grow your email list, your copy and design should fully support that.
5. Can you help with branding if I don’t have it fully figured out or don’t have any branding at all?
Your website should be built on a solid brand foundation. If you're still clarifying your visuals, messaging, or ideal audience, ask if the designer offers branding services or guidance. Many of my clients come to me needing both—and creating a solid brand identity is where the magic starts.
6. Who is responsible for content creation—me or you?
Copy and visuals are crucial to every web design project. Some designers expect you to bring all your content. Others help with content creation, or collaborate with a copywriter or photographer. Make sure you’re clear on what’s included.
7. How do you approach search engine optimization (SEO)?
Even a stunning site won’t help if it’s invisible to search engines. Ask if your designer includes basic SEO setup (like metadata, image alt text, and keyword-friendly formatting) to help your audience find you.
8. What’s included in your pricing—and what’s not?
Will the cost cover web hosting, custom integrations, mobile responsiveness, training, or future support? Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when looking at different design firms or packages.
9. What happens after launch—do you offer long-term support?
Some clients want to be hands-on post-launch; others prefer to have help down the line. Ask what kind of ongoing support is available, and if they offer long-term care plans, training, or retainers.
10. Can I see examples of sites you’ve built—and hear about your clients’ experience?
A great portfolio matters. If you’re interested, you can check out my portfolio here. Ask to see examples of custom websites they’ve designed to see if their style resonates. Bonus points if you can read or hear client testimonials.
Key Takeaways
A website designer should be more than just a creative—you want a strategic partner who gets your business.
Asking the right questions upfront can save you time, money, and frustration.
Look for someone who blends design with strategy, communicates clearly, and supports you before, during, and after launch.
Don’t settle for a beautiful site alone—make sure it reflects your value and helps your business grow.
Ready to build a website that reflects your brand and moves your business forward?
