If you’re looking for a website designer, you’ll likely find lots of options with different packages, styles, price ranges, and more. I’ve been told that it can be a frustrating and sometimes confusing process. One of my goals is to keep everything as simple and straightforward as possible. Whether you’re thinking of hiring us, or another company, this article is meant to help you choose the best web designer for your business.

Here are some questions that you can ask a web designer before you book.

1. Can we talk before I commit?

I talk to every client before I send a proposal. Calls are around 15 minutes and this lets us answer questions, set expectations, and make sure we’re a good fit.

2. Will you share examples of work that you’ve completed for a project similar to mine?

Ask to see actual websites, not just images in the website designer’s portfolio. It’s a bonus if the designer understands your field and has produced websites for other similar businesses. However, it’s okay if they can show you work in another industry that has similar features or style to what you are looking for.

3. Can you explain the process of how the project will go?

This one is so important. You want to work with a web design who has a plan in place, and systems for staying organized throughout the project. We have a break our projects into 4 phases, with built in points for feedback. On the backend, there are checklists and processes that we go through for every project.

4. How much input will I get?

Especially if you are someone that likes to have a lot of say in how your website will look, this is a key question to ask. Every designer works differently, so make sure the level of involvement is what you need. If you prefer to be hands off, definitely communicate this in that first phone call. The same goes if you know you are going to have very detailed changes and strong opinions. Either option is fine, but it’s something to keep in mind and make sure your teaming up with someone who gets this.

5. What happens after the website is designed and launched?

Some website designers require hosting and maintenance with them, and you must go through the designer for any changes. Others just hand you the website and then don’t offer any support. We fall in the middle. We have a preferred host we recommend, but don’t require. We offer maintenance plans and hourly website updates, as needed. What is really important to us is training each client though, to be able to understand the website and make small tweaks.

What else to think about when deciding to have a professional design your website, and in choosing the right designer.

There are two other things I find important. The first is just if you feel comfortable with the person or team you are hiring. Make sure all the communication passes your gut check and it feels like a good fit. The second is for you to think about if you are ready to hire someone and dive into this process. It takes a lot of involvement from the client as well, so plan on doing this at a time that works for your business, and life. Some of the involvement is time, but mostly it’s just being ready to make key decisions about your business, strategy and goals.