Look at Their Work
A portfolio gives you a better idea of the quality, style and types of projects a designer has worked on.
Before You Hire
Choose the person or agency that understands your business, not just your website.
A good web designer should be able to understand what your business does, who your customers are and what the website needs to achieve.
Ask Good Questions
Ask about process, timelines, pricing, revisions, SEO, hosting and what happens after launch.
Think Beyond Price
A website is an investment in your business. Compare what is included rather than looking only at the headline price.
The Checklist
10 things to check before choosing a web designer.
Use this checklist when comparing freelancers, designers and web design agencies.
Portfolio
Look at several completed projects rather than judging a designer from one example alone.
Relevant Experience
Consider whether they have experience working with businesses similar to yours or solving similar problems.
Mobile Design
Ask how the website will work on phones and tablets. Responsive design should not be an afterthought.
SEO
Ask whether basic SEO considerations are included in the website structure and build.
Pricing
Make sure you understand what the quoted price includes and whether additional costs may arise.
Timeline
Ask how long the project is expected to take and what could cause delays.
Revisions
Find out how feedback and revisions are handled before the project begins.
Communication
Good communication can make the difference between a smooth project and a frustrating one.
Ownership
Clarify who owns your domain, hosting, website files and other important digital assets.
Support
Ask what happens after launch and whether ongoing maintenance or support is available.
Questions to Ask
Ask these questions before agreeing to a project.
What exactly is included?
Ask how many pages, revisions, forms, integrations and other features are included in the quote.
Who provides the content?
Find out whether you are expected to provide the website copy, images and other content or whether the designer can help.
What platform will be used?
Understand whether the website will use custom code, WordPress, Shopify or another platform and why it is suitable for your project.
What happens after launch?
Ask about updates, maintenance, hosting, backups and how future changes will be handled.
Comparing Prices
Don't compare quotes without comparing what you get.
Two designers can quote very different prices for what appears to be the same website. The difference may be in the amount of design, development, strategy and support included.
Low-Cost Option
A lower price may work for a simple project, but check exactly what is included before making a decision.
Professional Project
A professional website may include strategy, custom design, responsive development, SEO foundations and testing.
Complex Development
Advanced websites may require custom functionality, integrations, ecommerce or other specialist development.
For a broader breakdown of website pricing, see our guide:
How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK? →
Freelancer or Agency?
Both can be the right choice.
The best option depends on your project rather than the label attached to the person or company building it.
Freelancer
Freelancers can be a good fit for smaller projects, direct communication and businesses looking for a more personal working relationship.
Agency
Agencies may be suitable for businesses that need broader design, development or ongoing digital support.
What Matters Most
Look for someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly and can demonstrate the quality of work you need.
Red Flags
Be cautious if you hear these promises.
"You'll rank #1 on Google."
No honest website provider can guarantee a specific Google ranking. SEO depends on many factors outside the control of a web designer.
"Everything is included."
Ask for the actual scope. Make sure you know how many pages, revisions, features and services are included.
"You don't need to worry about ownership."
You should understand who controls important assets such as your domain and hosting account.
"We can copy this website exactly."
Your website should be designed around your own brand, customers and business rather than simply copying another company's work.
Webbing Studios
Looking for a web designer?
Webbing Studios creates professional websites for businesses, startups and entrepreneurs, combining design, development and practical SEO foundations.
Explore Our Web Design Services Start Your Project →
Related Guides
More website guides.
How Much Does a Website Cost in the UK?
Understand typical website costs and what affects the price of a website project.
Read the Guide →How Long Does It Take to Build a Website?
Learn how long different website projects can take from planning to launch.
Read the Guide →How to Build a Website for a Small Business
A practical guide to creating a professional small business website.
Read the Guide →Website Design vs Website Development
Understand the difference between design and development.
Read the Guide →
Choosing a Web Designer FAQ
Questions to ask before hiring a web designer.
A little research before starting can prevent a lot of frustration later.
What should I look for when choosing a web designer?
Look at their portfolio, experience, communication, pricing, understanding of your business, approach to mobile design, SEO knowledge and what happens to your website after launch.
How much should I pay a web designer?
There is no single correct price. Website design costs depend on the number of pages, level of customisation, functionality, content and development requirements.
Should I choose a freelancer or a web design agency?
Both can be suitable. The right choice depends on your project requirements, budget, communication preferences and the level of design and development support you need.
Should I ask a web designer about SEO?
Yes. It is useful to understand whether SEO fundamentals such as page structure, titles, descriptions, headings, mobile responsiveness and internal linking are considered during the website build.
Who owns my website after it is built?
Website ownership arrangements vary between providers. Before starting a project, clarify who owns the domain, hosting account, website files and other important assets.
Related Services
Ready to build your website?
Explore the service that best matches your project.