Hiring a website designer is a bigger decision than most people realize going in. A bad fit doesn’t just waste money — it can leave you with a site you don’t understand, don’t own, and can’t get help with. I’ve seen it happen more times than I’d like.
Here are the questions worth asking before you sign anything.
What does your SEO service actually include?
SEO is one of the most oversold, underdelivered services in this industry. Ask for specifics: keyword research, on-page optimization, meta descriptions, image file names, sitemap submissions.
You may not recognize half of what they’re saying, but if they can’t tell you exactly what they’re doing, they’re probably not doing much. “We handle SEO” is not an answer.
Look out for these phrases: keyword research, on-page SEO, meta data – bonus points for backlinks.
What does website management actually look like month to month?
If your website designer offers website management too, you need to understand what you’re getting. Some designers charge a premium for management and deliver jargon-filled analytics emails and slow responses when you actually need something changed.
Ask what’s included, what the turnaround time is for updates, and what you’re actually paying for. The answer should be specific and make sense to you.
Will I understand how my own website works?
You should. A good designer empowers you – they don’t keep you confused so you stay dependent on them. Ask if they’ll walk you through the backend, explain what things do, and leave you with documentation. If that question makes them uncomfortable, pay attention to that.
Will I own my design?
Some designers retain ownership of the work they build for you. That means if you ever want to part ways, you’re starting from scratch. Make sure the contract is clear: the design is yours, full stop.
Will I own my domain?
Always own your own domain. Always. It should be registered in your name, through your account, with your payment information attached. If a designer registers it on your behalf and keeps it in their account, that is a problem. Don’t let it happen.
Seriously, when listing what should I ask before hiring a website designer, we’d be remiss to not make a massive stink about this one. Your domain is the most valuable part of your website. Keep it in your hands.
How do you handle ADA compliance?
This one gets skipped constantly, both by designers who don’t know, and by clients who don’t think to ask. ADA compliance means your site is accessible to people with disabilities. It’s not optional, and “we make sure your site is compliant” without any specifics behind it is not reassuring. Ask how, not just if.
Can I see examples of your recent work?
A portfolio tells you a lot. Does the work look current? Does it look like the kind of site that would make you trust a business? An outdated or off-brand website might technically function, but if it’s not building trust with visitors, it’s not working. You deserve better than “kinda works.”
How do you make sure the site reflects my brand?
A website that looks like it could belong to anyone isn’t doing you any favors. Ask about their process for understanding your brand before they build anything. If the answer is that they use the same core template for every client, that’s your answer.
At Sparkchaser Studio, we do semi-custom website design. That means we use templates sourced from designers all over. You get options. We make sure our starting point is on-brand… then we might change almost everything about it to make sure it’s totally on-brand.
This strategy gives us a perfect balance between design speed and making sure your website looks like it’s YOURS.
The right designer will welcome every one of these questions. If asking them feels like pulling teeth, keep looking.
And if you want to ask us? We’re ready when you are.