How to choose a web designer: 12 questions to ask

A good web designer saves you time and money for years. A poor choice can leave you with a site you can't update, a domain you don't own, or a bill you didn't expect. Ask these questions before you hire anyone.

About their work

1. Can I see websites you've built for businesses like mine? Look at real, live sites. Click around on a phone as well as a computer.
2. Can I talk to one or two past clients? Good designers are happy to put you in touch. Reviews on TechQuotes come only from customers who hired the provider through the site.
3. Who will actually do the work? Some agencies pass work to subcontractors. That can be fine, but you should know.

About the price

1. What exactly is included? Number of pages, rounds of changes, content writing, photos, training.
2. Does the price include VAT? Irish VAT is currently 23% on most services, so it makes a real difference.
3. What are the ongoing costs? Hosting, domain, maintenance and any software licences, per month or per year.
4. How do you take payment? A deposit with the rest on milestones is normal. Be wary of paying everything up front.

About ownership

1. Will I own the website and the domain name? The domain should be registered in your name or your business's name, and you should get the login details.
2. Which platform will you use, and can I update it myself? WordPress, Shopify, Squarespace and Webflow are all common. Ask for a short training session.
3. If we part ways, can I move the site elsewhere? You shouldn't be locked in.

About the future

1. What happens after launch? Who installs updates, takes backups and fixes problems, and what does it cost?
2. How will you handle privacy and cookies? Irish and EU law (GDPR) applies to contact forms, newsletters and tracking tools. A good designer will set up a privacy policy and only use cookies that need consent once you agree.

Red flags

• A price far below every other quote, with no clear explanation.
• No written agreement or scope.
• Guarantees of "first page on Google".
• Refusing to register the domain in your name.

When you post a request on TechQuotes, professionals send you quotes and you can message them with these questions before you decide. Get quotes for your website.