To Find the Right Web Designer for your website it’s a little like finding the right partner!
Maybe you need to go on a few dates, maybe it’s love at first sight, but before you take things to the next level you want to be confident that you communicate well and that you’re on the same page about your goals and dreams for the future. And you ask each other a bunch of questions as you’re getting to know each other, right? Because it’s not just about you deciding if they are the right fit for you, it’s also about them deciding if you’re the right fit for them!
I ask my potential clients a TON of questions before inviting them to work with me, and my favorite clients ask me questions before accepting my invitation! It’s so important for me to make sure that my clients are a good fit for me as much as it is for them to make sure I’m a good fit for them!
And if I think someone would be better off with a different designer, I don’t hesitate to make a referral because ultimately, I want your project to be successful whether we work together or not.
So I went ahead and put together a list of 20 Key Questions (along with my answers) clients have asked me before saying YES to working together so that you can use it to interview your short-list of web designers (and get to know me a little bit better)!
Have a question I didn’t answer below? Contact me and let me know!
Q. What platform do you use?
The most popular platforms are WordPress, Squarespace + Wix. Make sure you understand the pros + cons of the platform your designer uses!
A: Although I am proficient in other platforms, my platform preference is WordPress.org, the most popular and powerful open source software used to create a beautiful website or blog. The benefits of WordPress are many but the main benefits are it’s flexibility and adaptability. It’s themes offer multiple options or any type of business and the endless plugins offer extended functionality. But the biggest advantage of WordPress in my opinion is infinite scalability. It is set up for growth, ideal for those seeking to elevate their business and website to greater heights.
Q. Do you purchase my hosting or do I need to?
The cost of a domain and hosting varies, but at the low end it’s about $100 USD a year. Be sure you know if it’s included in your package or not, and know that it is a recurring cost. Using a quality, reputable website hosting provider is essential so your brand can offer quality service to your audience.
A: Quality hosting is crucial for your website’s performance and the overall customer experience, as it ensures fast load times, reliability, and security. With your website package, I include one month of free premium hosting and website maintenance through my Website Care and Support program. After the complimentory month is up, you’ll have the option to continue with my program or migrate your site to another provider of your choice. If you decide to move and you need support with the migration, we’ll support you to ensure a smooth transition.
Q. Do I purchase my domain myself, or do you do it?
Make sure you own your site and your web address (URL, domain name). Your web designer should not have these accounts in their name. Those accounts should be in your name with logins shared with your designer securely using a tool like Bitwarden.
A: If you haven’t done it already, I ask that you purchase your domain name prior to our work together so that you have full ownership and control over it. This way, you’re not dependent on me if you decide to migrate your site or work with another designer in the future. The cost of the domain can vary depending on the name, but if you need any support in choosing one or recommendations on where to purchase it, I’m happy to help.
Q. What page builder and theme do you use (if applicable)?
If your designer uses WordPress it’s important to know what page builder and theme they use so that you can find support should you ever have to hire someone else.
A: Although I am proficient in many builders, my preference is Elementor Pro, easily one of the most popular WordPress page builders available, so it would be simple for my clients to find another designer to support their websites if needed. There are a number of themes that work well with Elementor but I currently have a few favorites; Astra, Ocean WP, Hello and Generate Press.
Q. Do you create my branding (logos, fonts, colors, style guide/moodboard, and graphics) or will I need to hire someone else for that?
Some web designers do branding, graphics + web design. Some just do the web design from the branding and graphics you provide for them. Make sure you know what you’re getting.
A: I offer different levels of visual branding with my website design packages to suit your needs. For Custom Branding, I create a complete brand identity, including a custom logo, brand style guide, color palette, and fonts tailored specifically to your business. Semi-Custom Branding uses a pre-designed logo as a foundation or inspiration, which I then customize to match your unique brand identity. Refreshed Branding for those who like thier current brand but want to give it a makeover, offers a revitalized visual identity with updated branding elements, such as a new logo, color palette, and fonts. Finally, the Tried & True Branding package includes pre-designed branding elements, including a text-based logo, color palette, and fonts, for a polished and cohesive identity.
Q. Do you do any copywriting?
Most web designers will not write your website copy for you, although some do offer this service. Be prepared to write your own copy (or hire it out), but be sure to ask what level of copywriting they are able to provide.
A: Similar to branding, I offer various levels of copywriting and copywriting assistance within my packages, tailored to meet your specific needs. These options include professional copywriting services, a copywriting guide that helps you provide the strategic information I need to craft complelling, custom copy for your website, or assistance with editing and refining the copy you’ve written yourself.
Q. What content do I need to provide?
Count on having to provide a logo, images, any website copy you have, links to your social media profiles, product and service descriptions and anything you want to make sure is included on your site.
A: Depending on the project, these are the items I typically ask for from my clients:
- All passwords required to create the site
- Any company logos or branding you’d like used
- 1-3 professional About photos of yourself or your group
- Any other photos/stock photos you want to be used
- Any testimonials or referrals that you may have
- Your free offer or lead magnet (if applicable)
- Social media profile links
- Product descriptions for ecommerce sites (if applicable)
- My completed Project Strategy Planner
- Any copywriting you already have written (or my completed Website Copywriting Guide)
Q. How will you optimize my site for SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?
SEO is a whole strategy and can be a lot of work, that is why there are SEO specialists. It is not necessarily the responsibility of your designer – but at the very least your designer should be installing an SEO plugin for you, configuring it and optimizing your overall site for SEO.
A: Advanced SEO isn’t always necessary for every business because it focuses on more complex strategies, such as in-depth keyword analysis, link building, and technical SEO, which are typically suited for larger websites or businesses aiming for highly competitive keywords. These strategies can be quite pricey, as they require ongoing investment and expertise. For many smaller businesses or those just starting, a strong foundational SEO setup is often enough to attract local or niche clients without the need for expensive, advanced optimization efforts. Additionally, your website will be submitted to Google Search Console, and set up with Google Analytics and Tag Manager, ensuring it’s primed for advanced SEO if and when the time comes. dditionally, your website will be set up with Google Analytics and tags, ensuring it’s primed for advanced SEO when the time comes. If you decide to scale or target a broader, more competitive market later, I work with SEO experts who can provide advanced SEO services tailored to your needs.
Q. Do you back my site up or is that my responsibility? If you do backups, how often?
Stuff happens, and someone should be backing up your site regularly. If this is done, no matter what happens you’ll be covered. If not, you risk losing your site. Find out if your designer is performing regular backups to your site.
A: After the design is completed, I offer a support window for regular maintenance & support, including weekly or nightly backups, depending on how often your site is updated. Once the QA period is over, you can opt into one of my Website Care & Support packages, which include premium hosting, backups, routine maintenance and updates, security scans, and spam protection, among other things. You’ll also receive many benefits such aspriority support, montly technical support, and an annual website review. This ensures your website remains secure, optimized, and ready for growth.
Q. Can you build a site that looks like this? (Meaning your own sketch, or a link to a site that you like).
Make sure you are super detailed if you are looking for something specific. Most designers can create any kind of design. If the design you want is more complex expect your designer to recommend a custom package. If it’s more simple and straightforward your designer may have a template option which is great for your budget!
A: Yes! My packages include a fully custom, strategic website and branding where I take your vision and turn it into reality. I also offer a customized website with semi-custom or refreshed branding that is strategically designed to suit your industry and speaks to your ideal client, and a smaller but powerful site that allows you to hit the ground running, setting you up as a professional so you can begin marketing your services.
Q. How do you protect my site from hackers?
Your designer should be installing a security plugin like WordFence or Sucuri. There are free versions of these plugins that do what you need, and pro versions as well to offer extra security if you are interested.
A: I always recommend my clients use reputable hosting which goes a long way to making sure your site is secure. I also use Wordfence to protect all of the sites I develop and prevent all unauthorized accesses and potential threats and keep your website safe, and as part of my website care packages I have all Wordfence alerts sent to me if there are any issues to be aware of, so that you don’t have to worry about a thing!
Q. Do you maintain my site after our project is over? (i.e. updating WordPress Core, plugins, etc.)
Check if your web designer offers a support plan for post-project maintenance, including essential tasks like updating plugins and keeping your WordPress site up to date. These steps are crucial for protecting your site from security threats and ensuring it runs smoothly. If your designer isn’t handling this, it’s important that you do.
A: After the project support window ends, clients can transition to one of my website care & support plans, which include comprehensive maintenance and support to ensure your website remains secure, fast, and up-to-date. This includes premium hosting, daily backups with at least 30 days of retention, routine updates, and security scans to protect against viruses or malware. You’ll also benefit from spam protection, a minimum of 30 minutes of technical support per month, priority emergency response, and an annual website review. Additionally, these plans provide access to expert resources and premium plugins, as well as a reduced hourly rate for any additional support you may need.
Q. Does my site come with an email address? How do I get that set up on my phone/laptop?
Okay, so not REALLY the job of your web designer, but this can be included with your hosting. Find out if that’s something you’ll do yourself or if it’s part of their package.
A: Your website does not automatically come with an email address, but a domain-specific email is recommended to keep your business communications professional. Further, using a domain email is a cost-effective way to boost brand recognition, as every email you send will display your business domain. I recommend using a separate domain email service, as it is not tied to your hosting and ensures your email remains intact even if you change hosting providers. If you need help choosing a provider, I can offer recommendations. Once set up, it will be added to your website and I can also assist in configuring your email on your phone or laptop to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Q. What’s your process?
If the designer can’t articulate their process to you, consider that a big red flag.
A: My process in a nutshell…
Since you know your business best, your involvement is essential in the early stages to ensure the website truly reflects you, what you offer, and your vision. Your input will help shape the project from the start, and don’t worry—I’ll guide you every step of the way.
We’ll begin with a pre-project prep process to provide me with everything I need to get started. Then, we’ll have a kickoff call to ensure all necessary details are in place before we begin and to align on expectations for the entire process.
We have strategic touchpoints or design meetings if needed at key milestones of the project to review and approve progress each step of the way, ensuring that revisions are made along the way so we don’t end up with a bunch of changes at the end. 😨
From there, I’ll take over. Using the information and content you’ve provided, I’ll design and develop your website with a strategic layout and compelling copywriting to attract and engage your ideal client. I’ll ensure the site has all the functionality you need and is aligned with your branding, all while setting you up to hit your business goals and generate leads.
Once the site is launched, we go through a testing and quality assurance phase to ensure everything is functioning optimally, followed by a complimentary 30-day support window which inlcudes hosting and maintenance. During this period, I’ll also provide training to empower you to manage and update your site and integrations moving forward, if that’s what you wish to do.
Or if you prefer, I offer a website care and support program that includes hosting and ongoing maintenance, so I can handle your site’s long-term upkeep for you.
Q. How do revisions work?
Your designer should have a clear process for getting feedback from you and making the revisions you request, and your designer should tell you if any of your requests are out of the scope of your original project and give you the choice of moving forward with out-of-scope revisions or not – before just doing them and billing you for them!
A: As stated above, I have scheduled windows that take place at strategic times of the project to provide their feedback up to that point. Prior to project completion we have a period to allow for final revisions prior to website launch.
If there are any out of scope requests, I will always provide options and get approval for any costs prior to completing them.
Q. How long will this project take?
If the designer can articulate a clear process, they’ll likely have a clear timeline that they stick to easily. If not, that’s when projects can drag on for months longer than you’d expect.
A: The timeline will ultimately depend on the package chosen, the scope of the project, and any additional deliverables required, but for a basic design my highest level (Elite) projects run approximately 6 weeks, my mid-level (Evolve) projects approximately 4-weeks, and my lowest-levels (Empower & Essential) projects appoximately 2-3 weeks.
After a website consultation where I find out exactly what a client requires, I can provide a clearer project timeline.
Q. What’s your price range?
This is a hard question for any website designer to answer without all of the information because each project has different requirements.
A: I hesitate to answer this question for the same reason mentioned above—clients often don’t know exactly what they need until we have a website consultation. However, based on the information provided in your intake form prior to our discovery call, I’ll come prepared with a preliminary proposal, including pricing. After our call, I’ll tweak the proposal as needed to ensure it aligns with your vision, and then send it to you for review. This way, you can make a stress-free decision based on all the information.
I always try my best to identify all requirements in advance, but if something comes up during the project that is outside the scope, I will always let you know and offer options before moving forward.
My starting prices for each of my base packages can be found on my Website Design page.
Q. What are your payment terms?
It’s normal for a web designer to require a deposit to reserve a spot on their development schedule, and even to require the balance to be paid in full before an exclusive booking (like if you booked them for a specific day) but it’s NOT normal for a web designer to require the entire balance of a long-term project up front. There should be milestones that are met during the project before you are invoiced for the next part of the project, just like building a house!
A: I require a ⅓ Deposit to reserve a spot on my development calendar, 2 equal installments during the course of our project. For a longer project I can extend the schedule if needed.
Q. Will you train me on how to update my website?
Your designer typically won’t update the content on your website unless they offer a specific ongoing content update package, but you should expect your designer to empower you to understand your website and make your own updates. If they won’t train you, consider it a red flag.
A: I provide basic training that walks my clients through how to update and maintain their site on their own. I also offer options for content updates to be done through me if that’s what they prefer.
Q. What if I need help after the project is over?
Find out what options your designer has for hiring them to do more work after the project is over. Can you book them for an afternoon for tasks? Do they have a retainer option and if so how does it work?
A: I have several options to do continued work with clients. The easiest and most popular are my Design Intensives but for updates that require less time, I also have hourly rates. I may also create a custom retainer package for clients, depending on whether their needs are consistent and recurring. If it is a large unique project, there is also the option to begin an entirely new project with a new proposal.
I hope you feel more confident in choosing the right web designer for your project!
And if you’re someone who struggles with putting yourself out there, and wants to feel more like a confident professional by having a website that you can be proud of so you can market yourself effectively and ultimately attract your dremium clients, I’d love to chat more about working together.
Click here to check out my web design packages or schedule a free no-pressure consultation!
