Hiring someone to build your website is a bit like hiring a contractor for your home. Everyone shows you nice pictures, and the differences only show up later: who answers the phone, who owns what, what happens when you want to change something.
These are the questions I'd ask, as a web designer myself, if I were on your side of the table. Good designers will be happy to answer all of them, in writing.
Ownership
Start here. These are the answers that matter most if you ever want to switch designers.
Who will own my domain?
Your domain (yourbusiness.com) is the one thing you never want to lose. It should be registered in your name, whatever happens.
A good answer: "It's registered in your name and email, and it stays yours."
Who owns the website itself?
With one-time builds you usually own the files. Monthly plans often keep the website with the designer while you're subscribed. Neither is wrong, but you should know which one you're signing.
A good answer: "Here is exactly what you own, and what happens if you leave."
Updates and care
A website isn't finished on launch day. Your hours, prices and services will change, and someone has to keep it online and secure.
Who updates the website, and what does it cost?
Ask whether updates are included, how you request them and how long they usually take.
A good answer: "Send us a message and it's usually live the same day, at no extra cost."
Where is it hosted, and who looks after it?
Someone needs to keep it online, backed up and secure, including on a Saturday when something breaks.
A good answer: "Hosting, security and backups are included, and you have a direct line to us."
Will it work well on a phone?
Most of your visitors will be on a phone. Try one of their websites on your own phone before you decide.
A good answer: "Here are three websites we built. Open them on your phone."
Getting found
Every website should be built with the basics of search in mind. Be wary of anyone who promises more than that.
What do you do so people can find us on Google?
Clear page titles, fast loading and pages for your services and areas are the foundation. Rankings build gradually on top of that.
A good answer: "We build the basics in, and we'll report honestly on how it's going."
Working together
The last few questions are about the relationship, which is what you'll live with long after the website goes live.
How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
Delays usually come from missing content, so ask for a realistic timeline and a list of what they need: logo, photos, service details.
A good answer: "About two weeks, once we have your logo, a few photos and your services."
Who will I actually talk to?
With some agencies you meet a salesperson and never hear from them again.
A good answer: "You'll talk to the people building your website, before and after launch."
What does the contract say about cancelling?
Look at the minimum term, the notice period and what happens to your content if you leave.
A good answer: "Here are our terms. The minimum is clear, and there are no exit fees."
Can I see websites you've built, and talk to a client?
Visit real websites they've made for businesses like yours, and ask a past client how things went after launch.
A good answer: "Of course. Here are a few, and here is someone you can call."
- Clear prices and terms, in writing
- Your domain registered in your name
- Real websites you can visit
- A named person you can reach
- Guaranteed Google rankings
- Pressure to sign the same day
- No answer on who owns what
- Only screenshots, no live websites
If you are comparing options, our pricing, terms and ownership details are public, so you can check every answer above before we ever talk.
