7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer

Why Ask These Questions Upfront?

Many people hire a web designer like this: see some work they like, feel good about it, pay a deposit, and start.

Then midway through they discover: poor communication, different understanding of features, can't get support after launch.

Most of these problems can be avoided by asking the right questions at the beginning.

Question 1: Is your website template-based or fully custom?

This is the most important question. Many designers say "custom" but are actually modifying a WordPress theme.

Ask directly: what technology is used? Is there original code?

Question 2: Will I own the website after it's complete?

Some designers host the site on their own accounts. You "rent" it. If you stop working together, you might not be able to take it with you.

Confirm: you can take the code and database with you.

Question 3: How are revisions handled after launch?

Many packages don't include post-launch changes. Want to change one word a week after going live? That'll cost extra.

Ask clearly: how long is the free revision period? How are changes billed after that?

Question 4: What are the hosting and domain fees?

Some quotes don't include hosting — you'll pay separately each year. Others bundle it into a monthly fee.

Ask: who manages this, and roughly how much does it cost?

Question 5: Can I see real examples of your work?

Portfolio screenshots aren't enough — you want to actually open the live websites and check: speed, mobile version, details.

Be cautious if they say "cases aren't available to share publicly."

Question 6: What is the expected timeline?

This question reveals how someone works. "Two weeks, done" vs. "4–8 weeks depending on scope" represent completely different levels of depth.

Question 7: Will you still be around in three years?

Almost no one asks this — but it matters.

Many designers are freelancing part-time or studying. In a few years they might stop. When your site breaks, you can't find them, and you have to start over.

Choose someone who treats this as a profession and has a long-term business plan.

One Final Thought

A good designer doesn't just answer your questions — they proactively share this information, because they're confident in their work and want the collaboration built on a clear foundation.

If you have any questions about how I work, feel free to ask me directly.