Your website is one of the most powerful tools for building trust with potential customers. In fact, 94% of people say they mistrust a business based on poor web design. First impressions matter, and your website is often the very first one. (If you want to make a strong, credible impression, this article on building trust through your website is a great place to start.)
That’s where working with the right website designer comes in. Whether you’re launching something new or rethinking your current site (here’s a quick way to check if it’s still serving you well), finding the right designer can elevate your online presence in meaningful ways. With so many talented creatives out there, it’s essential to find someone who truly understands your goals, your brand, and how you want your site to function. It’s not just about how your site looks—it’s about creating something aligned, effective, and easy to manage.
Here’s what to look for when choosing a designer who can help you build a site that works for you:
1. Design Style: Do You Like Their Past Work?
Start by exploring the designer’s portfolio. Every designer brings their own unique aesthetic. Some lean toward clean and minimalist styles, while others take a bold and expressive approach. Their past experience often influences their creative choices, especially if they’ve worked across a range of industries.
When hiring a website designer, what matters most is adaptability. A good designer doesn’t apply the same layout to every project. Instead, they take time to understand your brand and create something that truly reflects who you are. Trust your instincts—if their previous work excites you, that’s often a strong sign.
2. Website Platform: Can You Make Updates Yourself?
Designers often specialize in specific platforms such as Squarespace, Showit, Shopify, or WordPress. It’s important to choose someone who works with a platform that aligns with your comfort level and future needs.
Your website should be easy to maintain without relying on a developer every time you want to update a headline or publish a blog post. A well-structured and user-friendly site setup can save you time and energy long after the project is complete.
3. Ownership: Do You Fully Own Your Website?
It’s essential to retain full ownership of your website. This includes the domain, hosting, and design files. Unfortunately, many business owners discover too late that their site is tied to someone else’s account, making access difficult when things change.
That’s why hiring a website designer who prioritizes transparency and ownership is so important. A professional designer should help you set everything up in your name and ensure you know how to access all tools and platforms. If you want to make sure you’re covered, this post on how to fully own your website walks through the key steps to long-term independence.
4. Price: Set a Budget and Compare Quotes
Website design costs can vary widely based on scope, platform, and the designer’s experience. Some offer simple one-page sites for a few hundred dollars, while others create custom builds that run into the thousands.
The key is understanding what’s included and whether the investment makes sense for your business. The cheapest option might lack the quality or support you need, while the most expensive (like those in the $9,000+ range) isn’t always the best if it drains your entire marketing budget. Focus on clarity, communication, and overall fit. You want to jive with your website designer!
5. Ongoing Support: What Happens After Launch
Launching your website is a huge milestone, but it’s not the end of the journey. Every designer handles the post-launch process differently, so it’s important to ask what happens next. Some offer training, documentation, or support packages to help you manage the site with ease. Knowing what kind of help is available after the handover will give you peace of mind and help you plan ahead.
Quick Checklist for Hiring a Website Designer
✔️ Do I love their past work?
✔️ Can I see my business fitting with their design aesthetic?
✔️ What platforms do they specialize in?
✔️ Will I be able to update my site myself?
✔️ Will I fully own my domain and site accounts?
✔️ Do I clearly understand the total cost?
✔️ What kind of support is included after launch?
Need help moving forward?
Your website is more than a digital space. It’s a reflection of your business, your values, and your first impression online. Take your time, ask thoughtful questions, and choose someone who not only creates something beautiful, but helps you feel confident in owning it. If you’d like more support with this process, we’re here to help. We offer a FREE Call to learn more about what you’re looking for. Let’s connect soon!
