You've decided your business needs a professional website. Now comes the hard part: finding someone to build it. With so many options out there — freelancers, agencies, website builders, your nephew who "knows computers" — how do you choose? Here's what actually matters.
Look at Their Previous Work
Every web designer should have a portfolio. Look at it carefully. Do the websites look professional? Do they load quickly? Do they work well on your phone? Most importantly, do they look like websites for real businesses, or do they look like school projects?
Pay attention to variety too. A designer who has only built websites for restaurants might struggle with your law firm. Look for someone who understands different types of businesses and can adapt their approach to fit yours.
Ask About Their Process
A good web designer should be able to explain exactly how they work. What information do they need from you? How long will it take? How many revisions are included? What happens after the site launches?
Be wary of anyone who can't answer these questions clearly. Vague answers usually mean a vague process, which leads to delays, miscommunication, and frustration on both sides.
Understand What You're Paying For
Website pricing varies wildly, and the cheapest option is rarely the best value. Ask what's included in the price. Will they write the content or do you need to provide it? Is hosting included? What about updates and maintenance after launch?
A $500 website that needs $200 in fixes every month is more expensive than a $2,000 website that just works. Make sure you understand the total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price.
Check If They Understand Your Business
The best web designers ask lots of questions. They want to understand what your business does, who your customers are, and what you're trying to accomplish with your website. If someone jumps straight to talking about colors and fonts without understanding your goals, that's a red flag.
Your website isn't art — it's a tool for your business. The person building it should care about whether it actually works for you.
Look for Clear Communication
How quickly do they respond to your emails? Do they explain things in plain language or hide behind jargon? Do they listen to your concerns or dismiss them?
Building a website requires collaboration. You'll be working with this person for weeks or months. If communication is frustrating from the start, it's only going to get worse.
Red Flags to Watch For
Some warning signs should make you think twice:
- No portfolio or only showing template demos
- Prices that seem too good to be true
- Promises of instant results or guaranteed rankings
- Pressure to sign immediately or pay everything upfront
- No clear contract or scope of work
- Can't explain what happens if you want to leave
The Bottom Line
Finding the right web designer is about more than just price or pretty pictures. It's about finding someone who understands your business, communicates clearly, and will deliver a website that actually helps you grow.
Take your time. Ask questions. Trust your instincts. The right partnership will make the whole process easier and the end result better.