Choosing a website designer is one of those decisions that is easy to get wrong and expensive to put right. Most Dorset business owners only buy a website every few years, so it is hard to know what good looks like, or what questions to ask. This guide covers the nine questions I would ask any designer, including me, before handing over a deposit.
1. Can I see websites you have built for businesses like mine?
A portfolio tells you more than any sales pitch. Look for real, live websites rather than mock-ups, and click through them on your phone. Do they load quickly? Is it obvious what each business does and how to get in touch? If a designer has built for local trades, retailers or service businesses similar to yours, even better.
2. What do your clients say about you?
Reviews from named clients, ideally with their business name, are hard to fake. Look for comments about communication and how problems were handled, not just the finished result. A website project always hits a snag somewhere; what matters is how quickly it gets sorted.
3. Who will actually build my website?
Some agencies sell the project, then pass it to a junior or an overseas contractor. That is not always a problem, but you should know. If you would rather deal with one person from start to finish, ask for that up front.
4. Will my website be built for Google from day one?
A beautiful website that nobody finds is an expensive brochure. Ask how the designer handles the basics: page titles, headings, page speed, mobile layout, structured data and a sitemap. You do not need to understand the details, but a good designer should be able to explain them in plain English.
5. Is it a template, or designed for my business?
Templates are not automatically bad, but a website designed around your customers and your goals will usually convert better. Ask how the design process works and whether you will see and approve the design before it is built.
6. Can I update the website myself?
You should be able to change text, photos and prices without paying someone every time. Platforms like WordPress make this straightforward. Ask whether you will get a walkthrough at handover.
7. Who owns the website and the domain?
This one catches people out. Make sure your domain name is registered to you, and that you own the finished website. If you ever move to a different designer or host, you should be able to take everything with you.
8. What happens after launch?
Websites need looking after. WordPress, plugins and themes need updating, backups need taking and security needs monitoring. Ask whether the designer offers ongoing care, what it includes and what it costs. My own care plan, SBE Shield, covers security, nightly backups, speed checks, priority support and a monthly report.
9. What exactly is included in the price?
A fixed, itemised quote protects both of you. Check whether it includes the number of pages you need, content help, a contact form, basic SEO, hosting and any ongoing costs. If something is not on the quote, assume it is extra.
Why choosing a local designer helps
There is nothing wrong with hiring a designer from anywhere in the country. But a Dorset website designer knows the towns your customers live in, how they search and who your local competitors are. They are also easy to reach when you want to talk something through, which makes a surprising difference when you are working through a design together.
Ready to talk about your website?
I am a website designer based in Dorset, building premium, fast websites for local businesses. You can browse my work and case studies, see what is included in my website design service or get a free, no-obligation quote.