15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Website Designer (So You Don’t Waste Your Money)

If you’re searching for website design for small business, chances are you’re overwhelmed by options.

There are DIY builders, $500 websites from “website factories,” freelancers who ghost halfway through, and agencies charging five figures for a site that looks like it belongs to a law firm from 2003.

You deserve better.

As a website designer who’s helped 100+ small business owners build personality-packed websites that actually work, I’m here to help you cut through the fluff.

Whether you’re hiring a designer for the first time or redoing a site that never really worked the way you wanted it to, this list of questions will help you:

• Find someone who gets your business (and your goals)
• Avoid expensive mistakes that could cost you traffic or sales
• Actually enjoy the process of building your site (yes, it’s possible)

Because hiring a website designer isn’t just about how your site looks. It’s about who’s guiding you behind the scenes—asking the right questions, making the right recommendations, and building something that grows with your business long after launch.

Let’s make sure you’re asking the questions that get you there.

Before you start interviewing potential designers, make sure you’re clear on the kind of working relationship you want. There’s a big difference between hiring a freelancer, booking a boutique studio, or working with a large agency—and each comes with pros and cons.

→ Read this breakdown on freelancers vs. agencies vs. boutique studios to figure out which option fits your business best.

1. Will you help guide me through writing my website copy or do I need to hire someone else?

Most small business owners don’t have perfectly polished website copy ready to go—and that’s okay. A good designer will have a plan for helping you create or refine your content so it supports your goals.

For example, I provide a detailed Google Doc copy guide with prompts tailored to your business, based on our strategy call. I’ll also help you edit and polish what you write so it flows with the design. And if you need full copywriting support, my team can handle that too.

2. What does your website design process look like—and how will you help me stay organized?

You should know exactly what to expect throughout the project—and your designer should help you stay on track. Ask how they collect content, handle communication, and structure timelines.

My process starts with a kickoff call and a shared Google Drive folder (branded, organized, and easy to use). I include a clear checklist, copy guide, and custom prompts to keep things moving. You’ll also get regular check-ins and milestones so you’re never left wondering what’s next.

3. How do you gather and organize my content before we start designing?

If your designer doesn’t have a system for this, it’s a red flag. Look for someone who helps make content collection easier—not more overwhelming.

I set up a branded Google Drive folder with subfolders for your brand elements, photos, and a “favorites” folder to help you narrow down visuals. There’s also a checklist and a clear place for your copy, so nothing gets lost in your inbox.

4. Will I be able to make updates to my website myself? And what happens if I need help after launch?

A professional website shouldn’t require a developer every time you want to change a sentence. Make sure you’ll have the tools (and confidence) to make updates yourself—and support if you need it later.

I create a personalized training video for each client, walking you through how to update your site. And even if you’re not on a maintenance plan, you can reach out if something breaks. A client from three years ago just emailed me about a plugin issue, and I fixed it same-day.

5. Will you optimize my website for SEO, site speed, and mobile devices?

A beautiful website won’t get far if it’s slow, hard to use on mobile, or invisible to search engines. Ask how your designer handles technical details—and whether they understand how design impacts SEO.

I optimize every site for SEO best practices, fast load times, and responsive design. I’ve done advanced customizations with Shopify, WordPress post types in Showit, and written thousands of lines of CSS in Squarespace. That means your site won’t just look good—it’ll perform too.

6. Do you support connecting my domain, email, and other tech tools?

Launching your site should feel exciting—not like a technical nightmare. Ask what support they offer for launch setup and tools.

I help you connect your domain, set up email (like Google Workspace), and integrate tools like Flodesk, Calendly, and HoneyBook. No frantic Googling or support tickets needed.

7. What platform do you design on and why?

Every platform has its pros and cons. Ask why they’ve chosen theirs and how it fits with your goals, budget, and comfort level.

I design mostly on Showit and Squarespace, with occasional Shopify builds depending on the project. I’ve worked in WordPress and Framer too, but I focus on platforms that are flexible, SEO-friendly, and easy to update. I’ll recommend the right one for your business, not just the one I like best.

Want to streamline the design process? I share my top Showit shortcuts in this post.

8. Do you offer template customization or only fully custom websites?

Not every project needs to start from scratch. Ask what level of customization they offer and how they’ll adapt a template to feel like your brand. Is it just a simple copy/image/color swap or is it a full customized and branded experience?

Personally, I do both. When customizing templates, I go beyond changing out photos. I tailor the layout, structure, and styling so it feels unique. And when we go fully custom, it’s a strategic design built completely from the ground up.

9. Do you have a portfolio I can look at?

A designer’s portfolio should show a range of styles, not just one signature look. Look for work that reflects the client’s personality, not just the designer’s.

I’ve worked with photographers, authors, interior designers, and ecommerce brands. Each site feels like an extension of the client, not just my own style. That’s one of my specialties! I’m happy to share examples that match what you’re looking for.

10. What’s included in the cost and are there any additional fees?

Make sure you understand what’s included in your package and what could cost extra. This helps avoid surprise invoices later on. Do you need to pay for hosting separately or is there a required maintenance plan offered by the designer?

I include strategy, design, feedback rounds, and training. You’ll need your own platform subscription ( so you maintain full ownership and control over your website) and any add-ons like email marketing tools. If you need more support or revisions beyond what’s included, I’ll always talk it through with you first.

11. How long will the process take?

Timelines vary, but you shouldn’t feel like your project is dragging on forever. Ask how they structure their process and how they keep things moving.

Most of my projects are booked in focused windows where I work with one primary client at a time. We move relatively quickly once design kicks off and I build in flexibility for real life when needed.

12. How do you handle feedback and revisions?

Design is collaborative, but there should still be structure. Ask how many rounds of feedback are included and how they keep the project from going off track.

I walk my clients through the full design over video so they can take their time to review, provide feedback, and we can work together until they get the finished result they’re after. I’ll always give them my two cents as a designer with a background in marketing strategy to make sure things like fast load times and responsive design are a priority (like Google recommends here).

13. What kind of support do you offer after the site goes live?

The work isn’t over at launch. Ask what happens next and whether they’re available if you run into a problem down the road.

With me, you’ll get a custom walkthrough video, plus access to me if something goes sideways for up to 4 weeks after we launch. I don’t offer big unnecessary maintenance packages, but I do offer hourly support for tech fixes and tweaks. You’re never bothering me by reaching out, even if it’s been a while.

14. Can you help me connect my domain, email, or other tech tools?

This overlaps with earlier questions but is worth repeating. Ask what kind of support you’ll get when connecting the pieces that make your site work.

I walk clients through DNS settings, email setup, and connecting tools like HoneyBook, Flodesk, or Google Analytics. I know how frustrating the tech can be and I’m here to make it easier.

Many designers don’t have experience with these things and it’s important to realize that launching your site can sometimes cause problems with Google Workspace, for example. You want to make sure your designer can fix them promptly.

15. Will I be able to make changes myself later?

Make sure your site won’t feel like a black box you’re scared to touch. Ask what kind of training or support they provide so you can update your site confidently.

Every client of mine gets a personalized training video that shows exactly how to update your site—from swapping photos to editing text. I design everything to be user-friendly so you’re not left guessing. And if you need help, I’m just an email away. This is why I choose user-friendly platforms like Squarespace and Showit.

Still not sure who to hire?

The truth is, the best website designer for your business is the one who sees the big picture—your brand, your goals, your content, your clients—and knows how to bring it all together online.

If you want a site that’s not only beautiful but strategic, one that’s easy to use and built to last, that’s where I come in.

You don’t need a trendy website with no substance or a technical setup you can’t touch. You need a partner who can guide you through the entire process and make sure your website is an asset, not a stressor.

These questions are meant to give you clarity and confidence, but don’t underestimate your gut instinct. The best designer is the one you’re genuinely excited to work with. If you hop on a call and it feels like a good fit, that’s worth listening to.

If that sounds like what you’re looking for, I’d love to chat.

Interested in working together? Reach out here and let’s chat to see if we’re a good fit or reach out with your questions. I’m here to help.