What to ask a web designer before you hire one

Most website horror stories don't start with bad design. They start with a domain registered in the designer's name, logins nobody can find, a move that broke every old link, or a monthly fee that turned out to be a hostage situation. All of it is avoidable if you ask the right questions before you sign.

Here are the ones we'd ask, including the ones that are awkward to ask us.

Ownership

1. Who owns the domain?It should be registered in your name, on an account you control. If the answer is anything else, stop there.
2. Who owns the site and the content?Your words, your photos and the site itself should be yours once it's paid for. Get it in writing.
3. Will I have the logins?For the domain, the hosting, your Google Business Profile and Search Console. You should never have to ask permission to see your own accounts.
4. What happens if I leave?A good answer is a clean handover. A bad answer is vague, or involves the site disappearing.

The work itself

1. Is it custom, a theme or a builder?All three can be fine. You should know which one you're buying, and what it means for speed, search and growing later.
2. Who writes the words?Copy written around what your customers search for is half of what makes a site work. If you're expected to write it all, the price should reflect that.
3. How does the move off my old site work?Listen for: every old page address redirected, email records copied before the switch, and Google told the same night. If they don't mention redirects, your rankings are at risk.
4. Can I see live sites you've built?Not screenshots: real sites you can open on your phone and tap through. Check how fast they load on a weak signal.

After launch

1. What does it cost per month, and what does that cover?Hosting, changes, security, monitoring? Get the specifics, not just a number.
2. How fast are changes made, and how do I ask?A text, an email, a ticket system? Same day or next month?
3. Will I get a launch report?Speed scores, what was redirected, what was submitted to Google. You should know what you got.
4. What can't you promise?An honest designer will tell you nobody can guarantee a Google ranking. Be wary of anyone who does.

How we answer them

Your domain stays in your name. The site and its content are yours once it's paid for. Every old link gets a permanent redirect, every email record is copied before anything moves, and you get a launch report with your speed scores. Changes on a care plan are made the same day you text them. And we can't promise you a ranking, because nobody honestly can.

You can tap through our live work, Pierpoint Events, Housecall Auto Mechanics and Goose-Grip, on your own phone.