10 Questions You Should Ask Your Web Designer

When planning to build a new website or refresh your existing one, selecting the right web designer is a crucial decision. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which designer or agency is the best fit for your project. That’s why knowing the questions to ask a web designer is essential.

It’s not just about choosing someone with technical skills—it’s about finding a partner who understands your business, aligns with your vision, and has the experience to bring it to life effectively.

By asking the right questions, you’ll gain insight into the project’s scope, the designer’s capabilities, and set clear expectations for the final result. To help you make an informed decision, here are 10 essential questions to ask a web designer and determine if they’re the right fit for your needs:

10 Questions to Ask a Web Designer

1. How Much Time Are You Going to Spend on Researching and Planning?

Before diving into the design process, a good design agency should invest several hours researching your business, industry, target audience, and competitors. This foundational research allows them to understand your brand’s unique needs and create a design that resonates with your audience.

When discussing the project, ask how much time they’ll spend on planning aspects like site structure, functionality, and content flow. A solid planning phase leads to a smoother design process and minimizes unexpected revisions.

2. Do You Have Marketing Experience?

A beautifully designed website won’t serve its purpose if it doesn’t speak to your customers. That’s why it’s essential for your web designer to have a solid understanding of marketing principles. Ask them about their experience in creating websites that focus on user experience and conversions.

Based on their initial research, they should know how to use visual cues, persuasive language, and user-friendly layouts to influence potential customers and guide them towards taking action.

3. Who Is the Project Manager, and Who Designs My Website?

When working with a web design agency, you’ll likely be interacting with a team rather than a single individual. It’s crucial to know who will be managing your project and who will be directly involved in designing your website.

Identify the key team members and their roles, such as the project manager, graphic designer, developer, and content strategist. Establishing clear communication with the project manager ensures you stay updated on progress and have a go-to person for any questions or concerns.

4. What Do I Need to Provide to Start the Project?

Depending on your project, you may need to supply specific assets like your brand’s logo, images, and written content. If you already have a clear vision for your website, communicate it to the design team to help them align their work with your expectations.

If you don’t have these materials, ask whether the agency can source professional photos, create custom graphics, or help develop content. Clear communication at the start will help the project move forward smoothly without delays.

5. Will My Website Be Responsive?

In a world where over 60% of internet traffic comes from mobile devices, having a responsive website is a must. A responsive design adapts to various screen sizes, providing a seamless user experience on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers.

Although most design agencies incorporate responsiveness by default, it’s essential to confirm that this will be a priority. A mobile-friendly website isn’t just good practice—it’s crucial for both user experience and SEO.

6. When Will My Website Be Finished?

Understanding the project timeline is essential, especially if you’re working on a deadline. The time needed to complete a website depends on its complexity, the availability of assets like copy and photos, and how quickly you can provide feedback.

Ask the designer to give you an estimated completion date based on these factors, and be clear about any time constraints you might have. A transparent timeline helps both you and the design team stay on track.

7. Will You Register My Domain Name and Hosting Account in My Name?

Your domain name and hosting account are crucial digital assets, and it’s important that they’re registered in your name rather than the agency’s. While most reputable agencies will do this, it’s wise to clarify this point early in the project.

If you prefer to handle domain registration yourself, ask the designer for hosting recommendations based on your website’s needs. The right hosting service ensures your website runs smoothly and remains secure.

8. What Happens If I Don’t Like the Initial Design?

Even after reviewing an agency’s portfolio and discussing your vision, there’s always a chance you may not like the first design draft. It’s important to ask how the agency handles revisions and whether there are limits to the number of changes included in your contract.

Some agencies offer unlimited revisions, while others may charge extra for extensive alterations. Discuss this upfront to avoid misunderstandings later on.

9. How Can I Change or Add Content to the Site in the Future?

Most modern websites are built on Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or Joomla, which allow you to update content, add new pages, or make small changes without a developer’s help.

Confirm whether your website will be built on a CMS and ask about its ease of use. If your website won’t be based on a CMS, clarify how content updates will be managed and whether ongoing maintenance support is available.

10. Do You Offer Training for Updating My Site?

If your website will be built on a CMS and you’re not familiar with how it works, ask if the design team can provide training. Although most CMS platforms are user-friendly, receiving basic training on updating content, managing plugins, and making other routine changes can be invaluable. A good web design agency will equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to manage your site independently.

Conclusion

While all these questions to ask a web designer are important, you might as yourself: how much will it cost? The answer depends on the size of the website and all the included features. Expect to pay around $5,000 for a small business website and more for online stores or complex websites.

All in all, try not to rush into hiring a web design agency. Ask them all possible questions, look for reviews and referrals, and research the web design market before making your decision.

At Bright Pink Agency, we have provided web design and development services to hundreds of clients, including big franchises. We’ll be happy to evaluate your website and provide a rigorous action plan to take your business to the next level. Call us now (or use the chat box thingy) to learn how we can help you.