How to choose the right web designer.

Hiring the wrong web designer costs more than hiring the right one. A cheap designer who leaves you with a site you don't own, can't maintain, and doesn't rank for anything, is expensive in the long run. Here's how to find the right fit.

Red Flags: What to Avoid

• No portfolio: Can't or won't show past work? Walk away
• Template sites: They're pushing Squarespace or Wix templates, fine for testing, terrible for real business
• Cheap but no discovery: If they quote before asking questions about your business, customers, and goals, they're guessing
• They own everything: Your domain, code, content? You have no leverage later
• No mention of SEO: SEO isn't magic, but ignoring it is a red flag

Green Flags: What to Look For

• Strong portfolio: 10+ real projects they can show. Similar to your industry? Even better
• Discovery process: They ask about your customers, competitors, goals, timeline, before quoting
• You own everything: Domain, code, content, hosting, all yours
• Clear process: They explain the steps: discovery → design → build → launch → support
• After-launch support: Launches aren't the end; they offer updates, fixes, and improvements

The Right Questions to Ask

• Who will own my domain, code and content after launch?
• Can you show examples of sites you've built that rank well in Google?
• What's included in the price, and what costs extra?
• What happens if I need changes after launch?
• How do you approach mobile design and performance?
• Do you provide ongoing support or maintenance?

Budget Reality

You get what you pay for. Expect:

• $500-3000: Template with basic customization
• $3,000-15,000: Custom design, professional build, SEO included
• $15,000+: Complex builds, e-commerce, ongoing partnership