Questions for Web Designers: 10 Things to Ask Before You Invest
Your website is one of the most important investments in your business.
It’s your digital home, your first impression, and an avenue to attract your soul clients.
But choosing the right web designer?
That can feel overwhelming because…
💍You wouldn’t want a children’s clothing designer taking a whack at your wedding dress…
🐾Or a dog groomer giving you a new hairdo…
🎸Or your local rock band playing at your meditation retreat.
They might be great at what they do. But that doesn’t make them the right fit—
And without asking the right questions for web designers, you might end up with a website that doesn’t serve your business the way you need.
That means you need to put in the work on the front end.
Do your research. Interview several web designers. Ask the hard questions.
I get it. You’re itching to get this process started.
But trust me, you want to do this the right way.
Before you invest, you need to make sure your web designer truly gets you and your brand.
Asking these 10 essential questions will help you find someone who aligns with your vision, values, and long-term goals—so you don’t end up with a website that feels off.
#1: Do you understand my mission and industry?
Alignment MATTERS.
You are unique. Your audience is unique. Your website needs to communicate that.
So it’s crucial to find a web designer who’s able to find a deep understanding of both your brand and audience.
Signs of a good fit:
They ask you about your brand, mission, and dream clients.
They have experience with purpose-driven brands similar to yours.
There’s a system in place to learn about brands and their audiences.
This goes back to the dog groomer doing your hair.
They might be the best groomer around. But if they don’t align with your needs on the deepest level, the final product probably won’t be what you want.
#2: What is your pricing?
Pricing isn’t the most important thing… but… it’s pretty important.
Given that the price of hiring a web designer can range from 1k to 10k—this is a critical part of your web design interview questions.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
What’s the base price, and are there any add-ons?
Are there ongoing costs (maintenance, updates, hosting, etc.)?
Do they offer payment plans or flexible pricing?
#3: What’s included in the price?
When you think of hiring a web designer, you might just expect them to do certain things…
Things that they may or may not actually do.
You don’t want to get halfway through the design process and realize,
“Wait, you aren’t doing the copywriting?”
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
Do they offer custom or template-based design?
Do they help with branding, fonts, and colors?
Do they provide strategy, coaching, or copywriting assistance?
Do they assist in tech setup (domain, hosting, integrations)?
Get a clear picture of what they offer so you can make the best decisions for you and your brand.
#4: What website builder do you use and why?
Not all website builders are created equal (here’s a comparison of Squarespace + Showit)
So, one of the most important questions to ask your web designer is which platform they use and why.
Some prioritize ease of use, while others give you more creative freedom.
So what do you want?
Are you looking to say “Sayonara” to everything website related? As long as it’s pretty and it works, you never have to think about it again?
Or do you want to take over website updates once the initial website is created (a great way to save money, btw)?
Decide on your preferences and choose accordingly.
#5: How involved will I be in the design process?
Some designers like to work on their own—others like to collaborate.
Some business owners are completely hands off—others want a say in everything.
So again, make sure you’re choosing a designer who aligns with your goals.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
Will I have input on branding, colors, and overall feel?
How many revisions are included?
Will you provide mockups before development?
You don’t want to invest in a website that doesn’t feel like you. Even if you’re a hands off business owner, your web designer should still offer some collaboration.
#6: Do you offer copywriting assistance?
A stunning website with bad copy isn’t going to get you very far.
You HAVE TO be on the same page as your web designer when it comes to copy.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
Will you help with website copy, or is that my responsibility?
What copywriting experience do you have?
Do you provide copywriting templates or guidance?
Your copy needs to attract AND convert your soul clients—can your web designer make that happen?
#7: What’s your design process like?
Without a clear roadmap, you’ll likely be walking down a bumpy road with your web designer.
A structured process ensures a smooth, stress-free experience.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
How do you gather information before designing?
What’s the timeline for each stage (strategy, design, revisions, launch)?
Do you provide a clear schedule for the process?
#8: Do you offer support after the website is done?
It’s not uncommon for a web designer to hand off your website and then disappear.
Don’t get stuck with no support.
This is especially important if you’re unfamiliar with the website builder they used.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
What happens if I need changes or troubleshooting after launch?
Do you offer post-launch support, training, or community resources?
If you’re new to managing a website, post-launch support can be a lifesaver.
#9: Will I be able to update my website by myself?
If you’re ballin’ on a budget, you probably don’t want to be trapped by costly maintenance fees.
And let’s be real, websites change all the time.
It’s much easier to pop in and make a quick adjustment yourself rather than going through your web designer.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
Will I have full access to my website after it’s live?
Will I receive training or tutorials on making updates?
✳️ A web designer who prioritizes your needs rather than squeezing every dollar out of you is a huge green flag.
#10: Can you share your portfolio and testimonials?
You probably run to the reviews before you buy those $5 shoes on Amazon that seem too good to be true.
The same applies here.
If you like their previous work, you’ll likely be happy with what they do for you.
Here’s some specific questions to ask:
Can I see websites you’ve designed?
Do you have client testimonials or case studies?
Take your time looking here. Make sure they can deliver the quality and style you need.
You’ve Got This.
A great website should be aligned, professional, and easy to update.
Hiring a web designer is an investment that will pay off for a long time—so take your time choosing.
Ask the right questions for web designers, compare options, and trust your gut.
If they’re a good fit, they’ll be more than happy to make sure you feel comfortable hiring them.
Because you know…
✨ A generic template won’t capture your essence
👁️ An agency wouldn't understand your vision
💻 The tech feels overwhelming
You want your website to feel like you—a space that truly represents your energy and attracts the right people, without the stress of figuring out all the tech.
That’s why I created Website Magic.
This guided journey supports you in crafting a stunning online presence that truly reflects your unique gifts.
You focus on your vision and content, and we'll handle all the technical implementation for you.
💰 Did I mention it costs a fraction of what you’d spend on a freelance designer?
You can have a professional website ready to go in weeks, not months.
Ready for a website that’s professional and feels like coming home? Kind of like… you in website form?
Hi! I’m Marina,
a Squarespace Web Designer and Copywriter crafting beautiful, done-for-you websites with a proven layout to convert traffic into leads and clients.
