Questions to Ask a Web Designer Before You Hire
Before hiring a web designer, ask who owns the domain and hosting, what happens if you want to cancel, what is included after launch, how long the project will take, and what a typical monthly cost looks like once maintenance is factored in. Get answers in writing. The most common regrets from business owners involve not owning their own domain, being surprised by maintenance fees, or discovering the relationship ends the moment the invoice is paid.
Why these questions matter more than portfolio quality
Most business owners evaluate a web designer almost entirely on their past work, which is reasonable but incomplete. The bigger risks usually show up after the contract is signed: unclear ownership, surprise fees, or a designer who disappears after launch. A short list of direct questions upfront avoids most of these problems.
The essential questions to ask
These cover the areas where business owners most often get surprised later.
- Who will own the domain name, and will I have the login myself?
- What is included in the price, and what costs extra afterward?
- What happens if I want to cancel or switch providers later?
- Is hosting included, and who controls it?
- How long will the project realistically take?
- What is the process for making updates after launch, and what does it cost?
- Can I see examples of similar work you've done?
- How do I reach you directly if something breaks?
Red flags worth watching for
A few answers to the questions above should give you pause, regardless of how good the portfolio looks.
| Red flag | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vague answer about domain ownership | You may not actually control your own domain |
| No clear answer on cancellation | Could indicate a hidden contract or lock-in |
| "Updates are billed separately, case by case" | Ongoing costs could be unpredictable |
| No direct contact after launch | Support may disappear once the invoice is paid |
| Guarantees a #1 Google ranking | No legitimate provider can guarantee this |
Comparing costs apples to apples
When comparing quotes, ask each provider to break down the true first-year cost: upfront fee, hosting, domain, and any maintenance or update fees. A lower upfront quote with high monthly fees can cost more over a year than a higher upfront quote with everything bundled in, so compare the full picture rather than just the first number you are given.
What good answers look like
A trustworthy provider should be able to answer all of the above clearly and specifically, ideally in writing. As one example, Studio Liftoff's model answers most of these upfront: the business owns its domain, there is no contract so you can cancel anytime, unlimited reasonable updates are included in the $59/month membership, and you have direct access to Zach Nelson by text, email, or call if something needs attention.
See your website before you pay anything
Answer a few quick questions and Zach personally designs a free preview of your site in about 24 hours.
Common questions
Should I get everything in writing before paying anything?
Yes. A clear written summary of what is included, what costs extra, domain ownership, and cancellation terms protects both sides and avoids misunderstandings later.
Is it normal to pay for a website before it's finished?
Practices vary. Some providers require partial or full payment upfront, others charge only after delivery, and some, like membership models, require no upfront payment at all. Ask directly and compare.
How do I know if a designer is legitimate before hiring them?
Ask for a portfolio of real, live client sites, check if those sites are still active and well-maintained, and confirm you can reach them directly with questions before committing.
What is a reasonable number of revisions to expect?
This varies by provider, but it should be defined clearly upfront rather than left ambiguous. Ask specifically how revisions are handled during the build and after launch.
Rather just talk it through?
Grab 15 minutes with Zach. No pitch deck, no pressure, no sales team — just the person who would build your site.