What I Wish Every Business Owner Knew Before Hiring a Web Designer
When I first started building websites, I thought it was all about clean code and cool design.
But after working with dozens of business owners—some launching for the first time, others trying to recover from a site that flopped—I’ve learned what really makes the difference.
If you're planning to hire someone for your website (or thinking about a redo), this will save you time, money, and a lot of stress.
Here’s what to know, and what to look out for, before you sign anything.
1. Design Is Just the Beginning
A website isn’t just a digital business card. It’s a tool.
Its job? Connect with the right people. Make things clear. Drive action.
🚩 Red flag:
The designer only talks about “the look.”
✅ What to ask:
- “How do you make sure the site actually converts visitors into customers?”
- “Can you walk me through how you connect design choices to business goals?”
🔍 How I work:
I build sites around function, flow, and conversion. The visuals support the message, not distract from it.
2. Strategy Comes First, Always
If you’re not 100% sure what your offer is, who it’s for, and what you want people to do… your site won’t do much.
🚩 Red flag:
You’re asked to send over copy and “inspiration sites” before doing any strategy.
✅
What to ask:
- “Do you have a process for understanding my business before design starts?”
- “Will you help with messaging and layout strategy, or just visuals?”
🔍 How I work:
Every project starts with a Discovery Session. I map your ideal customer journey, define your core message, and build the site to support both short and long-term goals.
3. You Should Never Wonder “What’s Going On?”
Design projects can go sideways fast when there’s no clear process or communication.
🚩 Red flag:
Vague timelines, no check-ins, and unclear next steps.
✅ What to ask:
- “What’s your process from start to finish?”
- “When will I give feedback and when can I expect updates?”
🔍 How I work:
I have a structured, collaborative process that keeps you in the loop at every step, without overwhelming you. You’ll always know what’s happening and when.
4. Launch Day Isn’t the Finish Line
A website isn’t something you launch and forget about. It should grow and evolve alongside your business.
🚩 Red flag:
Designers who disappear once the site is live.
✅
What to ask:
- “Will I be able to update my site on my own?”
- “What kind of post-launch support do you offer?”
🔍 How I work:
I build user-friendly sites you can manage yourself, and I stick around for tweaks, upgrades, and advice if you need it.
5. You’re Not Paying for Pretty, You’re Investing in Results
A lot of business owners come to me after spending big money on sites that are slow, unsearchable, and impossible to update.
🚩 Red flag:
- Sites that aren’t optimized for mobile
- No SEO foundation
- Locked behind developer-only access
✅ What to ask: - “Will I be able to make basic edits myself?”
- “Is the site mobile-optimized and SEO-friendly from the start?”
- “What platform do you use—and why?”
🔍 How I work:
I build sites around function, flow, and conversion. The visuals support the message, not distract from it.
🎯 The Bottom Line
A good website doesn’t just look the part—it pulls its weight.
It helps people understand you, trust you, and take that next step.
When you hire the right designer, you’re not just getting pages. You’re getting a business asset—and a partner who gets what growth actually looks like.
📅 Want to build a site that actually works?
Let’s have a quick call. No pitch. No pressure. Just clarity.
👉 Book a free discovery call and let’s talk about where your business is headed—and how your website can support it.
