“How do I find a website designer?”: 8 Key Questions to Ask
Are you ready to hire a website designer?
YESSS you’re finally ready to start on your site! But now you actually have to find a website designer and that’s a WHOLE other barrel of apples.
It’s more than just picking a friendly face or pretty site.
Finding the right web designer is about connecting with someone who:
gets your vision,
can align with your priorities,
and shares your taste in snacks.
Well, maybe the snacks aren’t a deal-breaker.
(Maybe.)
But launching or redesigning a website is a big project with lots of moving parts.
It may come as a surprise, but it’s not just about choosing a design style. Because… the journey is as important as the destination.
And your website journey doesn’t end with your launch date.
Let’s discuss the key questions to ask in the get-to-know you phase:
Table of Contents Show
1 – “What’s your web design onboarding process like?”
Navigating the First Steps
Found a remote website designer or considering a local web design company? Woohoo!
But before you pop the bubbly—there’s groundwork to lay first. The onboarding process isn't just a formality; it's the foundation of your future masterpiece.
Timeline:
Understanding the timeline is crucial. Are we sprinting a marathon or are we talking about a leisurely stroll?
Knowing when the deadlines hit keeps everyone on their toes (and prevents those last-minute panic attacks).
You don’t want your designer springing a deadline on you, and you also want to make sure you have time in your schedule to get everything together.
Content Creation:
Copy is key, and it’s the first step that comes before design. Knowing whether you need to supply the text or if it’s included can change your to-do list dramatically.
If the pen’s in your court, mark those deadlines in red. It’s going to be more involved than you expect.
And what about images, graphics, patterns? Are those part of the deal? If your designer is providing an all-in-one service, find out if it costs extra.
Material exchange:
Are we talking carrier pigeons or a high-tech dashboard? Find out how you'll send over logos, photos, and that napkin sketch of your homepage.
In the age of digital delivery, finding out whether you’ll use email, a cloud service (like Google Drive or Dropbox), or a project management dashboard is crucial for smooth exchanges.
Speaking of dashboards...
Will there be one? And more importantly, will you need a Ph.D. to use it?
Clarity and simplicity are your besties. A user-friendly dashboard from your web design services provider means a more organized project, and less time and energy you’ll spend searching through emails for the right file.
Ideally, they’ll also provide walkthrough videos showing you how to use it, rather than expecting you to figure it out on your own.
Organization:
Is the process a well-oiled machine, or is is it more like a random assortment of nuts and bolts?
If there is no organized onboarding process, you might be left in the dark, not knowing what to provide, how to provide it – requiring a check-in or over communication every time you want to take a step forward.
Expectations:
What does your designer expect from you, and vice versa?
Clear expectations are the secret sauce to a project that doesn’t end in clenched fists (or even worse, a half-baked website).
2 – “What’s your approach to web design?”
Understanding the Creative Process
Understanding your web designer and developer’s approach to design will have a major impact on your experience.
Now, you don’t need to know these terms, but making sure your web designer’s process vibes with both your project goals and how you think will make for a more enjoyable ride.
There are three main approaches to design:
Waterfall
Agile
Atomic
Waterfall Design: The Methodical Marvel
In Waterfall design, everything is in order, step by step, like dominoes perfectly lined up.
Each stage of the web design and development process must be completed before moving on to the next. It’s like building a house where you can't start on the interior until the exterior is fully done.
It is great for design that needs to get done in a short timeframe or when working with a larger organization on either side.
Agile Design: The Flexi-Genius
Agile is the spontaneous road trip to Waterfall’s well-planned journey.
Work happens in sprints, making it easier to take detours based on feedback or new ideas that pop up. Small portions of the project are designed, developed, and tested in manageable chunks.
This kind of flexibility is fantastic when you have a meandering project that has the timeline to take a side tripe.
Atomic Design: The Building Block Champ
Atomic design is like playing with the coolest set of digital LEGOs. It starts with the basics (atoms) and build up to the more complex structures (molecules), creating a cohesive web environment (the organism).
It’s efficient, and ensures every piece of a website is purposefully placed.
It’s an ideal approach when there is going to be DIY site edits made down the road so that everything remains cohesive.
And then there’s Responsive Design...
Because if your website doesn’t look good on a smartphone, does it even exist?
Incorporating responsive design means your site looks fabulous no matter the screen size—because squinting is so last century.
Including responsive design not just an approach; in my opinion, it’s a non-negotiable.
3 – “Are you more process or goal oriented in website development?”
Every web design journey has its unique path:
Are you taking the highway or the scenic route?
Are you going to plot all of your pit stops or see what looks good when you are on the road?
Some prioritize the destination, while others focus on the route itself. Knowing which approach resonates more with you can significantly impact your project's trajectory and outcome.
Goal-Oriented:
A goal-oriented approach puts the end result in the spotlight.
It’s all about defining what success looks like from the outset and then plotting any course that leads there.
The process itself is dynamic, but the end result is set. It suits projects with a clear vision but flexible pathways to reach it.
If your primary concern is the outcome, regardless of how it’s achieved, a goal-oriented designer could be your best bet.
Process-Oriented:
On the other side, a process-oriented approach treasures the journey.
It’s a proven, structured expedition where each phase is mapped out in advance. However, the end result is ready for a pivot with new insights or feedback.
A well-defined process can lead to magic that no one might have expected: focusing solely on the goal can sometimes mean missing out on the magic that happens along the way.
It’s those unexpected discoveries during the process that can lead to results more spectacular than you imagined.
Which works best for you?
Whether leaning towards a goal or process orientation, understanding your preference and ensuring it aligns with your web designer’s approach can make all the difference.
It’s about finding the right fit for you, so your website’s development process is as seamless as possible.
4 – “Can I see examples of your web design work?”
Ensuring a Style Match:
Ever tried picking an ice cream flavor blindfolded? Choosing a web designer without seeing their work is kinda like that.
But tastier. And with fewer brain freezes.
Here's the scoop:
Every designer has their flavor
Some are vanilla (classic and clean)
Others are rocky road (bold and adventurous)
Sure, a pro can whip up any style you fancy. But they've got their specialties.
It's like asking a classical guitarist to play heavy metal.
They can, but will you love the result as much as when they play a beautiful hand-strummed melody?
Checking the Pro Portfolio:
Once you get the link, check out your potential web designer’s portfolio for:
Color palettes that call your name
Animations that speak your language
Layouts that make you go "Ooh!" not "Ew!"
And if they've got no portfolio? Everyone has to start somewhere, but make sure the price reflects that.
Portfolio but no testimonials? Well that’s a red flag for sure.
Pro tip:
Find a designer whose portfolio makes your mouth water. Because if their work doesn't resonate with you now, your website probably won't either.
Remember, you're not just picking a designer. You're choosing a storyteller for your brand.
Make sure they're telling the story you want to hear.
5 – “Do you offer both web design and web development services?”
The Full Package
Think website creation is just one big task? Think again!
It's like assuming the person who designs your dream house also builds it from the ground up. They might be able to, but that’s a big assumption to make.
Website Design vs Development
Design:
The artist. Focuses on creating an appealing visual layout, choosing color schemes, and crafting the user experience and journey. It's what makes you go "Oooh, shiny!"Development:
The scientist. Involves writing code, implementing functionality, and ensuring everything works smoothly behind the scenes. It's what turns that beautiful design into a living, breathing website.
Why hire a designer-developer combo?
It's like having an interior designer who's also a handyman:
Save some dough: One professional means one invoice, potentially reducing overall costs. This could mean up to 50% overall savings on a website project by hiring a website designer-developer. However, if you hire someone inexperienced? Not worth the savings. The foundation will be require significant reworking down the line.
Speedier than Sonic: No time lost in back-and-forth communication between separate teams. This communication-streamline is truly what makes a quick turnaround project like the Northstar Site Solution possible. And on a Maypop Creative Studio custom project, it saves weeks, and gives you that time back in the review periods.
Smooth like butter: Less gets lost in translation when one brain handles both aspects. For example, a simple static design from a designer can’t communicate an intended animation to a developer. But when an experienced web designer-developer is handling both sides, it gets accomplished lickety-split.
Troubleshooting and post-launch bliss: You'll have a single point of contact for updates and maintenance. Squarespace updates mean you need code or site tweaks? Easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy.
Bottom line
When you're shopping for website creators, you might encounter three flavors:
The Pure Designer:
Creates pretty pictures of what your site will look like, and how visitors will flow from one page to the next. Hands off the actual construction.The Code Ninja:
Turns designs into functioning websites. Usually works behind the scenes, not directly with clients.The Designer-Developer (that's me!):
Maypop Creative Studio is the whole-package-studio. I design your site, build it in Squarespace, and add any custom touches. It's like having your cake and eating it too - but whipped with pixels instead of frosting.
Remember, not all website pros are the same. Some design, some code, and some (like yours truly) do both.
Just find out what you’re hiring before signing up.
6 – “Who will be my central contact for my web design project?”
Vibing with your main contact is crucial for an enjoyable process. Poor communication can turn your project into a bumpy ride. Remember, not all communication styles mesh - and that's okay!
One important question to think about straight off the jump: Is the person you are talking to in the discovery call the person you'll be working with throughout your project?
Agency Approach:
Medium-to-large agencies offer a full suite of services:
Web design & development
Graphic design
Social media
PR
Lead generation & email marketing
Brand strategy & content marketing
You'll have different people or departments working on different aspects of your project. They'll be in internal communication with each other, while you'll be speaking to one project or client manager.
Pro tip: your client or project manager will likely be different than the sales rep, who is talking to you on the sales or discovery call.
Specialized Freelancer:
If you decide to work with multiple small specialized studios or freelancers, you'll likely be talking to the one person on the discovery call who will be doing the work.
And since you need to work with multiple freelancers to get the job done? You become the project manager.
Your role is to coordinate the different freelancers and agencies to make sure that the aligned project timelines and that all the components of the project are cohesive.
Boutique Studio:
Working with a small studio or with an all-in-one website designer ensures that brand elements are cohesive and are on the same timeline. Specialization paired with internal agility means a depth of knowledge that can be applied across your project with ease and speed.
On the discovery call, you'll likely be talking to the person who is doing everything: the sales call, the work, and the project management. Pro tip: Always confirm who you'll be working with throughout the project!
Need additional specialized help? Ask your main contact for recommendations - they often have a network of trusted professionals.
Bottom line:
Ensuring a good fit for your style and personality is the ultimate key to a successful project. After all, you’re choosing a partner for the road trip, not just the destination!
7 – “Who owns my website after it goes live?”
Understanding Site Ownership
Website ownership is like buying a house - you want to know exactly what you're getting, right? You’d be pretty pissed if you thought you were buying an it turned out someone else owned the land. Or worse – you had to share your bedroom.
Here are the main scenarios you might encounter:
Full ownership
This is the "you own everything" option. You pay for hosting directly to platforms like Squarespace or WordPress, and you keep all the rights to your site's design and content. It's your castle, drawbridge to turret.
Designer keeps the copyright
In this case, you can use the site, but the designer holds the intellectual property rights. It's like renting a fully furnished apartment - you can live there, but you can't take the cool furniture with you if you move.
Shared ownership
This is a mix. You might own your content, but custom code belongs to the developer. Think of it as owning your stuff inside a rented house.
Hosting-dependent ownership
Here's where it gets tricky. You own your content, but if you stop paying the designer for hosting, you lose access. It's like having the keys to your house, but the designer owns the land it's built on.
Why does this matter?
Well, it affects what you can do with your site in the future:
Want to redesign?
Switch designers?
Sell your business?
Change platforms?
Your ownership agreement will determine how easy (or complicated) these changes will be.
Pro tip: Always ask about ownership upfront.
It's not just about who built the castle, but who gets to call it home after the builders leave.
8 – “What kind of support and training do you offer post-launch?”
Launching your website is like moving into a your house. Moving day is crazy exciting, but what happens when the garbage disposal clogs or the driveway needs to be patched? That's where post-launch support comes in.
But before we dive into what to ask your web designer, let's flip the script:
What do YOU actually want?
Are you looking to be a DIY homeowner, or do you want a handyman on speed dial?
Your website, like any house, needs upkeep.
Over time, all roofs leak and all paint needs touch-ups. Who do you want handling these digital renovations?
Deciding if you want an ongoing web maintenance plan before you start your design project can help guide the direction of your site:
Does it need to be beginner-friendly or can your designer/developer get crazy-custom with your code?
Find out what happens after launch
Now, let's get nosy with your potential web designer. Finding out what happens after launch means you’ll have a solid plan for settling in to your new digital home.
"How long does your post-launch support last?"
Is it a quick "bye, good luck," or do they stick around?
Some designers offer a week of support, others might ghost you after launch.
At Maypop Creative Studio, I provide a free VIP Client Membership month after launch."What's your handover process?"
Do they toss you the keys and run, or walk you through every room?
Look for designers who offer a thorough handover, like my custom embedded video series and "sandbox" practice area."What issues does your support cover?"
Are they just fixing broken links, or helping you understand why your logo looks wonky on mobile?
Clarify what's included.
Maypop Creative Studio free VIP Client Membership month is like training wheels for a bike. It’s meant to help with any issues that you can't solve on your own in the initial phase of owning your website, after reviewing your Private How-To page and the Client Resource Hub."Who will be helping me when things go sideways?"
Know who “help” actually refers to.
If you’re working with a large agency, do you have a dedicated account rep? Alternatively, if you worked with a freelance designer and they outsourced your development, who will troubleshoot your code?
Knowing that you’re dealing with a trusted advisor rather than a faceless bot will be key."Do you provide a user manual?"
A good manual can save you countless headaches when trying to troubleshoot or make edits.
I offer lifetime access to a private resource section with user manuals, videos, and FAQs."Got any video tutorials for the tech-challenged?"
Videos can be a lifesaver when you're trying to figure out how to update your services page at 2 AM.
Generic platform walkthroughs are a great start, and custom are even better. For example, I embed customized tutorial videos right on your site."What about ongoing maintenance packages?"
Websites need regular TLC.
If you don’t want to do it yourself, make sure you inquire about this, and exactly what the package includes. The bare minimum is site updates, but at SBSK, I also include annual site strategy, monthly office hours, quarterly workshops, discounts on additional projects, and more."How do you handle updates and security?"
Keeping your site updated and secure is crucial.
When using Squarespace, the platform automatically updates. However, any custom code will have to be spot-checked.
For Wordpress, you’ll have to manually update - find out if this is included or an extra cost."What's the cost for extra support?"
Know what's free and what'll cost you.
For example, Squarespace has free support, but Wordpress doesn’t.
Some design studios offer a la carte help and some only offer maintenance plans.
At Maypop Creative Studio, after your free 30-day period, additional support is only available through the VIP Client Membership.
Pro tip: Match the support level to your comfort level.
If "CSS" sounds like a crime show to you – a more comprehensive support plan might be a good idea. If you're a tech whiz or have time to devote to learning – you might just be a-ok on your own.
Remember, the site launch is just the beginning of your website journey. Your needs might change over time, so it’s best to think about the long game at the start.
Conclusion: making the right choice in website design and development
We've toured every room in this website design house, from the onboarding basement to the post-launch attic.
Remember, picking the right web designer and developer is like choosing a contractor for your dream home. You want someone who:
Gets your vision (no static colorblocking when you are looking for flowing micro-movement)
Speaks your language (not just tech-gibberish)
Has a process that vibes with your style (whether it’s laid back or strict deadlines)
Offers support that's more than just a "good luck" sticky note
Don't be shy about asking these questions - an experienced designer knows their processes and will appreciate your thoroughness. After all, this is your online castle!
Pro tip: Trust your gut. If a designer's answers make you feel confident and excited, you're probably on the right track.
Now go forth and find that perfect web design partner, and enjoy your new digital digs!
