Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer.

Thinking of Hiring a Web Designer? Ask These Questions First.

Hiring a web designer is a big decision. Whether you’re launching a new website or refreshing an old one, the person (or agency) you choose will shape the online face of your business.

But not all designers are the same—and not all are the right fit for your goals.

Before you sign that contract, here are 10 must-ask questions that will help you avoid red flags, find the right partner, and ensure your website actually performs.

1. What platform will you build my site on?

If they say “custom-coded from scratch” and you’re a small business or nonprofit, run.
You want a user-friendly platform like WordPress that gives you control after launch—without needing a developer for every edit.

Pro tip: At Cloud Nine Web, we build exclusively on WordPress for its power, flexibility, and ease of use.

2. Will my site be mobile-friendly?

Over 60% of traffic comes from phones. A responsive website is non-negotiable.
Ask to see examples of how their designs adapt across devices.

3. How do you handle SEO?

A pretty site won’t help if no one can find it. Ask how they build in SEO essentials like:

• Clean code
• Fast load times
• Meta tags
• Mobile optimization
  Bonus points if they track performance after launch.

4. Do you offer hosting and maintenance?

A great website still needs care after launch.
Do they offer managed WordPress hosting, backups, updates, and support? Or do they hand off the site and disappear?

Cloud Nine Web offers all-in-one Care Plans so your site stays fast, secure, and up-to-date.

5. Who writes the content?

Content can make or break a design. Will you be expected to write it all yourself?
Many great designers don’t offer copywriting—but they should work with you to make sure your message is clear and engaging.

6. Can I see your portfolio?

A portfolio gives you a peek at their style and range. Look for:

• Variety across industries
• User-friendly layouts
• Fast load times
• Sites that look great on mobile

Make sure they’ve built websites for small businesses or nonprofits like yours.

7. What happens if I need changes later?

Websites evolve. Ask about:

• Revision policies during the build
• Turnaround time for future updates
• Cost of ongoing support (if they don’t offer a care plan)

8. How will you communicate with me?

Poor communication is one of the biggest complaints people have with designers.
Will you get weekly updates? A project dashboard? Who do you talk to if something goes wrong?

9. How long will the project take?

Good design takes time—but you still need a timeline.
Ask for a projected launch date and what could delay it (like late content or design revisions).

10. Will I own the website?

Some designers hold your domain, hosting, or even your content hostage.
Make sure you get:

• Admin access
• All design files
• Clear ownership rights

At Cloud Nine Web, you own your site. Always.

Final Thoughts

Hiring a web designer isn’t just about choosing someone who can make your site look good.
It’s about finding a partner who understands your goals, respects your brand, and builds with performance and longevity in mind.

If you’re ready to create a website that works as hard as you do, we’d love to chat.