Things to know before Hiring a Web Designer

1. Clearly Define Your Website Goals and Requirements

Before speaking to any designer, take time to outline the purpose of your website:
Is it meant to generate leads, sell products, build brand awareness, or showcase a portfolio?

What specific functionalities do you require?

Examples include:
– Contact forms
– Appointment booking
– Online payments
– Blog sections
– Membership or login areas

Consider your long-term goals—
will you need the ability to scale or add features later?

Having a clear vision will not only help you communicate effectively but also allow the designer to offer accurate timelines and quotes.

2. Know Your Budget (And What’s Included)

Website design can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on:

– The number of pages
– Level of customization
– Design complexity
– Required features or integrations

Ask potential designers for a detailed breakdown of what’s included in their pricing:

– How many design revisions are covered?
– Are content uploads (text/images) included?
– Does the price include basic SEO setup, domain, or hosting guidance?
– Will they provide ongoing maintenance, or is that an additional fee?

Don’t just go with the cheapest option—go with the one that provides real value and aligns with your goals.

3. Review Their Portfolio

Take a thorough look at the designer’s past work to assess:

Visual design style
– is it clean, modern, and professional?

Functionality
– do their websites look easy to navigate and use?

Mobile responsiveness
– check how their past sites look on phones and tablets.

If their work feels generic or outdated, it may not reflect the professionalism your business needs.

4. Evaluate Technical Skills and Platform Expertise

A good designer should have more than just visual design skills—they should also understand the technical side:

Responsive Design:
The site must work well on desktops, tablets, and smartphones.

Basic SEO Knowledge:
Meta tags, alt text, proper headings, and site speed optimization are essentials.

CMS Experience:
Whether it’s WordPress, Webflow, Wix, or Shopify, make sure they’re proficient in the platform you plan to use.

Page Speed Optimization:
Fast-loading websites reduce bounce rates and improve SEO rankings.

If you need eCommerce capabilities or custom features, ask if they can handle that—or collaborate with a developer. Agencies like Eunorial Consulting are well equipped to handle both design and developmental aspects of a website. 

5. Clarify Their Design Process and Timeline

Transparency is critical. Ask for a clear outline of how the project will progress:

– What are the key milestones?
– How long will each phase take (wireframing, design, development, testing)?
– How often will you get updates?
– What tools will they use to collaborate with you (email, Monday, notion etc)
– Who is responsible for content—will you need to provide all text and images

Understanding the process upfront helps avoid surprises or miscommunication down the line.

6. Confirm Their Availability and Turnaround Time

Many skilled designers juggle multiple projects at once. Be sure to ask:

– When can they start your project?
– How many projects are they currently working on?
– What’s their estimated delivery time?
– Are they available for quick communication and feedback rounds during the project?

If you have a deadline (such as a product launch or event), make that clear from the beginning and ensure they can realistically meet it.

7. Confirm Ownership and Access Rights

Ensure that once the project is completed, you have full control over your website:

– You should own your domain name, hosting account, and admin access to the CMS.
– Ask whether the designer will transfer all credentials to you upon project completion.
– Avoid designers who retain ownership or require ongoing fees for basic access.

A professional designer will always hand over full ownership once payment is complete.

8. Ask About Post-Launch Support

Websites need ongoing care—bugs may appear, plugins may need updating, and small content changes might come up.

Clarify:
– Will the designer be available for future updates or support?
– Is there a maintenance plan or retainer option?
– Do they offer training so you (or your team) can manage the site independently?

Having this sorted in advance can save you a lot of stress after the launch.

9. Check References, Reviews, or Testimonials

Reputation matters.

Look for client feedback on platforms like Google, LinkedIn, or their website.

Ask for:
– Case studies of past work
– Contact information for client references (if appropriate)
– Testimonials that describe both the process and the final outcome

This step helps you gauge their professionalism, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

10. Review the Contract Thoroughly

Never proceed without a written agreement that clearly outlines:

– Scope of work (deliverables, number of pages, features, etc.)
– Timelines and milestones
– Payment structure (deposits, final payments)
– Ownership rights
– Policies around delays, revisions, or cancellation

The contract protects both parties and sets clear expectations, helping avoid confusion later.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right website designer goes beyond liking their aesthetic—it’s about finding someone who understands your business, communicates clearly, and can deliver a site that works as hard as you do. A successful website should be more than just visually appealing; it should be functional, user-friendly, and aligned with your goals.

Take the time to research, ask the right questions, and ensure there’s a clear process in place. A professional, well-thought-out website is an investment that can elevate your brand, attract customers, and support long-term growth.

By being informed and intentional, you’ll not only avoid common pitfalls but also set the stage for a productive and successful design partnership.

For building a website that serves as a revenue generating tool for your business, reach out to Eunorial Consulting. We are a boutique web design agency based in the heart of Toronto. With a deep understanding of the local business landscape, we specialize in crafting custom digital solutions that not only elevate your online presence but also drive meaningful growth. Our expert team offers a comprehensive range of services including UI/UX design, web development, copywriting, asset migration, and analytic tag integration.

Here’s a completely Free Web design, and development checklist for you. It is an important tool to help you design, build, and deliver a website. Download the checklist for a hassle -free overview of the tasks at hand by clicking on the button below.