Looking to hire a web designer? Use this 10-step checklist to find the right fit for your business and get a website that performs and looks professional.

Hiring a web designer isn’t something you do every day—and it can be hard to know where to start. A great website is more than a pretty face. It should feel right for your brand, work smoothly behind the scenes, and help your business grow.

Whether you’re building something new or giving your existing site a much-needed facelift, this checklist will help you hire the right designer—someone who gets you, your goals, and your industry.

1. Define Your Needs and Goals

Before you even speak to a designer, get clear on what you want from your website.

• Set a Budget: Know what you’re comfortable spending—not just upfront, but also for ongoing costs like hosting and maintenance. It doesn’t have to be huge, but it does need to be realistic.
• Clarify Your Objectives: Are you selling products, booking appointments, showcasing a portfolio, or simply building trust online?
• List Key Features: Need a blog? Online shop? Newsletter sign-up? Booking system? Write down what matters most.

Example:
If you run a guesthouse, your website needs a gallery, booking integration, contact forms, and reviews. If you’re a consultant, your focus might be case studies, lead capture, and a clean about page.

2. Check Their Portfolio

Any designer worth their salt should be able to show you what they’ve done—not just talk about it.

• Look for Relevant Experience: Have they worked with businesses like yours before?
• Review Style & Consistency: Do you like the look and feel of their work? Does it feel thoughtful, current, and usable?
• Scan for Results: Do the sites look like they’d perform well? Fast loading, mobile-friendly, and intuitive?

Tip: Don’t just focus on pretty designs. Look at how the content is laid out, how easy it is to navigate, and how it might feel to use the site.

3. Verify Technical Know-How

Design is only half the job—the tech side matters just as much.

• Mobile-Ready: Does the site adapt beautifully to phones and tablets?
• SEO Basics: Can they build a foundation that helps your site rank on Google?
• CMS Proficiency: Are they familiar with platforms like WordPress or Shopify—especially if you’ll be updating content yourself?

Ask questions like:

“Will I be able to edit this myself?”
“Do you follow SEO best practices when building the site?”

4. Ask About Their Process

A professional designer should have a clear, structured workflow—not just wing it.

• Discovery Phase: Will they take time to understand your business, your market, and your goals?
• Mockups & Prototypes: Will you see previews before they build the final version?
• Feedback Loops: Are rounds of feedback and revisions included? How many?

Bonus: A designer who has a thoughtful process usually produces thoughtful work.

5. Communication & Collaboration

Let’s be honest—projects can go off the rails when communication breaks down.

• Clear Communication: Do they explain things in plain English, without jargon overload?
• Update Rhythm: How often will you hear from them? Will there be a shared task board or weekly check-ins?
• Client Involvement: Will they welcome your feedback and keep you involved—or just disappear for weeks?

Trust signal: You should feel respected and listened to, not overwhelmed or left in the dark.

6. Assess Reviews and Testimonials

Don’t just take their word for it—see what others have to say.

• Look for Consistency: Are past clients praising the same things (like creativity, speed, or reliability)?
• Check External Platforms: See if they’re rated on Google, LinkedIn, Bark, or freelancer sites like Upwork or Fiverr.
• Watch Out for Red Flags: Gaps in communication, missed deadlines, or vague contracts are all signs to dig deeper.

7. Understand Their Pricing and Contracts

No one likes surprise invoices. Make sure it’s all crystal clear.

• Transparent Pricing: Is the quote itemised and easy to understand?
• What’s Included: Does the fee cover hosting, emails, domains, or ongoing care plans?
• Contracts: Do they outline timelines, deliverables, revision rounds, and payment terms?

Pro tip: A good contract protects both parties—and shows professionalism.

8. Ensure Ongoing Support

A website launch isn’t the end of the road—it’s just the beginning.

• Aftercare Options: Will they offer help with training, backups, plugin updates, or troubleshooting?
• Long-Term Availability: Can you call on them if something breaks down in 6 months?

Ask:

“What happens after the site goes live?”
“Do you offer retainers or pay-as-you-need support?”

9. Look for Added Value

You’re not just hiring someone to build a website—you’re hiring a strategic partner.

• Marketing Awareness: Can they advise you on things like copy, SEO, or social media?
• Tailored Design: Do they build custom designs, or just slap your logo on a premade template?
• Problem-Solving: When issues arise, do they troubleshoot with confidence—or panic?

Example:
A great designer will say, “Here’s how we can make this call-to-action stronger,” not just “I’ll do whatever you say.”

10. Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, you need to feel confident in who you’re working with.

• Personal Fit: Do you feel comfortable asking questions or pushing back on ideas?
• Reliability: Are they prompt, prepared, and respectful in early conversations?
• Shared Vision: Do they seem genuinely excited about your project?

Tip: Your website will evolve over time—so hire someone you actually enjoy working with.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a web designer is a big decision, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. By using this checklist, you’ll be better equipped to find someone who’s not only skilled—but who also gets your business and can grow with you over time.

Looking for someone who ticks these boxes?
I’d love to chat. At Baxtersweb, I build reliable, clean, high-performing websites for serious businesses—locally and internationally.
Let’s bring your vision to life—get in touch here.