How to choose a web designer: 10 questions to ask before you pay

The 10 questions

Ask every designer you're considering:

• Can I see live websites you've built, not just screenshots?
• Is your quote fixed and itemised, and what isn't included?
• Will I own the domain, the code and all the content?
• Is the site custom-designed or based on a template?
• How will the site work on mobile phones, and how fast will it load?
• What basic SEO is included (titles, descriptions, sitemap, Google Search Console)?
• Can I update text and images myself after launch?
• How many revision rounds are included, and what does extra work cost?
• What is the timeline, and what do you need from me to keep to it?
• What support do you offer after launch, and how much does it cost?

Red flags to watch for

Be careful if a designer registers your domain in their own name, won't give you access to your hosting, promises a guaranteed first-page Google ranking, or asks for full payment upfront with nothing in writing. A trustworthy designer explains their process clearly and is happy to put the scope, price and ownership terms on paper.

Look at speed and mobile, not just looks

Open a few of their past sites on your phone. Do they load quickly? Are the buttons easy to tap? Is it obvious how to call or WhatsApp the business? A beautiful site that's slow on mobile loses customers and ranks lower on Google.

How PixelForge Studio answers these

You get a fixed, itemised quote after a free call, three revision rounds, full ownership of your code, content and domain, SEO basics on every site, and 30 days of free fixes after launch. You can check a price range yourself with the instant estimate calculator before you talk to anyone.