Plan on hiring a web designer? This is a major decision for your business. Your website isn’t just an online brochure—it’s your digital storefront, a lead-generating machine, and often the first impression potential customers have of your brand. But not all web design agencies are created equal, and choosing the wrong one could cost you valuable time, money, and opportunities.
So how do you make the right choice? Start by asking the right questions. Here are 10 essential questions to ask before hiring a web designer, plus expert insights from our team at Sequent.
1. Can I See Examples of Your Past Work?
A reputable web design agency should have a portfolio showcasing their work. Looking at past projects gives you an idea of their style, creativity, and ability to design websites that align with different business goals.
What to look for:
- Clean, modern, and user-friendly designs
- Mobile responsiveness (Does the site look good on a phone?)
- Fast loading speeds
- Websites designed for your industry (or at least similar business types)
Red flag: If an agency struggles to provide real examples, they may lack experience or be outsourcing their work.
2. Do You Have Experience with Businesses Like Mine?
Every industry has different needs. A law firm’s website won’t function the same way as an eCommerce store. Hiring a web design agency with experience in your industry can save you a lot of headaches.
Why it matters:
- They’ll understand industry-specific customer behaviors
- They know what features work best for businesses like yours
- They can help you stay ahead of competitors
If they don’t have direct experience, ask how they plan to tailor the design to fit your industry.
3. What’s Included in Your Web Design Package?
Not all agencies offer the same services. Some only provide design, while others include SEO, branding, and content creation as part of the package. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
Key questions to ask:
- Does the package include hosting and domain setup?
- Will they write or assist with website content?
- Do they offer basic SEO to help your site get found on Google?
- How many revisions are included?
Red flag: Some agencies lure clients with low upfront costs but charge hidden fees for essential services.
4. How Do You Ensure My Website is User-Friendly?
A beautiful website means nothing if customers can’t navigate it. User experience (UX) is key to keeping visitors engaged and converting them into customers.
Good UX design includes:
- Easy navigation and clear menus
- Fast page load speeds
- Mobile-friendly design
- Simple, intuitive layouts
Pro tip: Ask if they conduct user testing to ensure your website works well for real visitors before launch.
5. Will My Website Be SEO-Optimized?
A new website without search engine optimization (SEO) is like opening a store in the middle of nowhere—nobody will find it. Your web design agency should integrate SEO best practices from the start.
Must-have SEO elements:
- Fast-loading pages
- Proper use of heading structures (H1, H2, etc.)
- Mobile-friendly design
- Meta descriptions and keyword optimization
Red flag: If an agency treats SEO as an “extra” rather than a necessity, they may not be up to date with modern web standards.
6. How Many Revisions Are Included?
Most agencies limit the number of revisions, so it’s crucial to know their policy upfront.
Ask about:
- How many rounds of revisions are included?
- How they collect and implement feedback
- The process for handling major design changes mid-project
Pro tip: Get everything in writing so there are no surprises later.
7. What Happens After the Website Launches?
Launching a website is just the beginning. Websites require ongoing website management to keep them secure, fast, and up to date.
Ask:
- Will I own the website, or does the agency retain control?
- What support is included after launch?
- Do they offer website maintenance or training on how to update content yourself?
Red flag: Some agencies hold clients “hostage” by keeping control of their website’s backend, making it hard to switch providers later.
8. What’s Your Pricing Structure?
Understanding how an agency charges helps you avoid unexpected costs. Agencies typically charge in one of three ways:
- Flat-rate pricing – One-time fee for the entire project
- Hourly pricing – Pay as you go (can be unpredictable)
- Monthly retainer – Ongoing design and maintenance support
Pro tip: Ask for a clear breakdown of costs and make sure you know what’s included in the base price.
9. How Will You Keep Me Involved in the Process?
Communication is key. A great web design agency will involve you throughout the process, so you’re not left in the dark.
Good agencies will:
- Provide design mockups before development begins
- Offer regular check-ins and updates
- Allow for feedback and adjustments at each stage
Red flag: If an agency disappears for weeks and comes back with a finished website, you may end up with something completely different from what you envisioned.
10. Why Should I Choose You Over Other Web Design Agencies?
This is where you find out what really sets them apart.
A strong agency will highlight:
- Their expertise and past results
- Their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction
- How they align with your business’s goals
If they struggle to answer this question, they might not be the right fit for you.
Conclusion: The Right Agency Will Save You Time, Money & Headaches
Your website is a long-term investment in your business, so choosing the right in hiring a web designer crucial. Asking these 10 questions will help you make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
At Sequent, we believe in transparency, high-quality design, and results-driven strategies. If you’re looking for a web design agency that prioritizes your business’s success, contact us today for a free consultation!
