Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer
If you run a business or a nonprofit, hiring someone for your website is a trust decision. The right questions protect you whether you hire a freelancer, an agency or a neighbor who “does sites.” This list is meant to be fair. Use it with anyone you are considering.
1. Who Holds the Domain and the Site?
What it looks like: A proposal that never explains who will hold the domain, how renewals are handled or what happens if you part ways.
Why it matters: If accounts sit in the designer’s name, parting ways can strand your business.
What to do: Ask, in writing: Who will hold the domain and hosting, how will renewals be handled and what happens if we part ways? A clear answer matters more than whose name is on the account.
2. What Happens If We Part Ways?
What it looks like: A friendly start with no exit plan.
Why it matters: Relationships can end. You need a clean handoff: files, logins, documentation and any licenses.
What to do: Ask how they handle offboarding. You should know how access to your online assets like your website, domain registration, and email administration (where applicable) transfers. You'll want to get a clear list of where everything lives and receive what you need for a clean handoff. Never accept a setup where they will not tell you who holds the keys or refuse to hand them over when you leave.
3. Hosting and Maintenance Costs
What it looks like: A single project price with hosting “included” and no monthly detail.
Why it matters: Hosting, updates, backups and security work are ongoing. Surprise fees show up later.
What to do: Ask what hosting costs, what maintenance covers, what is hourly and what happens if the site breaks after busines hours. Get details and numbers in writing.
4. Who Writes Copy and Provides Photos?
What it looks like: A timeline that assumes “content” appears without saying who creates it.
Why it matters: Waiting on copy and photos is the most common reason launches slip. It is also where your voice either shows up or disappears.
What to do: Ask who drafts text, who edits it and who shoots or sources photos. If you are responsible, build time for that into the schedule.
5. How Do Updates Work After Launch?
What it looks like: You're not clear on how you change hours, a menu or a staff page.
Why it matters: A site you cannot update becomes outdated quickly and you don't need to be surprised by how that works when you need the change made right away.
What to do: Ask what you can change yourself, what they handle and how quickly routine edits turn around. Ask who trains your staff if your staff will have access to edit any content.
6. Security and Backups
What it looks like: No mention of updates, backups or what happens after a hack.
Why it matters: Small business sites are probed constantly. That puts them at risk for online attacks. Backups and updates are not optional extras.
What to do: Ask how often backups run, where they are stored and who applies software updates. Ask what a restore looks like if something goes wrong.
7. References and Real Reviews
What it looks like: A polished portfolio with no real businesses named and no real reviews or references.
Why it matters: Real clients will tell you what kind of experiences they have had with the agency or designer.
What to do: Ask for some recent clients you can contact. Read reviews Google or elsewhere, not only the ones on their homepage. Do not rely on screenshots of five-star quotes with no source.
8. Red Flags
What it looks like: Pressure to decide today, refusal to say who holds the domain or how renewals work, passwords sent casually over email or “we use a secret platform you cannot access.”
Why it matters: These patterns correlate with lock-in and messy breakups.
What to do: Slow down. Never wire a large deposit to someone who will not explain who holds the domain, how renewals work and what an exit looks like in plain English. Walk away if they will not tell you—or will not hand things over when asked.
A Calm Closing Note
A good web partner will welcome these questions. If you already work with Seaport Webworks, you can ask us the same ones anytime. If you are shopping around, take this list with you.
The One Rule to Remember
If you cannot explain who holds the domain, how renewals work and what happens if you part ways, the project is not finished.
Questions about your own setup are welcome at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cheap DIY website builder always a bad idea?
No. For a very simple brochure site it can be enough for a business that is just starting out. The same questions apply regarding who holds the domain, how renewals work and how you leave cleanly.
How much should a small business budget?
It varies widely by scope. Be wary of both unexplained bargains and vague large numbers. Ask what is included and what is not.
Should we keep our current designer’s hosting?
Only if you have a clear understanding about what is included and your satisfied that you're getting what you're paying for. You also need clarity on how you can leave if you ever want or need to do so.
What are the most important questions?
“Who will hold the domain and hosting, how will renewals be handled and what happens if we part ways?”
Do we need a formal contract?
Yes. A short written scope with ownership, payment schedule, timeline and maintenance terms protects both sides.
More guides for business owners
Fake domain renewals, vanity awards, Google listing calls, phishing and hosting scare emails, and what to do when one shows up.
What AI is fine for, what never to paste in, email assistants, voice-cloning scams, and how to keep staff safe.
Know who manages your domain, hosting and Google accounts—and how to reach them if something changes.
Strong unique passwords, your browser’s built-in saver and two-step sign-in—without the scare tactics.
A calm checklist for the moment the site will not load, before you pay anyone for a “fix.”