Hiring a web designer is one of those things where the wrong choice can cost you twice — once when you pay, and again when you need to fix it. Here's how to get it right the first time.
Questions to Ask Before You Hire
"Who owns the website after it's launched?"
This is non-negotiable: you should own your website. Some designers build sites on platforms (like Wix) where you're locked into their system, or they keep the domain and hosting under their name. Always insist that the domain, hosting account, and source files belong to you.
"What happens if I need changes after launch?"
Life changes. Prices change. Services change. Some designers charge $100–$200/hour for every small update after launch. Others quote per request. Always ask how post-launch changes are priced before you sign anything.
"How long will the build take?"
A realistic timeline for a small business site is 1–3 weeks. If someone promises a professional site in 24 hours, be skeptical. If someone says it'll take 3 months, ask why.
"Will the site be mobile-friendly and fast?"
Any web designer in 2026 should answer "yes" immediately. If they hesitate or need to explain, that's a red flag.
Red Flags to Watch For
- All-upfront payment required — Legitimate designers often take 50% upfront and 50% on delivery.
- No written contract or scope of work — Verbal agreements lead to misunderstandings. Get it in writing.
- Communication disappears after deposit — Some freelancers collect money and go quiet. Pay attention to response times before you hire.
A real story: A pool service owner in Kissimmee paid $600 to a "web designer" on Craigslist. The person built a site using a free template, never delivered the login credentials, and disappeared. The owner had to start over. Get references.
What to Provide to Your Designer
The more you bring to the table, the faster and better your site will be:
- Your logo (or let them know you don't have one yet)
- Photos of your work, your team, or your location
- A list of your services and prices (even approximate)
- Your phone number, email, and address/service area
- 2–3 websites you like the look of (for design inspiration)
- Any existing reviews you want to feature
Local vs. Overseas vs. DIY
There's a spectrum here:
- DIY (Wix/Squarespace) — Free to cheap, costs time, usually amateur-looking
- Overseas freelancer — $100–$500, higher risk, variable quality, hard to communicate
- Local agency — $400–$1,500, accountable, understands your market, real support
We're obviously biased toward local agencies — but we've also seen what overseas and DIY work looks like when it goes wrong. The cost difference is almost always worth it.
Ready to Work with a Designer You Can Trust?
We build professional websites for local businesses in Central Florida. Fast turnaround, transparent pricing, and you own everything.
Get a Free Quote