How to choose a web designer: what to watch out for

You only really know a good website over time, but you can recognise a good website builder in advance. Here is what to look at.

Look at references, not just looks

Open the sites in their portfolio on your phone, measure their speed and try filling in a form. A website above all has to work, not just look good. You will find examples of my work with the brief, the solution and the result.

Find out who owns the code and access

After hand-over, the website, domain and hosting should belong to you, not the supplier. Otherwise you are a hostage, and every change or move elsewhere becomes expensive.

Ask what is included in the price

Are SEO basics and speed included? Who provides the copy? What about running and maintenance after launch? A cheaper offer without these things ends up costing more.

Sort out communication and hand-over

Who will you talk to, how will the hand-over work and what happens when you want a change in a year’s time. Good collaboration does not end at launch.

Questions to take to the meeting

• Can I see websites you have built, and do they work well on mobile too?
• Who will actually work on my website?
• Will I own the code, domain and hosting after hand-over?
• Are SEO basics and loading speed included in the price?
• Who will look after the website after launch?

If you get clear answers to these questions, you are on the right track. I will gladly answer them too, just write to me, no obligation.