# Questions to Ask a Web Designer Before Hiring One | Capterra | Capterra > Finding and choosing the best web design company can be a challenging task. With our guide, learn the most important questions to ask a web designer to help make your decision easier. Source: https://www.capterra.com/resources/questions-to-ask-a-web-designer --- Marketing # Questions to Ask a Web Designer Before Hiring One By Michelle Harris Michelle Harris Michelle Harris is a strategic content writer specializing in technology, healthcare. She is a Ph.D. candidate researching finance decision-making and holds ... [See bio & all articles](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mharris/) Published July 14, 2023 5 min read Table of Contents - [Things to know before hiring a web designer](#things-to-know-before-hiring-a-web-designer) - [What to look for when hiring a website design company](#what-to-look-for-when-hiring-a-website-design-company) - [Questions to ask a website designer](#questions-to-ask-a-website-designer) ## Asking the right questions can ensure you get the best fit for your marketing goals. A professional website can be your business's most essential marketing tool—but planning, developing, managing, and maintaining a website is no easy task.   A web designer can help you improve your web presence and attract new customers with end-to-end web design services from conceptualization to launch. A recent survey shows that nearly [one-third of overall business services purchasers](https://www.capterra.com/resources/business-services-for-smbs/) contracted for custom web development for their most recent engagement, which includes web design services.  If you're a small-business leader, you may be unsure how to select a web design agency from the many available options. Knowing which questions to ask a potential service provider can help you to refine your search in an educated way. ###    Why hire a website designer? Your website is vital to the impression you make on your current and potential customers. Having the right web designer ensures that your website effectively achieves the following goals: - Reach more people - Build brand awareness - Establish credibility - Engage target audiences - Provide a good customer experience - Improve SEO ranking ## Things to know before hiring a web designer  When you've made the decision to hire someone to design a new website, redesign your current website, or manage a site, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are some things to consider while you search.  ### Different types of web designers - **Freelance web designer:** A freelance web designer is an independent contractor. Many web designers offer their services through online freelance marketplaces. The quality, reliability, and cost vary widely, so make sure you do your research.  - **Agency web designer:** The other option is to work with a marketing agency that specializes in developing, designing, and managing websites. Large, full-service firms typically have an account manager and a team of web professionals, each playing a role that ranges from information technology and creative design to web copywriting and digital marketing. You'll also have access to more extensive [digital marketing services](https://www.capterra.com/resources/types-of-digital-marketing/) (e.g., social media marketing, [PPC advertising](https://www.capterra.com/resources/what-is-ppc-management/), etc.). Small or midsize agencies specializing in web design may be less expensive but offer more personalized attention. Web designers have a wide range of experience and skills. Some may have more experience in the creative or functional aspects. Others may specialize in certain industries or types of websites (e.g., educational versus eCommerce). When choosing a web designer, regardless of whether you go with a freelance designer or an agency, consider how well they mesh with your goals. ### Difference between website designers and web developers The main difference between the two roles is that a web designer focuses on the front-end design (look and feel), whereas a web developer works on the back-end technology (function).  Web designers are usually trained in using creative techniques and design software. In contrast, a web developer has expertise in programming and other IT functions.  Some web designers can handle some back-end coding (i.e., HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, etc.). ## What to look for when hiring a website design company  When you're looking for a website design company to hire, it's essential to realize that they're not all created equal. They will vary widely in all aspects of website design, from services offered to fees.   Here are a few things to consider:  - Types of services offered  - Web design processes  - Communication approach  - Design fees and payment options  - Portfolio and case studies  - Testimonials, reviews, and references  - Experience, skills, knowledge, and expertise   - Years in business ## Questions to ask a website designer  Before hiring a designer, it's a good idea to generate a list of questions to ask during your initial conversation. The following list covers the basics, but you should tailor the list based on your unique website needs: ###    Questions about the web design process  Every web designer will have a different workflow or process, and it's important to understand theirs before you go into business with them to ensure that they can easily collaborate with you.  - _What is your design process?_   - _Who will I be working closely with?_  - _What information do you look for from your clients before you begin a project?_  - _Will you help us structure the content of our site (and potentially help write new content if needed), or do you expect finalized content before you begin design?_   - _Who will provide the images and copy for my website?_  - _What files and assets do you plan to hand off to the developer?_  - _Will you be able to collaborate with the developer to ensure the final website honors the intent of the design?_ ###    Questions about the web design timeline The web design timeline, including keeping you up to date on the progress, is a key part of the overall process.  - _How do you set a timeline for your projects?_  - _How long will it take to design the site?_  - _Will we have a chance to provide feedback throughout the project?_  - _At what point(s) will you_ _share progress and receive feedback?_   ###    Questions about available website design services  You want to ensure that the chosen agency and dedicated designer can provide the services suited to your business goals. In addition, confirm their payment terms.  - _Do you offer services other than web design?_  - _Do you follow_ [_SEO_](https://www.capterra.com/resources/types-of-seo-services/) _best practices?_  - _Are your web designs mobile-friendly?_  - _Will you integrate my marketing strategies?_  - _Which services would you provide with my budget?_  - _Do you bill per project or per hour?_ ###    Questions about the websites they create  Before hiring a website designer, it's essential to know that they're capable of building a website that meets your needs. This is especially important if you or a staff member plans to manage the content updates. Make sure the websites they've done for other clients are a close match to what you're looking for in quality, function, etc. - _Which software do you use to create websites?_  - _Which content management system do you use?_  - _Do you have a portfolio or case studies of past clients?_ ## Capterra's 2026 Software Buying Trends Report ### Download our 2026 Software Buying Trends Report to see how successful software adopters avoid disappointment and how your business can, too. * * * ### Was this article helpful? * * * ## About the Author [### Michelle Harris](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/mharris/) Michelle Harris is a strategic content writer specializing in technology, healthcare. She is a Ph.D. candidate researching finance decision-making and holds graduate degrees in management and marketing. She is a frequent contributor trusted business resources including Capterra. ### RELATED READING - [Marketing ROI: Prioritizing Your Next Sales and Marketing CRM Investment](https://www.capterra.com/resources/marketing-roi-strategies/) - [How Integrating Email Automation With CRM Systems Boosts Customer Engagement](https://www.capterra.com/resources/integrating-email-automation-with-crm-systems/) - [How to Develop an Omnichannel Marketing Strategy for Customer Engagement](https://www.capterra.com/resources/crm-omnichannel-marketing-strategy/) - [CRM cloud vs. on-premise: Which is better for your business?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/crm-cloud-vs-on-premise/) - [CRM Data Management Explained: From Clean Data to Customer Insights](https://www.capterra.com/resources/crm-data-management/) - [Capterra Sales and Marketing Trends 2026: CRM and AI Adoption Requires Strategic Implementation and Integration](https://www.capterra.com/resources/sales-and-marketing-software-trends/) - [Email Marketing Trends: What SMBs Need To Know To Boost Campaign Performance](https://www.capterra.com/resources/email-marketing-trends/) - [Exploring Different Types of Video Content and Their Benefits](https://www.capterra.com/resources/types-of-video-content/) - [What Are the 8 Types of Digital Marketing?](https://www.capterra.com/resources/types-of-digital-marketing/)