How to Choose a Web Designer

A web designer can help you turn your ideas into a website customers can use. You don’t need to arrive with every page planned. Start by explaining what your business does, who your customers are and what you want the website to help them do.

Updated: 7 September 2026.

Write down what you need

A short list is enough to start a conversation. You might need people to call for a quote, book an appointment, buy products or find your opening hours.

Include any features you know you need, a budget range and when you would like the site ready. If you have an existing website, explain what works and what you would like to improve.

Look at examples of their work

Visit a few websites they have made, including on your phone. Can you find the information, use the menu and understand how to contact the business? Ask which parts the designer worked on and whether you can speak to a previous customer.

A freelancer may be a good fit for a straightforward website. An agency may offer several skills and more people to provide support. If you would prefer to build it yourself, compare a website builder with professional help.

Compare what the quotes include

• Which pages and features will be built?
• Who writes the words and supplies the photos?
• Will it work on phones and be checked for accessibility?
• Who sets up forms, bookings or payments and checks they work?
• Are website hosting, email and ongoing support included?
• Can you change prices, photos or opening hours yourself?
• How many rounds of changes are included, and what costs extra?

Use the same description of the job for each designer. This makes differences in their prices easier to understand.

Agree how the work will happen

Ask to see a page plan and a sample design before the whole site is built. Agree when you will review the work, when payments are due and who can approve extra costs.

Make sure the written agreement explains what you will own. Keep the website address registered in an account you can access, and ask how the site and its content can be moved if you change provider.

Check ongoing costs for themes, plugins, images or other paid items. The National Cyber Security Centre explains how to look after a business domain name.

Try the website before it goes live

Use it as a customer would, on a phone and a computer. Send an enquiry, try a booking or order if relevant, and check the right emails arrive. Ask the designer to show you how to make everyday updates.

Know who will help afterwards

Agree who looks after updates and backups, how to report a problem and what support costs. Keep account details and renewal dates somewhere the business can access. A clear handover should leave you knowing how to use the website and where to get help.