How to Choose a Web Designer (Without Getting Burned)

Picking a web designer is harder than it should be. Everyone's portfolio looks great, and nobody puts “we ghost you after deposit” on their homepage. Here's how to choose someone who will actually ship.

Start with outcomes, not aesthetics

Before you look at portfolios, write down what the site needs to do:

• Generate leads? (forms, chat, clear CTAs)
• Rank on Google? (SEO, speed, content plan)
• Sell online? (e-commerce, payments)
• Look credible? (case studies, reviews, professional copy)

A beautiful site that doesn't convert is an expensive business card. Ask designers how they'll hit your outcomes, not just which font they like.

Questions worth asking

1. What's the fixed price and timeline? Vague answers mean vague invoices.
2. Do I own the domain, code, and accounts? You should. Always.
3. Is SEO included? If not, budget for it separately, or pick someone who bundles it.
4. Can I see a live site you built recently? Not a mockup. A real URL.
5. What happens after launch? Hosting, updates, and who fixes things when they break.

Signs you found a good fit

• Public pricing or a clear quote breakdown
• Fast, plain-English communication
• Portfolio sites that load quickly on your phone
• They ask about your business, not just your color preferences

Where we fit

AJAR builds websites for small businesses with public pricing and SEO baked in. Browse our portfolio, read about website design, or book a free call. We'll tell you honestly if we're the right fit.