Choosing the right web designer or web developer to build your website can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re not super tech-savvy. The truth is, building a website is more than just picking colors and adding a few pages. It’s about creating a digital space that truly reflects your brand, supports your marketing goals, and helps you convert browsers into buyers.
That’s why asking the right questions is essential.
Whether you’re a small business owner in Austin or launching an e-commerce site from scratch, here are the most important questions to ask a website developer before hiring them. It’s your website project — you deserve to work with someone who understands your goals and knows how to get you there.
Why Asking the Right Questions to a Web Designer Matters
Your website is where customers first meet your brand. A poorly designed site with confusing navigation or slow load times can push people away. On the other hand, a well-planned site can enhance your user experience, build credibility, and drive sales. But how do you ensure your website developer is up for the task? It starts with asking the right questions during your selection process.
Not all design agencies or freelancers in Austin have the same experience or approach. Some may specialize in WordPress, while others focus on e-commerce. Some offer ongoing marketing support; others only handle the initial design.
By asking these essential questions, you protect your investment and align your vision with a design and development partner who gets it.
Questions to Ask a Website Developer Before Hiring
Every website needs a clear strategy, solid development, and purposeful design. Below are 16 questions to ask your prospective web designer before hiring them.
1. What’s Your Experience with Website Design (Especially for Businesses Like Mine)?
Start by asking about their background. The best website developers won’t just show off pretty graphics—they’ll demonstrate how their work supports specific business goals. Have they worked with similar industries? Do they understand your marketing strategy and the purpose of the website?
This can help you evaluate whether they understand the complexity of your specific website needs.
2. Can You Walk Me Through Your Web Design and Development Process?
This is one of the most important questions to ask a website developer. You want to understand the steps they take from initial brainstorming to launch, and where you fit into each phase.
Look for clarity around things like:
- Discovery and research
- Wireframes or sitemaps
- Content management and website structure
- Logo design or branding elements
- Testing and revisions
The clearer the process, the better your expectations will be managed.
3. Are You a Web Designer or Developer… or Both?
Many Austin professionals wear both hats, but it’s a good idea to ask. A designer focuses more on user experience design, layout, and visual aspects, while a developer handles the code and functionality.
If they are only a designer or a developer, find out who they collaborate with to address the other side.
4. What Platform Do You Use to Build Your Websites?
Some designers specialize in WordPress. Others work with custom content management systems or e-commerce platforms like Shopify.
Make sure they can build your website on a platform that fits your needs and is easy for you to maintain in the long run.
5. Do You Optimize Websites for Search Engines?
Search engine optimization (SEO) is essential. It’s what helps your site rank on Google and bring in organic traffic.
Ask your potential website designer:
- Do they include on-page SEO in their services?
- Will page load speed, mobile responsiveness, and site structure be addressed?
- Will they guide you on writing search-friendly content on your website?
If you’re unfamiliar, here’s a great place to start learning what is SEO.
6. Can I See Examples of Your Past Projects?
You want to know if they’ve delivered successful websites before.
Ask for:
- Links to live websites
- Case studies or outcomes
- Feedback from previous clients
Pay attention to usability, mobile design, and whether each site supports the company’s brand clearly.
7. How Will We Communicate Throughout the Project?
Effective communication is key to any website development project.
Find out:
- How often you’ll meet (phone, email, video calls)
- If there will be a dedicated project manager
- How you’ll give feedback or request changes
This helps avoid miscommunication during the design process.
8. Who Owns the Website After It’s Launched?
It’s critical that you ask this clearly. Ownership should include:
- Domain
- Design files
- Content
- Website hosting access
Make sure the contract reflects that you or your business retains full access and ownership.
9. What Happens if I Need Updates Later?
Website needs change. You may want to add features or adapt your content later. Ask if they offer ongoing support or maintenance plans, and what those services cost.
Also check whether you’ll be trained on how to update content on your own.
10. How Do You Handle Web Hosting?
Some web design companies offer hosting, while others expect you to handle it.
Ask the web designer:
- Do they host their website clients or recommend providers?
- Is hosting included or separate?
- What level of support is included for uptime, security or backups?
Hosting plays a huge role in website speed and reliability, so don’t gloss over it.
11. Will My Website Be Mobile-Friendly and Responsive?
This question is non-negotiable. Responsive web design ensures your site works easily on phones, tablets, and other screens.
Ask:
- Do you design mobile-first or adapt the desktop version?
- How will the mobile user experience be tested?
Google looks at mobile usability when ranking sites, so this affects both usability and visibility.
12. What’s Your Approach to User Experience (UX) and Conversion Optimization?
Successful websites aren’t just pretty—they convert.
Ask about:
- Designing your website around your customer’s journey
- Landing page strategies
- Readability, accessibility, and functionality
This separates a good web designer from a great one.
13. How Is Graphic Design Integrated Into the Process?
Graphic design is a huge part of your site’s branding, so find out how it’s handled:
- Do they provide logo design?
- Who sources photography or custom visuals?
- Is image licensing included?
Make sure they understand the visual identity of your brand.
14. Can You Help with Content Strategy?
You may need help with more than design. Strong content impacts SEO, user experience, and conversions.
Ask whether they:
- Write or edit website copy
- Plan out content on your website
- Suggest blog or resource ideas
Content is the foundation of any strong web design project.
15. What’s the Timeline and Budget?
Be clear about your budget upfront, and ask what level of service you can expect at that price range.
Also ask:
- What’s your estimated timeline?
- What if we go over schedule?
- Are there any potential website cost surprises?
An experienced designer should provide a transparent quote noting what’s included. The investment should align with your business goals.
16. What Happens After the Website Goes Live?
This is the final, but equally important question.
A good web design and web development team won’t disappear after launch. Ask about:
- Training for your team
- Support and troubleshooting
- Ongoing improvements
- Regular updates or backups
Long-term success often depends on relationships with your design and web team.
How to Choose the Right Web Development Partner in Austin
Now that you know the 16 questions to ask a website developer, here’s how to use them during the hiring process in Austin.
Step 1: Meet Face-to-Face (or via Zoom)
Building a website is a collaboration. Schedule a call or meeting to ask your questions directly and gauge how they communicate.
Step 2: Review Their Portfolio and Talk to Clients
Don’t just look at pretty designs — ask web design clients how the project went. Did deadlines get met? Were they responsive?
Step 3: Align on Strategy and Skill
Massive design firms may impress with scale, but you may benefit more from working with someone who understands local businesses and can personalize your strategy for the Austin market.
At the end of the day, you’re looking for a partner who sees the big picture — not just someone to design a website.
Final Thoughts: Ask the Right Questions, Build the Right Website
We get it — the web design and development process can feel overwhelming. But by asking these questions, you’re not just protecting your budget. You’re clarifying your brand vision, your marketing goals, and the type of website that can help take your business to the next level.
Remember: your website is the centerpiece of your digital marketing strategy. It should feel like a trusted guide for visitors and a true reflection of your brand on the World Wide Web.
If you’re considering hiring a web designer or developer here in Austin, asking these important questions can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to dig into the details — your successful website depends on it.
And if you’re looking for a seasoned, local design and development partner who understands how to blend marketing, design, and technology, explore our professional website development services.
Whether you’re redesigning a current site or starting from scratch, we hope this guide gave you solid insights and tools to move forward with confidence.
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