Ask About Their Technical Background
There is a big difference between a graphic designer who uses Squarespace and a software engineer who builds custom websites. Both can produce a nice-looking site, but only one will be built for speed, security, and scalability. Ask your potential web designer about their technical skills, what platforms they build on, and how they handle hosting and security.
Look at Their Hosting Setup
Where your website is hosted matters more than most people realize. Cheap shared hosting can mean slow load times, frequent downtime, and security vulnerabilities. Ask where your site will be hosted, what kind of uptime guarantee they offer, and whether SSL is included. Enterprise-grade hosting on platforms like AWS is significantly more reliable than budget hosting providers.
Understand What Happens After Launch
Many web designers disappear after delivering your website. Before you sign anything, ask who handles maintenance, how you request changes, what happens if something breaks, and what the ongoing costs look like. A good web designer treats the launch as the beginning of the relationship, not the end.
Check for Transparency
The best web designers are upfront about pricing, timelines, and what is included. If a designer cannot give you a clear answer about what your website will cost or how long it will take, that is a red flag. Look for someone who communicates clearly, sets realistic expectations, and does not hide behind jargon or vague promises.