What to Look For Before Hiring a Web Designer

Hiring a web designer is a bit like hiring a contractor: the price matters, but it's not the only thing that determines whether you end up happy or stuck. A few questions upfront can save you from a much more expensive problem later.

Do you actually own what they build?

Ask directly: who owns the domain, the hosting account, and the source files once the project is done? Some agencies quietly keep the keys (the domain stays registered under their account, or the site only runs on their hosting) which means leaving them later means rebuilding from scratch. A designer who's comfortable handing over full access when you're done is a good sign. When Durays Dev wrapped up the J5 Beauty & Skincare project, that handover included giving up delegate domain access entirely: the client owns it outright, with nothing held back.

Is the price the whole price?

A quote that looks great upfront can turn into a very different number once monthly hosting fees, "premium" plugin costs, or a limited number of included revisions get added on. Ask what's actually included, and whether there's any recurring cost after launch.

Can you see real, relevant examples of their work?

A portfolio full of generic templates or work in a completely unrelated industry tells you less than a couple of examples close to your own type of business. Look for a designer whose past work actually resembles what you need, not just a long list of logos.

How do they handle communication?

Before you sign anything, notice how they respond during the sales conversation itself. Slow, vague answers now are usually a preview of what communication will be like once they've already been paid.