How to Choose a Web Designer for Your Small Business
November 2, 2026 · 6 min read
Your website is often the first impression customers get of your business, so choosing who builds it matters. The right web designer will help you win customers; the wrong one can cost you months and money.
Here's what to look for, what to ask and which red flags to avoid.
What to look for
- Real, live websites in their portfolio, ideally for businesses like yours.
- Genuine reviews on Google or other independent sites.
- Experience with the platform that suits you: WordPress, Shopify, Wix Studio or custom.
- A focus on results (calls, bookings, sales), not just looks.
- Clear communication and a written process.
Questions to ask before you hire
- What exactly is included in the price, and what costs extra?
- How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
- How many rounds of changes are included?
- Will I own my domain, website and content?
- Will I be able to update the site myself?
- What happens after launch: support, hosting, maintenance?
- How do you set up basic SEO so customers can find me?
Red flags
- No portfolio of live websites, or only templates.
- Guaranteed "#1 on Google" promises. Nobody can guarantee rankings.
- Vague quotes with no list of pages or features.
- They keep ownership of your domain or website.
- Slow or unclear replies before you've even paid.
Freelancer or agency?
Freelancers can be affordable and flexible, but quality and availability vary. Agencies offer a team and a process, usually at a higher price. A small remote agency can give you both: a dedicated point of contact with a professional process, at a fair price.
Start with a free website audit
Not sure what your business needs? Send us your website (or tell us about your business). We'll review it for free and explain what we'd do, with a clear quote and no pressure.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire a web designer?
In the US, small business websites typically cost from about $1,500 to $10,000 depending on size and features. See our full guide to website costs for details.
How long does a web designer take to build a website?
Most small business websites take 2 to 6 weeks, depending on size, features and how quickly content is ready.
Related
Get a free website audit
We'll review your website and show you what's holding it back, and how to fix it. No cost, no pressure.
Request your audit