10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Website Designer (So You Don’t Regret It Later)

So, you’re ready for a new website. Maybe your DIY setup has officially hit its limit or maybe your business has grown and your site just doesn’t fit anymore. Either way,  exciting times ahead.

But here’s something most people don’t realize until it’s too late: hiring the right website designer can completely change your experience, not just the final design, but how confident and supported you feel through the process.

I’ve worked with so many clients who came to me saying, “I wish I’d asked these questions the first time around.” So, in true Buzz & Banter style, I’m giving you the behind-the-scenes, the questions I wish every client would ask before signing on with a designer.

Because when you ask the right things, you end up with a website that doesn’t just look good, it works hard for your business.

1. What’s your design process like?

This question is everything. A designer’s process tells you how organized they are, how they communicate, and whether you’ll actually enjoy working with them.

For example, I walk my clients through a clear, structured process that includes brand strategy, wireframes, design, revisions, and launch prep. You’ll always know what’s happening next (no ghosting, no surprises). If someone says “Oh, I just go with the flow,”  that’s your cue to run. A solid process = a smooth project.

2. How do you approach strategy and functionality?

Pretty websites are everywhere. Strategic ones? Not so much. Ask your designer how they make decisions: Do they think about your customer journey? How are your offers presented? Where do your call-to-actions sit?

Because design isn’t just about colors, it’s about creating an experience that makes your dream clients feel seen and ready to buy.

When I design, I think about how someone feels when they land on your site, what draws their eye, what builds trust, and what gets them to stay. That’s the difference between a cute website and one that actually converts.

3. What platforms do you design on — and why?

Every platform has its personality. Showit, Webflow, Shopify – they all shine in different ways.

For example:

• Showit → flexible, visual, perfect for service-based creatives.
• Webflow → more advanced, gives you full creative freedom (I love it for design-led brands).
• Shopify → ideal for e-commerce and online stores that need structure and scalability.

If your designer can’t explain why they use what they use, that’s a concern. You want someone who matches the platform to your needs, not just what they prefer.

4. Will I be able to update the site myself?

One of the biggest frustrations I hear from new clients: “I can’t update my own site without breaking it.”

You should never feel locked out of your own website. Ask if your designer provides:

• Tutorials or a handover session
• Access to all your logins
• Simple tools for editing and updates

At Buzz & Banter, I always make sure clients know how to manage their site confidently. Because you shouldn’t need a tech degree to change a photo.

5. How do you handle copywriting and content?

Copy is half the magic. It’s what turns a pretty design into a website that actually speaks to your people.

Some designers (like me 👋) help refine copy or collaborate with a writer to make sure everything feels cohesive. Others might ask you to bring all the words ready to go.

Ask early! It’ll save you a ton of stress and confusion later.

6. Do you consider SEO during the design process?

This is a biggie. SEO isn’t just about ranking, it’s about discoverability.

Your designer doesn’t have to be an SEO expert, but they should understand the basics:

• Proper heading structure (H1s, H2s, etc.)
• Image optimization
• Metadata
• Mobile responsiveness

Even small details, like how your URLs are structured, can make a big difference.

When I design, I build SEO in from day one because what’s the point of a beautiful website if no one ever finds it?

7. Will you integrate my other tools and systems?

Your website should work with your business, not against it. Think: email marketing, booking systems, online stores, CRM tools.

Ask if your designer can integrate these or if you’ll need a developer later. Because ideally, your website should go live and instantly connect with how you already run your business. A seamless backend means you can spend less time tech-wrangling and more time creating, selling, or actually living your life.

8. What kind of timeline should I expect?

Every designer works differently  but timelines matter. A good one will give you realistic deadlines and communicate clearly if anything shifts.

Ask about:

• Project phases
• Client homework (yes, there’s always some!)
• When you’ll see the first design draft
• Expected launch date

For reference, my Brand + Web projects usually take 4-6 weeks, while my Website in a Two Weeks package is perfect for those ready to move fast and launch beautifully.

9. Do you provide support after launch?

You don’t want to be ghosted after the confetti. Ask what kind of support they offer post-launch, do they provide a 30-day grace period? Paid maintenance packages? Emergency fixes?

I always stick around for my clients post-launch to ensure everything runs smoothly. Because the launch isn’t the finish line, it’s the start of something big.

10. What do you need from me to get started?

This one sets the tone. A professional designer should clearly list what they need before the project starts, branding assets, copy, imagery, logins, inspiration, etc.

It shows they’re organized and ready to guide you through the process and if they don’t have a process for onboarding? That’s a hint the project might be a little… chaotic

Hire Someone Who Gets It

At the end of the day, your website designer should feel like a creative partner, someone who sees your vision, understands your goals, and makes it all come to life beautifully.

Because this isn’t just about having a pretty site. It’s about building a home for your business online, one that makes you proud to share your link again.

At Buzz & Banter Studios, we blend design, strategy, and storytelling to create websites that feel like you and convert like crazy.

Whether you need:

• A standalone brand identity,
• A full brand + web transformation, or
• Our fan-favorite Website in Two Weeks,

This is your sign to stop blending in and start showing up boldly.

 View our Services here

xoxo,
Nikki