How to Hire a Web Designer: The Small Business Owner's Complete Guide

Hiring the wrong designer costs more than hiring no one. Here's how to choose right.

Designer vs Developer vs Agency

• **Designer:** Visual design, user experience
• **Developer:** Technical implementation
• **Agency:** Full service, multiple experts

Red Flags

• No portfolio or outdated work
• Won't provide references
• Unclear pricing
• Promises that seem too good
• No process or timeline

Questions to Ask

1. Who owns the website after it's done?
2. What's included in the price?
3. What's your design process?
4. How do you handle revisions?
5. What about ongoing support?

Understanding Pricing

Template-Based $1,000-3,000

Custom Design $2,500-10,000+

E-commerce $3,500-15,000+

Working Effectively

• Provide good feedback (be specific)
• Respect the timeline
• Trust their expertise
• Communicate expectations early

**Freelancer or agency?** Freelancers offer lower costs. Agencies provide more resources and reliability. For most small businesses, a skilled freelancer or small agency is the sweet spot.