Top 15 Things to Look for When You Hire a Web Designer

In today's digital era, a website is not just an online presence—it's a powerful tool that drives business growth, establishes credibility, and connects you with your target audience. Whether you are launching a brand-new website or revamping an existing one, hiring the right web designer is crucial for success. 

At UpTecHunt, we specialize in connecting businesses with expert web designers who can create visually appealing, highly functional, and SEO-friendly websites. But with so many designers available, how do you choose the right one? 

This in-depth guide will walk you through the 15 essential things to consider when hiring a web designer, ensuring that you make an informed decision and achieve outstanding results. 

1. Review Their Portfolio and Past Work 

Before hiring a web designer, always review their portfolio. A designer’s previous work showcases their expertise, design style, and ability to create functional websites. 

What to Look for in a Portfolio? 

• Diversity in Design: Can they work with different aesthetics, or do all their designs look the same? 
• Industry Relevance: Have they worked with businesses similar to yours? 
• User Experience: Do their websites offer smooth navigation and fast loading times? 
• Mobile Responsiveness: Are their designs optimized for different screen sizes? 

If a designer’s portfolio aligns with your vision, it’s a good sign that they can deliver the results you need. 

👉 Read more: Hiring Freelance Graphic Designer Mistakes 

2. Check for Technical Expertise 

A web designer should have a solid grasp of the latest web technologies. Depending on your needs, ensure they are proficient in: 

• HTML, CSS, and JavaScript (the backbone of web design) 
• Content Management Systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Shopify, or Wix 
• Front-End and Back-End Development (if you need a more advanced website) 

Additionally, they should be familiar with website security, hosting, and database management to ensure long-term stability. 

3. Ensure They Understand UX/UI Design 

A visually stunning website is meaningless if it doesn’t offer a great User Experience (UX). A skilled web designer should: 

• Prioritize easy navigation and clear call-to-actions (CTAs) 
• Ensure fast loading speed and responsive design 
• Use color psychology and typography to enhance readability 

Great design isn’t just about looks—it’s about making sure visitors stay, engage, and convert. 

4. Evaluate Their SEO Knowledge 

A well-designed website should also be optimized for search engines. Ensure your web designer understands: 

• On-Page SEO: Proper use of headings, meta descriptions, and image alt tags 
• Website Speed Optimization: Fast-loading pages rank higher on Google 
• Mobile Optimization: Google prioritizes mobile-friendly sites 
• Schema Markup & Structured Data: Helps search engines understand your site better 

If a designer neglects SEO, your site may struggle to rank and attract visitors. 

👉 Read more: Why Graphic Design is Important 

5. Assess Communication Skills 

Your web designer should be a great communicator. Why? Because they need to: 

• Understand your vision and business goals 
• Provide regular updates on project progress 
• Be responsive to questions and concerns 
• Offer professional insights while considering your preferences 

Pro Tip: Test their communication style by asking questions before hiring them. If they take too long to respond or don’t provide clear answers, it’s a red flag. 

6. Verify Their Creativity and Problem-Solving Abilities 

Web design isn’t just technical—it’s an art. A good designer should: 

• Bring unique ideas instead of using generic templates 
• Understand branding and how to make your website stand out 
• Find creative solutions to design challenges 

If they can think outside the box while maintaining usability, they’re a great fit. 

7. Consider Their Experience with Your Industry 

Hiring a web designer with experience in your industry saves time and improves results. Why? Because they already understand: 

• Your audience’s behavior and expectations 
• What design elements work best in your niche 
• Compliance requirements specific to your industry 

While it’s not a strict requirement, industry experience gives your project an advantage. 

8. Ask About Website Maintenance & Support 

Web design doesn’t end once the site is live. You’ll need ongoing support for: 

• Bug fixes and security updates 
• Content updates and feature enhancements 
• Performance monitoring 

Some designers offer maintenance packages, while others charge per request. Clarify this before hiring. 

9. Check Their Project Management and Timeliness 

A skilled web designer should respect deadlines and manage projects efficiently. Ask: 

• How long will the project take? 
• What’s the process for revisions? 
• How do they handle unexpected delays? 

A professional designer should provide a clear timeline and meet agreed deadlines. 

👉 Explore more designers here: Find a Freelancer 

10. Confirm They Offer Mobile-Friendly Design 

With over 60% of internet traffic coming from mobile devices, your website must be optimized for smartphones and tablets. 

Your designer should use responsive design techniques to ensure: 

• Images and text adjust correctly on all screen sizes 
• Buttons and navigation menus are mobile-friendly 
• The site loads fast on mobile networks 

A mobile-optimized site improves SEO rankings and user experience. 

11. Read Client Testimonials and Reviews 

Before making a decision, read reviews and testimonials from past clients. Look for feedback on: 

• Quality of work 
• Communication and professionalism 
• Ability to meet deadlines 

Reviews can reveal red flags or confirm a designer’s credibility. 

12. Discuss Pricing and Budget Transparency 

Web design pricing varies depending on experience, features, and project complexity. Ensure you: 

• Get a detailed price breakdown 
• Ask about hidden costs (e.g., hosting, plugins, maintenance) 
• Compare different designers before deciding 

A cheap web designer can cost more in the long run if they deliver poor-quality work. 

13. Check for Customization Options 

Some designers rely on pre-made templates, while others create fully custom designs. If you want a unique brand identity, ask about: 

• Custom graphics and animations 
• Unique layouts tailored to your brand 
• Personalized user experiences 

Customization helps you stand out from competitors. 

14. Verify Ownership Rights and Documentation 

Before hiring a designer, clarify: 

• Who owns the website after completion? 
• Will you receive full access to the backend? 
• Are licenses for images and fonts included? 

Get everything in writing to avoid disputes later. 

👉 Read more: Freelance Graphic Designers vs. Agencies 

15. Test Their Customer Support Availability 

What happens if your website crashes or you need urgent updates? A reliable web designer should: 

• Offer quick responses in emergencies 
• Provide a clear support system (email, phone, live chat) 
• Have a troubleshooting plan 

Always choose a designer who provides dependable suppor 

Conclusion 

Hiring the right web designer is a crucial step in building a strong online presence. A well-designed website not only enhances your brand’s credibility but also improves user experience, boosts search engine rankings, and increases conversions. By evaluating factors like portfolio quality, technical expertise, SEO knowledge, UX/UI skills, and post-launch support, you can make an informed decision and ensure your website meets both your business goals and industry standards. 

At UpTecHunt, we help businesses connect with top-tier web designers who specialize in creating custom, high-performance websites tailored to your needs. Whether you're looking for a freelance designer or an agency, we have the right experts to bring your vision to life. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. How much does it cost to hire a web designer? 

The cost of hiring a web designer varies based on factors like experience, project complexity, and customization requirements. Freelance web designers may charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000+, while agencies can charge $10,000 or more for high-end websites. 

2. How long does it take to design a website? 

The timeline depends on the project scope and complexity. A basic website may take 2–4 weeks, while an e-commerce or custom website can take 6–12+ weeks. Timelines also depend on content readiness, revisions, and developer availability. 

3. Should I hire a freelancer or a web design agency? 

• Freelancers are more cost-effective and ideal for smaller projects with flexible requirements. 
• Agencies offer a team of experts but come at a higher cost, suitable for larger businesses needing complex solutions.