What should you ask a website designer? Especially if you’ve never hired anyone for your business before.
Let’s talk about your online shop dream.
If you’re anything like most first-time shop owners I work with, it started as a spark—maybe during a lunch break doodle, a late-night Pinterest scroll, or a quiet moment when you whispered, “I think I could really do this.”
But when is it time to actually bring that dream to life? Cue the swirl of questions, imposter syndrome, and a dozen open browser tabs.
I see you.
And no—you don’t have to figure this out alone.
This guide is here to help you feel empowered in a world that can feel very “tech bro meets marketing lingo.” These 12 questions are more than a checklist—they’re your compass to finding a designer who gets you, supports you, and builds a shop that feels like home.
Ask These 12 Questions Before You Hire a Web Designer:
1. Which platform do you recommend for my online shop, and why?
There are a lot of options out there: Shopify, Squarespace, WooCommerce—and each one has its strengths. Ask your designer which platform they recommend based on your products, tech comfort level, and growth goals. A good designer will match the tech to your needs.
2. Will I be able to update my store myself?
You’re not hiring a gatekeeper. You’re hiring a guide.
Make sure they offer training, and build in a way that empowers you to make edits, add products, and feel in control post-launch.
✨ P.S. If inspiration strikes at 2AM to run a flash sale, you should feel confident doing it yourself without waiting on someone else.
3. What kind of one-on-one support will I get?
You want someone who talks with you, not at you.
Ask about their process, communication style, and how involved you’ll be in the design process. Will you have regular check-ins? Telegram or Voxer access? A shared dashboard? Know what to expect and what will help you feel supported.
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Tips, Tricks & Resources to Design, Maintain, and Grow Your eCommerce Store.
4. What kind of creative direction do you offer?
You don’t need someone to execute your fuzzy Pinterest board—you need someone who can pull out your vision, refine it, and bring it to life. Ask how they help shape your brand both visually and strategically.
5. What’s your process like from start to finish?
Every designer works differently.
Do they start with a strategy session? Will they help you write or refine your copy? How long will it take to design the site?
The clearer the process, the smoother your experience.
6. What’s included in your package (and what’s not)?
Let’s be honest… nobody likes surprise invoices.
Ask upfront what’s included: Strategy calls? Mobile optimization? Basic SEO? Training or tutorials? Any post-launch support?
Also ask what’s NOT included: Is copywriting extra? Will they use premium fonts? What happens if you need additional pages?
The goal isn’t to nickel-and-dime anyone, it’s to avoid surprises. Knowing exactly what’s covered gives you the confidence to invest, plan ahead, and trust the process.
✨ Pro tip: Ask for a written scope of work (or a service agreement) so everyone’s on the same page before the project starts.
7. Can you walk me through your pricing structure?
You’re not just buying a site, you’re investing in your business.
Ask how much it will be, when payments are due, and how it’s all structured.
❌ Skip the ‘how much traffic will I get?’ question.
I know it’s tempting to expect instant results, but websites don’t drive traffic on their own. That’s where your marketing comes in.
✅ A great designer will build a shop that’s ready to convert when you do show up.
8. Do I need to pay for anything else like hosting, apps, or domains?
Shopify and Squarespace handle hosting, but WooCommerce does not. You’ll also need a custom domain and potentially premium apps.
A great designer will walk you through the total cost not just their fee.
Note: Make sure you’ll have full access to your domain, hosting, and analytics accounts. You should never feel “locked out” or dependent on your designer just to access your business assets.
9. How do you help with SEO and getting found online?
Your website should work as hard as you do. Ask if they include foundational SEO setup: keywords, meta titles & descriptions, image alt text, etc.
Curious about long-term strategy? See if they offer ongoing support or referrals to SEO pros who specialize in growth.
✨ Want to get a head start? This guide on search intent explains how to write copy (the words you use on the website) based on what your customers are actually searching for.
10. Who will I be working with?
If you hire a big agency, there’s often a team involved—account managers, designers, developers. That can mean more hands on deck, but it can also create more layers, less direct communication, and sometimes, a disconnect between vision and execution.
If you prefer a more personal, hands-on experience, working with a solopreneur (like me!) means the same person guiding you through the strategy is the one designing your site. You get one point of contact, one aligned vision, and often, more flexibility, clarity, and care.
Both models can work beautifully, it really depends on your style, your budget, and how you work best.
Ask upfront: “Who will I be collaborating with day to day?” and check in with your gut. Does the setup feel aligned with how you like to communicate, create, and make decisions?
11. What happens after launch?
The launch might feel like the finish line—but in reality, it’s just the beginning. Once your site is live, you’ll start seeing it through fresh eyes:
- “Wait, how do I add a product again?”
- “Why is that image cropped weird on mobile?”
- “Can I tweak that headline now that I’ve seen it in action?”
Ask your designer how they support you during this critical adjustment window. Will you get: A walkthrough video or tutorial library? 1:1 check-ins? A buffer period for small tweaks and questions?
Also ask about long-term support too. Do they offer ongoing maintenance? What happens if something breaks in 6 months?
You don’t need 24/7 support forever, but you do deserve clarity on what’s included post-launch, and the option for future support if needed. Your website is a living, growing thing.
12. What makes your approach different from other designers?
This is where the magic happens.
See how they describe their process, values, and the heart behind their work.
You’re not JUST hiring a designer, you’re choosing a creative partner to help you believe in your business.
👋 Ready to talk it out with someone who gets it?
Still unsure? Nervous to ask “silly” questions? Friend, you are not alone.
Building a business takes guts, and you deserve someone who treats your dream with care.
I specialize in Shopify, Squarespace, and WooCommerce websites for first-time eCommerce shop owners who want clarity, confidence, and a site they can actually use.
No jargon. No overwhelm. Just thoughtful, empowering guidance from messy ideas to polished presence.
Together, we’ll see if we’re a good fit.
You’ve got the vision.
Let’s build the shop.
