5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Web Designer

5 Things to Look for When Choosing a Web Designer

Choosing the right web designer can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re not sure what to look for. There are thousands of designers out there, all promising the world. So how do you know who to trust with your business?

After 15+ years building websites for small businesses, I’ve seen what makes the difference between a website that works and one that just sits there looking pretty.

Here are five things I’d look for if I were in your shoes.

1. A portfolio that matches your vibe
   Before anything else, look at their work. Does it look modern? Is it clean and easy to navigate? Can you imagine your business looking like that?
   A good web designer should be able to show you real examples of websites they’ve built — not just templates. At Mountain Web Design, you can browse our full portfolio at mountainwebdesign.com.au and see the range of businesses we’ve worked with.
2. They actually listen to you
   Your website should reflect YOUR business, not just the designer’s taste. A great designer asks questions — lots of them. What do you do? Who are your customers? What feeling do you want people to get when they land on your site?
   If a designer jumps straight to “here’s what I’ll build” without really understanding your business first, that’s a red flag.
3. They know SEO (not just design)
   A beautiful website that nobody can find on Google isn’t doing its job. Make sure your web designer understands the basics of onsite SEO — things like page titles, meta descriptions, headings, mobile-friendliness and site speed. At Mountain Web Design, SEO is built into every website we build. And if you want to take it further, we offer full onsite SEO packages starting from $400.
4. Transparent pricing — no nasty surprises
   Make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before you sign anything. Ask about hosting, domain names, ongoing support, and what happens if you want to make changes down the track.
   I always give clients a clear quote upfront so there are no surprises. What you see is what you get.
5. Ongoing support after launch
   Building a website is just the beginning. You’ll need updates, backups, plugin maintenance and the occasional tweak. Make sure your designer offers some form of ongoing support — or is at least willing to train you so you can manage it yourself.

That’s something I’m really passionate about. A lot of my clients have been with me for 5, 6, even 10+ years. I’m not just a one-and-done designer — I’m here for the long haul.
The right web designer feels less like a contractor and more like a business partner who genuinely wants to see you succeed.

If you’re looking for a web designer who ticks all of these boxes, I’d love to have a chat.

Book a free discovery call — let’s talk about what your business needs.