Hiring the right web designer can make or break your online presence—especially in a city like Portland where creative talent is everywhere. But how do you know you’re choosing someone who gets your business, your goals, and can actually deliver what they promise?
Here are 10 essential questions to ask before signing a contract, shaking hands, or sending a deposit.
1) Have You Worked With Businesses Like Mine Before?
Not all web designers are the same. Someone who specializes in portfolio sites for artists might not be the best fit for a contractor, restaurant, or law firm. Ask about past projects in your industry—or at least with similar functionality needs (e-commerce, bookings, lead generation, etc.).
Bonus tip: Ask to see examples. Don’t just take their word for it.
2) What’s Your Design Process Like?
Good designers have a process. Great ones can clearly explain it. Whether they work in phases or sprints, you want to know what to expect and when.
- Will you see wireframes or mockups?
- How many revisions are included?
- How are decisions made (by you or them)?
If they’re vague here, it could be a red flag.
3) Who Will Be Working on My Website?
Are you working directly with the designer, or will your project be passed to a junior employee or subcontractor? Knowing who’s actually doing the work—and how experienced they are—matters.
If it’s a one-person operation, that’s fine. But you should know either way.
4) Will My Website Be Custom or Based on a Template?
Some designers create fully custom websites. Others start with a pre-made theme and tweak it. Both can be valid options depending on your goals and budget, but you should know what you’re paying for.
In Portland especially, custom design is often marketed—but what you get might just be a slightly modified theme. Ask.
5) What Platform Will My Website Be Built On?
If you’re not technically inclined, this one can get skipped—but it’s a big deal.
- Will it be on WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, something else?
- Can you update the content yourself?
- Is it hosted with them or can you move it later?
Portland has plenty of skilled WordPress designers, but make sure the platform fits your long-term needs.
6) What’s Included in the Price?
Is it just design, or does it include:
- Copywriting?
- SEO optimization?
- Mobile responsiveness?
- Performance tuning?
Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples when evaluating bids. Some designers only provide the basics, leaving you to hire other specialists later.
7) Will My Site Be Search Engine Friendly?
A gorgeous website that can’t be found on Google is like building a billboard in the desert. Ask how they approach on-page SEO from the start, including:
- Page structure
- Metadata
- Image optimization
- Site speed
Even basic SEO should be part of the initial build—especially if you’re competing in a market like Portland.
8) Do You Offer Ongoing Maintenance or Support?
A website isn’t one-and-done. Plugins break, content needs updating, things go wrong. Does your designer offer ongoing help?
- Is there a monthly support package?
- Can you call or email if something breaks?
- Do they offer backups or security monitoring?
Bonus if they proactively keep your site updated after launch.
9) What’s the Timeline?
Be realistic: great web design takes time. But you should still get a timeline up front. Ask:
- How long will the project take?
- What are the milestone dates?
- What do they need from you to stay on track?
If your deadline is tight—say, for a product launch or event—bring that up early.
10) What Happens After Launch?
Launching your site is just the beginning. Ask:
- Will they show you how to update your content?
- Is there training or documentation included?
- Can you make edits on your own, or are you locked into working with them forever?
A trustworthy web designer empowers you—not holds your site hostage.
Bonus Tips for Portland Businesses
- Look local. Hiring someone in Portland means you can meet in person, if needed, and they’re familiar with the local economy and style.
- Ask about performance. Portland visitors expect fast-loading websites, especially on mobile. If the site’s sluggish, Google will notice—and so will your customers.
- Review their Google Business Profile. Real Portland web designers should have local reviews and examples of work you can verify.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing a web designer is a big decision. It’s not just about looks—it’s about function, strategy, and the long-term health of your business online.
If you’re feeling unsure about what your current website needs—or if you’re about to start fresh—ask these 10 questions first. They’ll save you time, money, and frustration.
Want Advice?
At Graticle Design, we’ve helped businesses in Portland and throughout the Pacific Northwest build custom websites that actually get results.
Need a second opinion? We offer manual website audits where a real human (not a bot) walks through your website and gives you honest feedback—what’s working, what’s not, and where to go next.
Reach out to us today to get started.
