Hiring a web designer feels like a leap, because you cannot see the work until it is done. Most of the regret people describe later comes from things that were never asked: who owns what, how many changes are included and what it costs afterward. You can settle all of it in one conversation.
Ownership and exit
Start here, because it is the hardest to fix later. Ask whose name the domain is registered in, who holds the logins and what you receive if you part ways. A trustworthy answer is short and specific.
Ask for it in writing. A message that says the domain is registered to you, and you can transfer it at any time, costs the designer nothing to send.
Ask about ownership
- ✓Whose name is the domain registered in — it should be yours
- ✓Who holds the hosting and site logins — and what you get access to
- ✓What do I take with me if we part — content, images, domain
- ✓Who owns the text and images — and any licenses involved
Scope, changes and ongoing cost
Next, ask what the price covers. How many pages? Who writes the copy? How many rounds of changes? What counts as a round? What happens when you want a change after launch, and is there a monthly fee?
Ask for the build and the ongoing monthly cost side by side. Then ask what is excluded: domain renewals, email, extra pages, third party tools and anything that triggers a separate quote.
Ask about scope and cost
- ✓What are the build and monthly costs — both, side by side
- ✓How many pages and revisions — and what happens at the limit
- ✓Who writes the content — you or them
- ✓What is not included — the list of excluded items
- ✓How long will it take — and what they need from you
How they work with you
Ask who you will be talking to and how fast questions get answered. Ask what they need from you and what happens if you are late. A designer who explains the process clearly is usually one who will manage the work clearly.
Finally, ask what happens if you are unhappy. A fair process has a way to raise issues before the work is complete.
What to expect, honestly
- ✓A checklist does not guarantee a result — it reduces surprises
- ✓Answers should be written down — spoken promises are hard to prove
- ✓Cheaper is not always lower risk — compare scope, not only price
One example of what your site could look like
This is one sample we designed. Yours is built around your business, your photos and your words, and we have more examples if you want to compare directions.
What it costs
Websites are priced one-time by size, plus Website Care at $30/month for hosting, HTTPS, backups, weekly checks and A/B testing. Every package includes a consultation, mobile-friendly design, copy we write for you, a contact form, essential search setup and 10 revision rounds. Monthly SEO is an optional add-on when you are ready for it.
Optional add-ons, billed separately
The prices above are for your website. These two are separate monthly products you can add now or later. Neither is part of the website price.
Monthly SEO, from $50/month: new pages published on your site every month. See Monthly SEO →
Business Spotlight, from $30/month: articles about your business, labeled as paid, published on The Company Chronicle. See Business Spotlight →
How it works
1. Consultation
We learn your services, customers and goals, in English or Spanish.
2. We write and design
We draft the words and build the site around your business.
3. 10 revision rounds
You review and request changes until it is right.
4. Launch and care
We launch, then Website Care keeps it hosted, backed up, checked weekly and A/B tested.
Keep reading
DIY or hire a designer · Cheap websites, what to check · Who owns your website
