How to tell if your web designer knows what they are doing

Choosing a web designer can feel like navigating a minefield. Your website is a critical business asset, often the first point of contact for potential customers, and its success hinges on the capabilities of the person or agency you entrust with its creation.

But how can you, as a client, accurately gauge if a prospective web designer truly possesses the skills and expertise they claim? This guide is designed to empower you. We'll explore the crucial indicators that reveal a designer's true competence, from scrutinising their portfolio and communication style to understanding their grasp of modern web standards, SEO, and project management.

By learning how to tell if a web designer knows what they are doing, you can avoid costly errors and ensure your investment results in a web presence that is not only visually appealing but also functionally robust and aligned with your business objectives. We'll provide actionable advice on what to look for, questions to ask, and critical red flags web design professionals might inadvertently show, or that less scrupulous ones might try to hide.

Checking a web designer's portfolio: what to look for

A web designer’s portfolio is their digital handshake and resume rolled into one; it's often the first tangible evidence of their skills and style. However, simply glancing at pretty pictures isn't enough. You need to critically evaluate their past work to understand their capabilities. Look beyond the surface aesthetics and delve into the functionality, user experience, and a diversity of projects that showcase adaptability or a deep specialization relevant to your needs.

A strong portfolio provides clear insights into whether their approach aligns with your vision and business goals. First, assess the quality and variety of the designs. Do the websites look modern, professional, and tailored to the specific industry or purpose they serve? Look for evidence of responsive design – meaning the sites adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes, from desktops to tablets and smartphones.

Test this yourself if live links are provided. A portfolio filled only with mockups or screenshots might be a concern; ideally, you want to see live, functioning websites you can interact with. Consider the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) of these sites. Are they easy to navigate? Is information readily accessible? Do they load quickly? These are fundamental aspects of good web design that are key signs of a competent web designer.

Key questions to ask during the initial consultation

The initial consultation is your prime opportunity to probe deeper than the portfolio allows and to assess the web designer's communication skills, technical understanding, and overall approach. This conversation is as much about them understanding your needs as it is about you evaluating their suitability. Don't be afraid to ask detailed questions; a truly professional designer will welcome them as a sign of an engaged client.

This is a critical step when considering how to choose a web designer who will be a partner in your digital success, not just a service provider. Begin by discussing your business, your target audience, and your specific goals for the website. A good designer will ask many questions to understand these aspects thoroughly before suggesting solutions.

Inquire about their design process: how do they move from concept to launch? Ask about their experience with businesses or projects similar to yours. Crucially, ask how they incorporate SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) principles into their design and development process. A beautiful website that no one can find is of little value.

Understand who will be working on your project – is it the person you're speaking with, or will it be outsourced? Clarify their policies on revisions, feedback, and what ongoing support or training is included post-launch. Getting clear answers to these initial questions can save a lot of headaches down the line.

Probing deeper: technical and strategic inquiries

To truly gauge a designer's depth of knowledge, especially concerning the technical and strategic aspects that underpin a successful website, consider asking more specific questions. These inquiries can reveal whether they are up-to-date with best practices and focused on delivering measurable results, not just a visually appealing product. Their answers will give you a clearer picture of their technical proficiency and strategic thinking.

How do you approach website performance and ensure fast loading speeds for optimal user experience and SEO?
Can you explain how your design choices will directly support my business's conversion goals (e.g., lead generation, sales)?
Which Content Management System (CMS) do you typically use for a project like mine, and what are the reasons for your recommendation?
How do you ensure the website is built with mobile-first indexing in mind and is fully responsive across all devices?

These questions help assess if the designer thinks holistically about your website's role in your business.

Red flags and warning signs in a web designer

While it's important to look for positive signs, being aware of potential red flags web design scenarios can help you avoid problematic engagements. Spotting these warning signs early can save you significant time, money, and frustration. Some red flags are subtle, while others are more obvious, but all warrant careful consideration before you commit to a contract.

Paying attention to these details is crucial for a successful outcome. Poor or infrequent communication is a major warning. If they are slow to respond to initial inquiries, or their communication is unclear and filled with unexplained jargon, this pattern is likely to continue.

Be wary of designers who make grand promises without understanding your needs or who offer unrealistically low prices, as this often indicates cutting corners on quality or a lack of experience. A portfolio with broken links, outdated designs, or a lack of diversity (unless they are a niche specialist) should also raise concerns.

If a designer doesn't ask many questions about your business, target audience, or goals, they may be more focused on their own aesthetic preferences than your business success. Vague terms, or pressure for you to commit quickly are also significant red flags web design professionals avoid.

A designer who cannot clearly explain their process or seems defensive when asked detailed questions might not be the right fit. Trust your instincts; if something feels off, it probably is.

Signs of a truly professional and competent web designer

Beyond avoiding red flags, actively look for positive indicators that signal you're dealing with a skilled and reliable professional. These signs of a competent web designer often go beyond just technical skills; they encompass their approach to client relationships, problem-solving, and their commitment to delivering value.

Identifying these qualities will significantly increase your chances of a successful project and a fruitful long-term partnership. A truly competent web designer is an excellent communicator and an even better listener. They ask insightful questions that demonstrate a genuine interest in understanding your business, your market, and your specific objectives.

They will provide a clear, detailed proposal outlining the scope of work, deliverables, timeline, and costs, with no hidden fees. Transparency in their process and pricing is key. Their portfolio will not only be visually impressive but will also showcase tangible results, perhaps through case studies or client testimonials that you can verify.

They will speak confidently about modern web standards, including responsive design, Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG are a set of internationally recognised standards that provide a framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, cognitive, and physical impairments), SEO best practices, and website security.

They are proactive, offering thoughtful solutions and suggestions rather than just waiting for instructions. They are also honest about their limitations and will manage your expectations realistically. Finally, a professional designer will discuss post-launch support, maintenance plans, and how they can help your website evolve with your business.

How to tell if a web designer knows what they are doing: an essential client guide