A website is one of the bigger cheques a small business writes, and most owners only do it once every few years. That makes it hard to know what to ask. Whether you hire us or someone else, these ten questions will tell you most of what you need to know about a web designer before you sign.
In short
Ask to see real work, make sure the domain and website are in your name, get a written quote that says what is and isn’t included, and find out what happens after launch. Be wary of anyone who guarantees you the top spot on Google.
The 10 questions
1. Can I see websites you’ve built, and speak to those clients?
A portfolio shows you the look. A quick call with a past client tells you what the designer is like to work with: whether they met deadlines, answered emails and fixed things after launch. Open the websites on your phone too, not just on a laptop.
2. Who will actually do the work?
Some agencies sell the project and pass it to someone else. That isn’t always a problem, but you should know who you will deal with day to day, and whether you can meet them. In a town like Hermanus, being able to sit down over coffee and go through the site together saves a lot of back-and-forth.
3. Will the domain and the website be in my name?
This is the one question every owner should ask. Your domain name (for example yourbusiness.co.za) should be registered with your business as the owner, not the designer. You should also get an administrator login to your website. If you part ways later, you can then move your website and email to someone else without asking permission.
4. What will you build it on, and can I update it myself?
WordPress runs a large share of the world’s websites, so if your designer moves on, someone else can pick it up. Some designers use their own systems or builder accounts that only they can edit. Ask whether you will be able to change your opening hours, prices and photos yourself, and whether they will show you how.
5. What is included in the price, and what isn’t?
Get a written quote that lists the number of pages, who writes the words, who supplies the photos, how many rounds of changes are included, and whether hosting and a domain are part of it. Two quotes that look far apart are often quoting for different things. Our website cost guide sets out typical South African prices so you can compare.
6. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
A small business website usually takes a few weeks. The most common delay isn’t the designer: it’s waiting for text, photos and feedback from the business. A good designer tells you up front what they need from you and when.
7. Will it work well on a phone?
Most local searches happen on phones, often while people are out and about. Ask how the designer tests on mobile, and check their past work yourself: does it load quickly, is the phone number one tap away, can you read it without zooming?
8. What do you do about Google?
You don’t need a big SEO package to start, but every new website should have the basics: clear page titles, a description for each page, a sitemap, Google Search Console set up and a link to your Google Business Profile. Ask who sets up your profile, too. Our Google Business Profile guide and local SEO checklist explain why it matters so much for local businesses.
9. Will the website be POPIA-ready?
If your website has a contact form or a newsletter sign-up, it collects personal information, and South Africa’s privacy law applies. Your designer should add a privacy policy page, consent on forms and a cookie notice if you use analytics. Our POPIA checklist covers the details.
10. What happens after launch?
WordPress, its plugins and its security need regular updates, and someone has to keep backups. Ask who looks after the website once it is live, what that costs each month, and how quickly they reply when something breaks. Our guide to WordPress hosting in South Africa explains what you should get for your money.
Looking for a web designer in Hermanus?
We build websites for small businesses across the Overberg, with fixed-price packages from R5 899 and hosting from R99 a month.
Warning signs
Most designers are honest, but a few things should make you pause:
- A guaranteed number one spot on Google. Google’s own guidance is blunt: “No one can guarantee a #1 ranking on Google” (Google Search Central).
- The domain registered in the designer’s name, or no administrator login for you.
- No written quote, or a quote that doesn’t say what is included.
- Full payment before any work starts. A deposit is normal; the balance is usually paid at or near launch.
- No portfolio, or only templates. Ask to see work for businesses like yours.
Do you need a designer in Hermanus?
Not necessarily. Plenty of good designers work remotely. A local designer does have a few advantages: they know the area and the kind of visitors you get, they can take photos or meet on site, and they’re easy to find if something goes wrong. Whoever you choose, the ten questions above matter more than the postcode.
Common questions
How much should a small business website cost?
It depends on the number of pages, the writing and photography needed, and features like bookings or an online shop. Our website cost guide sets out typical South African price ranges, and our own fixed-price packages are on the services page.
Should I use a website builder instead?
A builder like Wix can work for a very simple site if you have the time to set it up yourself. You pay a monthly fee, often in US dollars, and you usually can’t move the website elsewhere later. A designer saves you the time and gives you a site you own.
What should I have ready before I contact a designer?
A rough list of the pages you want, a few websites you like, your logo, and any photos you already have. A budget range helps too, so the designer can tell you what is realistic.