How to Choose a Web Designer Near You: 8 Questions to Ask

Searching "web design near me" gives you a list of names, but not a way to compare them. Before you sign with anyone, including us, ask these eight questions. The answers tell you more than any portfolio.

1. Who owns the website when we are done?

Some designers keep ownership of the site and switch it off if you leave. That can be a fair trade for a low monthly price, but you should know it upfront and see it in writing. Also confirm that your domain is registered in your name.

2. What will I pay across the whole first year?

Ask for the build price, hosting, domain, and what changes after launch cost. A cheap build with expensive monthly fees can cost more than a bigger upfront price. A designer who publishes prices makes this easy to compare.

3. How long until the site is live?

Get a timeline in writing and ask what it depends on. Delays usually come from content, so ask exactly what they need from you and when.

4. How will the site help me get found?

Ask about service pages, local search, structured data, page speed on a phone, and connecting your Google Business Profile. If the answer is only "it will look great," keep asking. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a first-page ranking, because Google itself says there is no way to pay for a better local ranking.

5. What happens when someone calls or fills out a form?

A website that gets visits but loses the lead afterward is only doing half the job. Ask whether the form goes straight to you, whether missed calls are handled, and whether leads are followed up.

6. Is the site accessible?

Ask whether the site is built to WCAG 2.1 AA, the guidelines accessibility is usually measured against. That means keyboard navigation, labeled forms, readable contrast and descriptive image text, built into the site itself rather than added with an overlay widget.

7. Will I have a Privacy Policy and Terms of Use?

If your site has a contact form, chat or analytics, it collects personal information, and you should have accurate legal pages. Ask whether they are included and who keeps them current.

8. Who will I actually work with?

Find out whether you will talk to the person building your site or be passed between account managers. Then click through their live work, not just screenshots, and check that the sites load fast on your phone.

How we answer these

We publish every price on our pricing page, put ownership terms in writing, launch most sites in 5 to 7 business days, build to WCAG 2.1 AA, and include legal pages on every plan. You work directly with Nicholas, and you can click through our live work. We are based in Hampstead and work with businesses across North Carolina.