6 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Designer
There comes a moment in every small business where the “I’ll get to my website eventually” timeline no longer makes sense. Maybe you’re growing, raising your rates, or attracting more clients… and suddenly you realize your current site, or the fact that you don’t have one at all, is actually holding you back.
And once you see that, it’s hard to unsee it.
For most of the women I work with, that realization brings motivation and pressure. You’re ready to take your business seriously… but the idea of hiring a web designer feels big. You want a site that reflects the depth of your work, but you’re not totally sure what that looks like yet. You’re worried you don’t have enough clarity. And underneath it all, there’s that one nagging fear:
“What if the designer doesn’t understand my brand?”
If that’s where you are, you’re not behind, and you’re not alone.
This in-between place is exactly where so many wellness practitioners land before they finally reach out for support.
My goal with this guide is to help you feel grounded and informed before you book a discovery call. Because the more clarity you have now- about what to ask, what to look for, and what actually matters- the easier it is to choose a designer who truly aligns with your vision, your work, and the impact you’re here to make.
Let’s walk through the questions that will help you make that decision with confidence.
Don’t forget to save this post to Pinterest!
1. What does your pricing include and how do your payment options work?
Pricing is about more than “how much does it cost?”
It’s about transparency, structure, and the support you’re receiving throughout the project.
When you ask about pricing, look for clarity around:
What’s included in the package (pages, SEO support, integrations, brand kit, strategy, launch support)
What’s not included (copywriting, brand design, ongoing updates ← these could be potential additional expenses to consider)
Payment structure (deposit, installment options, payment timing)
What happens if you need extra support (additional pages, extra revisions, content help)
A trustworthy designer will give you a breakdown that makes sense and feels clear and grounded, not vague or overwhelming.
From my experience:
Every single client receives a clear scope, timeline, and cost structure upfront, with flexible payment plans if needed. Transparency is non-negotiable, and you deserve a designer who treats it that way.
2. What does your process look like- from kickoff to launch?
A well-structured process is the difference between a stressful website project and one that flows with ease.
Here’s what you want to understand:
How long the project takes
What each phase looks like
When your feedback is needed
How revisions are handled
How your designer supports you during prep, design, and launch
A strong process should help you feel guided, supported, and held the entire way through - not left guessing.
For example:
My one-week website process gives clients extreme clarity: Monday - Wednesday is for design, Thursday is revisions, and Friday is launch day. This structure helps my clients feel calm and prepared, even when they’re juggling full client schedules.
When talking to designers, listen for structure.
If you feel confused, rushed, or unsure of what’s expected of you - that’s useful information.
3. Do you specialize in my niche or industry?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask.
A designer who specializes in wellness businesses already understands:
how your clients think
what builds trust
the messaging that resonates
the pages your business likely needs
the balance between grounded + elevated design
the clarity your clients expect
what encourages someone to book a session
the aesthetic direction that aligns with your work
A therapist, a nutritionist, a life coach, and a somatic practitioner all need unique approaches to design.
In my studio:
I’ve designed 90+ websites specifically for women in wellness. The brands, the work, the language, and the client journeys feel familiar, which means my clients don’t have to waste time explaining their entire industry or why certain pages matter.
Hiring someone with niche experience gives you a head start - and gives your site a deeper sense of alignment.
4. What kinds of results do your clients typically experience?
Heads Up: This can be a really tricky question. Web design results can often rely on what the client does with the website. Do they make an effort to market their business and utilize the new design as much as possible? Or do they let it sit there gathering dust?
So do go into this question with an open-mind.
But it can also give you great insight on what kind of results your web designer focuses on achieving for her clients.
Listen for:
Clarity (clients understand their business better)
Confidence (they finally feel proud to share their site)
More aligned inquiries
Higher-quality clients
More bookings
Easier conversions
Better visibility + professionalism
A good designer will talk about strategy and outcomes, not just pretty fonts and layouts.
For example:
My clients often tell me their new website makes them feel more grounded in their business, more confident raising their rates, and more aligned with the clients they’re attracting. These results matter just as much (if not more) than the design itself.
5. What’s included in your package, and which package do you recommend for my needs?
Most women pause here because they feel unsure about what they actually need.
Five pages? Six? A blog? Two service pages? A sales page? A brand kit?
Your designer should help you make that decision.
Ask:
What’s included in your core package?
What do you recommend based on my goals?
What type of website structure makes the most sense for my business model?
A good designer won’t just sell you the biggest package.
They’ll help you choose what aligns with your stage of business, and what will serve your clients best.
6. What do I need to prepare, and how much time will this take?
This is often the part that creates the most anxiety.
“What if I don't have everything ready?”
“What if I slow the project down?”
“What if I’m not prepared enough?”
Totally normal.
And totally solvable.
Ask your designer:
What do I need to have ready before we start?
How do you support clients through prep?
How much time should I plan to devote each week?
Do you provide tools, templates, or guidance?
For example:
My clients receive a detailed onboarding platform that outlines step-by-step their entire website package- including detailed instructions with tools, support, and resources on the content they ned to provide for prep + exactly what to expect each step of the way. When a designer gives you structure, prep becomes far easier and more enjoyable.
This level of support and clarity makes all the difference in yoru web design process.
Final Thoughts:
After working with so many wellness professionals over the years, I’ve learned that hesitation doesn’t come from a lack of desire, it comes from a lack of clarity.
When you understand what to ask, what to look for, and what you’re responsible for, everything becomes simpler. You feel less anxious, more grounded, and far more capable of choosing the designer who truly aligns with your vision.
And honestly… the designer you hire should make your life easier, not heavier.
Your Next Step: Get Clear on Your Website Vision
If you’re not sure what your website should look like yet — that’s completely normal.
Start by downloading the Website Inspiration Workbook, the same tool I use with my custom clients to help them:
clarify their brand direction
understand what pages they need
identify design styles they’re drawn to
communicate their vision clearly and confidently
This is the perfect first step before talking to any designer.
When You’re Ready: Book 1–3 Discovery Calls
Once you feel grounded in what you need and what you’re looking for, I recommend booking discovery calls with up to three designers you love. You’ll quickly notice who feels aligned, who communicates clearly, and who you trust with your vision.
And if you feel drawn to my process, my niche expertise, or the way I support women in wellness, I’d love to meet you.
If you liked this post, you may also like:
15 Signs It’s Time for a New Website
Website Prep Checklist: What To Do Before You Start Designing
Don’t forget to save this post to Pinterest!
Hey I'm Jamie
-web designer, brand strategist, and former certified health coach turned creative studio founder. I specialize in building strategic, elevated Squarespace websites for wellness professionals who are ready to grow their business with more clarity, confidence, and ease.
After designing over 90 websites and supporting dozens of service-based entrepreneurs, I’ve seen firsthand how intentional design and smart strategy can completely shift the way you show up, and how you sell. This blog is where I share the real stuff: design tips, marketing strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights to help you build a brand that actually works for you.
Disclaimer: My policy is to only share products and resources that have brought value to me and/or I believe will bring value to my audience. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you make a purchase using them.
Related Posts
Shop the Templates
For more web design inspiration and marketing tips, follow @glocreativedesign
