Your website is often the first impression your customers get. It’s a reflection of your
brand, your values, and the quality of what you offer. Choosing the right website
developers isn’t just important—it’s essential to ensure your site works hard for your
business.
At Sutherland Shire Marketers, we know the difference a well-designed website can
make. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you ask the right questions
before entrusting a developer with your business’s online presence.
Ask what’s included in their pricing
Many web developers, including us, offer different website design packages, ranging
from simple to more complex. Each package comes with a predefined list of
inclusions, which typically cover:
- The number of pages
- Types of integrations (e.g., booking systems, eCommerce, contact forms)
- Design elements and level of customisation
- Whether text content and images are provided by you or them
If you rely on your web developer for text content, make sure they don’t take
shortcuts by using AI alone. Your brand messaging should be thoughtful, clear, and
aligned with your business’s voice.
Make sure you understand both the inclusions and exclusions. If something isn’t
explicitly listed, ask about it. Many custom features can be added for a small
additional fee, but it’s best to clarify costs upfront to avoid surprises later.
One last tip: always find out if their pricing is a one-time fee or if there are ongoing
charges.
Ask to see their portfolio
A designer’s portfolio gives you a clear idea of their style, experience, and
capabilities. It shows the types of businesses they’ve worked with and whether their
designs align with what you need.
Look for variety—a good designer should be able to adapt to different industries and
brand styles.
Don’t just look at screenshots—visit the live sites. It’ll give you a better sense of how
their work performs in real-world conditions. Once you’re on the live sites, pay
attention to user experience—are the sites easy to navigate? Do they work well on
desktop and mobile?
Also, ask for examples of projects similar to yours. If you need an eCommerce site,
see if they’ve built one before. If you need custom features, check if they’ve handled
similar requests.
Ask how long they take to build a website
Timelines vary between web designers. Some can deliver a simple site in a few
weeks, while others take months, depending on complexity and workload.
Many will say, “It depends” and to some extent, that’s true. Some factors—like how
long you take to provide content, images, and feedback—are out of their control. But
a well-organised web developer should still be able to give you a clear estimate
based on when they receive everything they need from you.
Ask About Their Process for Feedback and Revisions
Any experienced website designer will have a clear process for gathering your input
and making changes. Some follow a structured approach with set revision rounds,
while others are more flexible.
Ask how and when you’ll be able to provide feedback. Will you see wireframes or
initial design concepts before development starts? How many revision rounds are
included? The more you know upfront, the smoother the process will be.
Also, clarify how changes are handled. Are minor tweaks included, or will you be
charged extra after a certain point?
Make Sure They Can Build the Custom Features You Need
Not all web designers have the skills to build custom features. Some rely on
templates and plugins, while others can develop tailored solutions to fit your exact
needs.
If you need specific functionality—like custom booking systems, integrations with
third-party software, or unique design elements—ask upfront if they can handle it.
Better yet, ask for examples of similar work they’ve done before.
Also, find out how custom features impact cost and timeline. Custom website
development often takes longer and may require ongoing maintenance. Make sure
they can support it long-term or provide documentation if you need to manage it
yourself.
Check Their Reviews and Client Feedback
Look for reviews on Google, social media, or their website. Pay attention to
comments about communication, reliability, and whether they delivered on time.
Past clients can give you valuable insights into a designer’s reliability and working
style.
Don’t just check the star rating—read the details. Were past clients happy with the
process, not just the final result?
At Sutherland Shire Marketers, we’re all about empowering local businesses to
succeed. By starting with the right conversation, you’ll not only avoid costly mistakes
but also ensure your new site truly reflects your brand and serves as a powerful tool
for growth.
Need help choosing a website designer? Contact Us today!