If you're a small business in Deal looking for a web designer, you've got options — from freelancers to agencies to DIY builders. Here's how to pick the right one for your business.
Look at their actual work
Every designer has a portfolio. Look at it critically. Do the sites look modern? Are they easy to use on your phone? Do they feel like they were built for real businesses, or are they all template variations? Ask to see live sites, not just screenshots.
Ask about results, not just design
A pretty site that doesn't generate enquiries is a missed opportunity. Ask the designer: how do you make sure the site actually wins customers? What calls to action do they use? How do they approach SEO? The answers tell you whether they think about your business or just pixels.
Check they're reachable
This matters more than people think. Can you reach them by phone? Do they reply within a day? If something breaks on a Saturday morning, will they pick up? A local designer who answers their phone is worth more than a distant agency with a ticketing system.
Get a clear quote
- Fixed price beats hourly estimates for most small projects
- Make sure hosting, SSL and backups are included or clearly priced
- Ask what's not included — copywriting, stock photos, ongoing updates
- Get a timeline, not just a price
Think long term
A website isn't a one-off purchase. It needs hosting, updates, security patches and occasional changes. The best relationship is with a designer who's still there six months later, making small improvements as your business grows. That's the deal we aim for at Deal Web Design.