Short answer: choose a web designer who can show you real sites they've built, gives you a written quote with a clear scope, timeline and price, makes sure you own your domain and website, builds mobile-first with basic SEO included, and explains exactly what support costs after launch. Ask the questions below on a free consultation and compare answers, not just prices.

The Short Answer

The best fit isn't always the cheapest or the fanciest. It's the designer who understands what your website needs to do for your business, and who is clear about cost, ownership and what happens after launch.

What Should I Know Before I Call?

You'll get better quotes if you can answer these:

  1. What should the site do? Get calls, take bookings, sell products, recruit staff?
  2. Which pages do you need? List your main services.
  3. Who will write the content? You, or do you need a copywriter?
  4. What's your budget range and deadline?
  5. Which two or three websites do you like, and why?

What Questions Should I Ask?

  1. Can I see sites you've built that are live right now? Look at them on your phone.
  2. What exactly is included in the price? Pages, revision rounds, SEO setup, photos, training.
  3. Is the design custom or template-based? Both can be right. Just know which you're paying for.
  4. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?
  5. Who owns the domain, the site files and the content? The answer should be "you."
  6. What does it cost after launch? Hosting, updates, support. Are monthly fees required?
  7. What SEO is included? Titles, descriptions, speed, mobile, structured data, local SEO.
  8. How do I make small changes myself? Will you train me?
  9. What happens if we part ways? Can I take the site to another developer?

For reference, here's how SS Labs answers some of these: packages run from $1,000 to $8,000 (see what each includes), our standard timeline is three to six weeks (or one week with Website in a Week), every package includes two rounds of revisions and standard SEO, and there's no required monthly fee: support is hourly when you need it.

What Are the Red Flags?

  1. No written quote or scope. "We'll figure it out as we go" leads to surprise bills.
  2. The designer owns your domain or won't hand over access.
  3. Long required contracts with high monthly fees and no clear exit.
  4. Guaranteed rankings. No one can guarantee a position on Google.
  5. No live examples you can visit.
  6. Stock photos and invented testimonials on their own site.
  7. Slow or vague communication before you've even signed.

What Should a Good Proposal Include?

  1. A list of pages and features.
  2. Design approach: template, customized template or fully custom.
  3. Number of revision rounds.
  4. The SEO work included.
  5. The timeline, and what's needed from you to hit it.
  6. Total price and payment schedule.
  7. Ongoing costs (hosting, domain, support) in writing.
  8. Ownership and handoff terms.

Compare proposals line by line. A higher price with more included can cost less over a few years than a cheap build with required monthly fees. For a full price breakdown, see How Much Does a Website Cost in Minneapolis? If you're also weighing a DIY builder, read Professional Website or DIY Builder and How to Fix a DIY Wix or Squarespace Website.

To see how we approach different industries, browse the sample website designs in our Design Showcase.

Does My Designer Need to Be Local?

Not necessarily. Most of the work happens over email, calls and video. A local designer can still help, though: they know the Minneapolis market and neighborhoods, can meet in person if you prefer, and understand local SEO in your area. SS Labs is based in Minneapolis, MN and works with clients locally and remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many web designers should I talk to? A: Two or three is usually enough to compare scope, price and fit.

Q: Should I pay a deposit? A: Deposits are common. Make sure the payment schedule is in writing and tied to milestones.

Q: Is it a red flag if a designer won't list prices? A: Not always, since custom work varies. But you should get a clear written quote quickly after a consultation. We send ours within 24 hours.

Q: What if I just need my current site fixed? A: Say so. A good designer will tell you when fixing beats rebuilding.

Talk to SS Labs

Interviewing web designers? Add us to your list. Bring your questions to a free 30-minute consultation, and we'll send a written quote within 24 hours.

Call: 507-339-5547

Email: Benjamin@StrategicSolutionsLabs.com

Book online: request your free 30-minute consultation.