7 Website Designer Red Flags To Look Out For

Hiring a website designer can feel like navigating a minefield. With so many options out there, how do you know who to trust? Choosing the right designer is crucial for your business’s online success, but it’s not always easy to spot the warning signs.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of 7 website designer red flags to look out for.

1. Website Designer Red Flag #1: The Portfolio Doesn’t Align with Your Vision

A designer’s portfolio is your window into their style and capabilities. While a diverse portfolio can be good, it’s nevertheless essential to see examples of work that resonate with your brand aesthetic and target audience.

Ask yourself:

• Does their style align with your brand identity?
• Do they have experience designing websites for businesses similar to yours?
• Can you envision your website looking and feeling like their previous work?

To get a better sense of what to look for, browse through our portfolio page to see examples of websites that have helped businesses like yours succeed.

If the answer to any of these questions is “no,” it might be time to move on to another candidate.

2. Website Designer Red Flag #2: They Lack Communication Skills

Clear and consistent communication is essential for a successful website design project. Consequently, a designer who is difficult to reach, unresponsive to emails, or vague in their explanations is likely to cause frustration and delays down the line.

Pay attention to:

• How responsive are they to your initial inquiries?
• Do they communicate clearly and effectively?
• Are they willing to answer your questions and address your concerns?

A designer who is a good communicator will keep you informed throughout the process and ensure that your vision is understood and implemented.

3. Website Designer Red Flag #3: No Clear Contract or Pricing Structure

A reputable website designer will provide a detailed contract that outlines the scope of work, timelines, and payment terms. Conversely, beware of designers who are hesitant to put things in writing or who provide vague estimates.

Make sure the contract includes:

• A clear description of the services included
• Project milestones and deadlines
• A detailed breakdown of costs
• Revision policies
• Ownership of the final design

A clear contract protects both you and the designer and helps ensure a smooth and successful project. At Janszen Media, we believe in transparent pricing and clear communication. You can find detailed information about our pricing on our website.

4. Website Designer Red Flag #4: They’re Not Interested in Your Business Goals

Your website should be more than just a pretty online brochure. It should be a powerful tool for achieving your business goals, whether that’s generating leads, driving sales, or building brand awareness. Therefore, a good website designer will take the time to understand your business objectives and target audience.

Look for a designer who:

• Asks questions about your business and your target market
• Discusses how the website design will support your goals
• Offers suggestions and strategies to improve your online presence

A designer who understands your business goals will create a website that not only looks great but also delivers results.

5. Website Designer Red Flag #5: They Promise Unrealistic Results

Beware of designers who make grandiose promises without a solid plan to achieve them. While a good website can certainly improve your online presence, it’s not a magic bullet.

Be wary of claims like:

• “We’ll get you to the top of Google in no time!”
• “Our designs will instantly increase your sales!”
• “We’ll create a viral website that will make you famous!”

A reputable designer will set realistic expectations and explain how they plan to achieve your goals.

6. Website Designer Red Flag #6: They Don’t Offer Ongoing Support

Your website is an ongoing investment, not a one-time project. Furthermore, a good website designer will provide support and maintenance after the launch to ensure that your site continues to perform optimally.

Ask about their:

• Post-launch support services
• Website maintenance packages
• Content updates and security protocols

A designer who offers ongoing support will be there to help you with any issues that arise and keep your website running smoothly.

7. Website Designer Red Flag #7: They Rely on Outdated Technology

The web design world is constantly evolving. In fact, a designer who relies on outdated technology or techniques is likely to create a website that is slow, clunky, and not optimized for search engines.

Make sure they are familiar with:

• Responsive design
• Mobile-first indexing
• Website accessibility standards
• The latest SEO best practices

A designer who stays up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies will create a website that is modern, user-friendly, and built for success.

Check your current website score at Website Grader.

Avoid the Red Flags, Choose Janszen Media

At Janszen Media, we understand the importance of a well-designed website for your business success. We pride ourselves on our clear communication, transparent pricing, and commitment to achieving your business goals. We also offer flexible block-hour packages to help you tackle those essential updates and improvements without breaking the bank.

If you’re looking for a website designer who will avoid these red flags and create a website that truly represents your brand, contact Janszen Media today for a free consultation.