Hiring a web designer is a bit like hiring a contractor for your house. Most of them can show you nice photos. The difference shows up later, when something breaks, when you need a change, or when you realize the beautiful site does not bring in any inquiries.
I am a web designer and developer based in Cebu, and I work with local businesses and clients abroad. These are the questions I would ask if I were on your side of the table. A good designer will be happy to answer every one of them.
1. Can I see live websites, not just screenshots?
Screenshots and mockups only show how a site looks on a perfect screen. Ask for links to live websites you can open on your own phone. Check how fast they load, whether the menu works, and whether the text is easy to read without zooming.
2. Who will actually build my website?
Some agencies sell the project and pass it to someone else. That is not always bad, but you should know who is responsible for your site and who you will talk to when you need help.
3. How will this website get me more inquiries?
A website is a sales tool, not a brochure. Listen for answers about clear calls to action, simple contact forms, trust signals like reviews and client logos, and pages written around what your customers are searching for. If the answer is only about colors and animations, keep looking.
4. Will the website be fast on mobile?
Most of your visitors will see your site on a phone, often on mobile data. Ask how the designer handles image sizes, caching and page speed. Better yet, ask them to run one of their live sites through Google PageSpeed Insights while you watch.
5. Is SEO included, and what does that mean?
“SEO-friendly” can mean almost anything. At minimum, a new website should include:
- A clear title and meta description on every page
- One main heading per page, with a logical heading structure
- Clean URLs and an XML sitemap submitted to Google Search Console
- Structured data so Google understands who you are and where you are
- Proper share images, so your link looks good on Facebook, Messenger and WhatsApp
- Redirects for any old pages, so you do not lose existing rankings
6. Will I be able to update the website myself?
You should be able to change text, swap a photo or add a blog post without paying a developer every time. Ask which platform they use. WordPress is a common choice because it is flexible and easy to hand over. Ask for a short walkthrough or a recorded video when the site is done.
7. Who owns the website, the domain and the hosting?
This one matters more than people expect. Your domain and hosting should be in your name or in an account you control. If you part ways with your designer, you should still own everything.
8. What happens after launch?
Websites need updates, backups and the occasional fix. Ask what support looks like after launch, how fast they usually respond, and what is included versus billed separately.
9. What do you need from me?
Most delays come from missing content: photos, service descriptions, prices, testimonials. A good designer will give you a clear list at the start and help you write or organize what is missing.
10. What is the timeline and payment structure?
Ask for the steps in writing. A typical process looks like discovery, design, development, review and launch. Payments are often split into a deposit and milestones. Clear steps protect both of you.
Red flags to watch for
- No live examples, only templates or mockups
- They want to keep your domain or hosting in their own account
- No mention of mobile, speed or SEO
- Pressure to decide quickly with an unusually low price
- Vague answers about who maintains the site after launch
Local or remote, what matters most
Working with someone in Cebu is handy when you want to meet in person or need someone who understands the local market. Plenty of great work also happens fully online. Whoever you choose, look for clear communication, live proof of work and a process you can follow.
If you are planning a new website or a redesign, I am happy to answer these questions for your project. Get in touch here and tell me a little about your business.
