What to Look for When Hiring a Website Designer (That Actually Gets You Results)
Let’s be honest —Hiring a website designer can feel overwhelming.
Everyone’s throwing around terms like “custom build,” “SEO optimization,” and “user journey” like you’re supposed to know exactly what they mean.
But here’s the truth:
You don’t need to speak fluent tech.
You just need to know what to look for — especially if you want more than just a pretty website.
Whether you’re refreshing your brand or launching something new, here’s how to make sure the person you hire actually delivers results, not just mockups.
1. They Ask About Your Goals (Not Just Your Color Palette)
A good designer won’t start by asking what fonts you like — they’ll ask what you want your website to do.
Do you want to:
Book more clients?
Build a waitlist?
Sell products?
Grow your authority?
The best squarespace designers use strategy-first thinking. Before a single pixel gets pushed, they’ll help you clarify your website’s purpose and structure everything around it. That’s how you get a site that converts — not just one that looks nice.
Need help setting those goals? This Website Design Packages breakdown walks through the must-have elements to look for.
2. They Offer More Than Just Design
Here’s the thing: design matters — but strategy and content matter just as much.
Great website designers either:
Include things like copywriting support, SEO setup, and layout guidance,
Or work closely with people who do.
Templates are a great start (we love a well-built Squarespace site), but if you’re serious about growth, your designer should help you go beyond plug-and-play.
That’s why strategic packages like these high-converting website builds are designed for outcomes, not just aesthetics.
3. They Know SEO Isn’t Optional
Even if you’re just getting started, your site needs to be Google-friendly.
Before hiring someone, ask:
Will they optimize headings and page titles?
Do they know how to compress images for speed?
Are they following a solid Squarespace SEO checklist?
You don’t need an expert in keyword research — but you do need a designer who gets the basics right, so your site doesn’t get buried.
4. They Show Real Results (Not Just Pretty Pictures)
A stunning homepage means nothing if it doesn’t convert visitors into action-takers.
When reviewing someone’s portfolio, don’t stop at the visuals. Ask:
What did this site help the client achieve?
Were there more bookings, sales, or signups?
Can I see any analytics or testimonials?
It’s also smart to browse curated Squarespace website examples to see what’s actually working — not just what looks good.
5. They’re Clear About Pricing and Process
You shouldn’t need a decoder ring to understand someone’s pricing. A solid designer will be upfront about:
What’s included
What costs extra
When you’ll receive your site
Some platforms — like WordPress — come with hidden costs (hello, surprise plugin fees). Meanwhile, Squarespace often includes everything in one package.
Not sure what platform fits your needs? This guide to comparing Squarespace pricing makes it simple.
6. They Don’t Disappear After the Launch
You’ll probably want to tweak your site a week (or a month) after launch. That’s normal — and a good designer will be ready to support you.
Before hiring, ask:
Are post-launch revisions included?
What kind of support is available long-term?
Is training provided so I can make updates myself?
Websites are living, evolving tools. You need a designer who’s in it with you — not someone who ghosts after the final invoice.
Final Thoughts
Hiring the right website designer is less about trends and more about fit.
You want someone who:
Leads with strategy
Understands SEO
Shows real-world results
Offers clear pricing
Provides ongoing support
Because your website isn’t just a digital business card — it’s the engine behind your growth.
