Red Flags to Look for When Hiring a Web Designer

Building a website is one of the most important investments you can make for your business. Whether you’re a startup owner, an e-commerce seller, or a growing brand, your website is often the first impression potential customers will have of you. And just like you wouldn’t trust the construction of your dream home to just anyone, the same applies to your online presence—you need the right web designer.

But here’s the catch: not every web designer is the right fit, and not every proposal that looks polished will actually deliver results. A great design is more than just “pretty pictures.” It requires strategy, functionality, and a deep understanding of your goals.

So before you sign that contract, watch out for these red flags when hiring a web designer. They could save you from wasted money, wasted time, and a website that doesn’t actually work for your business.

1. They Talk Only About Looks—Not Results

A common mistake business owners make is hiring a web designer who only focuses on the aesthetics. Don’t get us wrong, design matters. But your website is more than a digital brochure—it’s a tool meant to generate leads, build trust, and drive sales.

If a designer talks endlessly about color palettes and fonts but never asks about your target audience, conversion goals, or business objectives, that’s a red flag. A professional designer should balance form with function. They should ask about your sales funnel, your ideal customers, and what success looks like for you.

2. No Portfolio or Vague Samples

Would you hire a photographer who can’t show you any photos? Probably not. The same logic applies here. If a web designer doesn’t have a clear portfolio—or they give excuses like “I can’t share past work”—be cautious.

A strong portfolio doesn’t just show pretty websites, but also demonstrates variety, functionality, and adaptability. Look for sites that are live, user-friendly, and aligned with different client needs. If all you see are screenshots without context or half-finished demo sites, it could mean they lack real-world experience.

3. Poor Communication from the Start

The way a designer communicates before you even hire them is a huge predictor of what working with them will be like. If they’re slow to respond, vague in their answers, or dismissive of your questions, you’ll likely deal with the same frustration throughout the project.

A good designer will listen carefully, explain things in plain language (not just jargon), and set clear expectations about timelines, revisions, and deliverables. Remember: web design isn’t a one-time transaction—it’s a collaboration.

4. No Understanding of SEO or User Experience

A beautiful site that nobody can find is as good as invisible. Likewise, a website that looks fancy but confuses visitors won’t convert them into customers. If your designer doesn’t mention SEO (Search Engine Optimization) or UX (User Experience), consider it a warning sign.

A professional web designer should at least build with SEO-friendly structures (clean code, proper tags, fast loading speed) and prioritize usability (easy navigation, clear CTAs, mobile responsiveness). If they tell you “SEO is not my problem” or “We’ll just figure out the user flow later,” keep looking.

5. Overpromising and Underpricing

If the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Some designers lure clients with unbelievably low rates and promises like “I’ll build you a full custom site in 3 days for $200.” What you’ll often get is a cookie-cutter template, little customization, and no long-term support.

Quality web design takes time and expertise. While you don’t need to spend a fortune, be wary of someone whose pricing doesn’t match the scope of work. A reliable designer will provide a detailed proposal, outline costs clearly, and explain where your money is going.

6. No Clear Process or Contract

Web design projects can quickly become messy without a process. If a designer can’t outline how they handle discovery, design drafts, revisions, development, testing, and launch, that’s a problem.

Even worse—if they don’t offer a written contract. A contract protects both of you, covering timelines, payment terms, ownership rights, and expectations. Without it, you risk endless delays, unexpected costs, and even disputes over who owns your site.

7. They Don’t Care About Your Brand Voice

Your website should reflect your business personality—not the designer’s personal style. If every site in their portfolio looks the same, or they push their own ideas without listening to you, that’s a sign they’re not designing with your brand in mind.

The best web designers know how to translate your brand voice—professional, playful, bold, or minimalist—into visuals and interactions that resonate with your target audience.

8. They Don’t Offer Ongoing Support

A website isn’t something you build once and forget. It needs updates, maintenance, and occasional fixes. If a designer builds your site and then disappears without offering post-launch support or training, you’ll be left stranded.

Ask upfront: Do they provide maintenance packages? Will they show you how to make small updates yourself? Do they offer troubleshooting if something breaks after launch? If the answer is no, you may end up paying more down the road to fix avoidable problems.

9. Bad Reviews or No References

Finally, don’t ignore reputation. If past clients consistently complain about missed deadlines, poor quality, or unprofessional behavior, take that seriously. On the flip side, if a designer refuses to provide references or testimonials, that’s another red flag.

You don’t need perfection, but you do need proof of professionalism. A quick Google search or request for references can save you from a costly mistake.

Hiring a web designer is like hiring a business partner—you want someone who understands your goals, communicates clearly, and creates a site that actually works for you. By keeping an eye out for these red flags, you’ll be better equipped to spot the difference between a true professional and a potential headache.

Remember: your website isn’t just a project. It’s the foundation of your brand online. Choose wisely.