It happens more often than it should: a business owner hires a web designer, only for the relationship to fall apart. Maybe deadlines are missed. Maybe the final product isn’t what was promised. Sometimes, the designer disappears altogether — taking your money, your access, or even your website with them.
Worse still, you realize you never had their real address. Maybe they’re overseas. Maybe they never even told you their full name. Pursuing legal action becomes difficult — if not impossible.
Meanwhile, your website is your brand. Your designer may have access to your hosting, email, social media accounts, and more. That’s a lot of power in the hands of someone you may barely know. So how do you protect yourself?
Here are six practical steps every business owner should take before hiring a web designer:
1. Own Your Domain Name
Your domain is your brand. Even if your designer offers to help register it, always register it yourself. Use your name, your email, and keep the login details safe. A designer should never own your domain.
2. Keep All Login Credentials
Make sure you retain usernames and passwords for your:
- Domain registrar (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap)
- Web hosting account
- Website backend (e.g., WordPress, Shopify)
You might not need them today, but if you ever change designers, they’re critical.
3. Work with Someone Local
Whenever possible, meet your designer face to face — or at least ensure they’re located in your service area. A local designer will understand your market better and be more accountable. Ask for referrals and check local reviews.
4. Know Who’s Actually Building the Site
Some companies outsource all their work overseas, even if they advertise as local. Be direct: ask who will be coding your website. Will it be done in-house or subcontracted? You have a right to know.
5. Never Pay in Full Up Front
A down payment is standard, but don’t hand over the full amount before the project even starts. Break payments into phases tied to deliverables, such as:
- Initial deposit
- Approval of design mockups
- Completion of development
- Launch
6. Trust Your Instincts
If something feels off, it probably is. Watch for red flags:
- Pressure to sign a long-term contract without a trial period
- Vague or evasive communication
- No portfolio or client references
- Lack of a professional online presence
A good designer should be easy to talk to, transparent, and focused on solutions — not sales pressure.
Final Thought
Hiring the right web designer shouldn’t feel like a gamble. By staying informed and maintaining control over your digital assets, you can build a professional website — and a partnership you can trust.
Need help from a team that’s local, reliable, and transparent? Contact Mad Scientist Web Design at 682-521-5670. We fix WordPress and build smart, secure websites that put you in control.