What To Ask a Web Designer or Agency Before You Hire Them: A Real World Guide

December 2025

Table of Contents

Choosing who you partner with to build your website is one of the most important marketing decisions you will make. A good website should bring in leads, support your business goals and grow with you over time. Yet many people end up disappointed because they did not know what questions to ask when hiring a web designer or an agency.

After years of helping clients fix poor websites, they don’t realise they only rent their website, have poor visibility on Google and confusing setups, here is the guide I wish every business owner had before starting a web project.

These insights come directly from real conversations, real audits and real situations with clients who came to us frustrated and wasted money.

1. Why choosing the right web partner matters

Your website has one job. Bring in leads.

Yet so many business owners end up with a site that looks fine but delivers nothing. It sits online like a digital brochure. No traffic, no enquiries and no visibility on Google or more recently, the AI tools.

This usually happens because the person who built it focused on aesthetics, not strategy. A good website needs both.

2. Should you work with a freelancer or an agency

There are brilliant freelancers and brilliant agencies. Both can work well. The key is knowing what each one offers.

Many people who come to us after using a one person setup have the same issues:
• a basic brochure site
• no SEO
• poor technical setup
• no long term support
• no measurable results

An agency usually brings a team of specialists. Someone doing design, someone doing SEO, someone writing content and someone providing support.

Questions to ask:
Who actually builds the site ?
Who writes the content ?
Who handles SEO ?
Is anything outsourced ?
What happens if something breaks ?

3. What platform do they build on and do you own it

A lot of clients do not understand the differences between WordPress, Wix, Squarespace and IONOS style builders. DIY platforms look simple, but they have limitations:
• poor SEO control
• limited customisation
• no true ownership
• restricted growth
• slow technical performance

A properly built WordPress website gives you full control, scalability and long term flexibility. But even WordPress needs best practice or it will not perform.

Many clients only learn this after spending money twice.

4. Do they understand copywriting and SEO

A website without clear messaging is decoration.
A website without Search Engine Optimisation is invisible.

Most clients who come to us have no idea what SEO is because no one ever explained it. They just know they have no leads.

Ask your designer or agency:
Do you write the content ?
Do you use AI and who edits it ?
Do you research search terms ?
Do you structure content for Google and AI search tools ?

If the answer focuses on tech and plugins rather than strategy, that is a red flag.

5. Look at case studies and reviews, not just a portfolio

A portfolio only shows the polished highlights. Anyone can show a nice homepage. What matters is whether the websites they build actually perform.

Instead of judging by screenshots, look for:
• real case studies with outcomes
• before and after stories
• Google Analytics or Search Console improvements
• ranking gains
• conversion increases
• long term client relationships
• independent reviews on Google

This tells you far more about an agency’s capability than a pretty mockup.

6. Think about ROI and the value of a conversion

People often ask how much a website costs, but the real question is what that website will produce.

A website is not a cost. It is an asset.
The right website should:
• increase enquiries
• improve lead quality
• reduce friction for customers
• support your sales process
• make paid traffic more profitable
• help you rank in your area
• improve trust and credibility
• contribute to long term growth

If a single customer is worth £500, £2,000 or £20,000 to your business, then the value of a high performing website is clear.

This is why focusing on price alone is a trap.
ROI and Customer Lifetime Value tell the true story.

A strong website pays for itself many times over.
A cheap website costs you opportunities every month.

7. What real SEO actually looks like

Many clients come to us saying they paid for SEO for a year and saw nothing. No keyword movement, no reports, no changes, no strategy.

Often the SEO they paid for was:
• a plugin installation
• a blog post with no purpose
• nothing at all

Real SEO is structured, measured and aligned with business goals. You should always be able to see what was done and why. If you cannot, the work probably did not happen.
There are approx 200 ranking factors and these change. An SEO has to keep up with all the latest algorithm changes and the industry movements.

8. Ask how they optimise for conversions

Pretty websites do not always convert.

Most poor performing sites share the same problems:
• no clear call to action
• confusing navigation
• forms buried too deep
• weak headlines
• unclear messaging
• no logical user journey

Conversion optimisation is a skill. When done well, it can completely transform results by guiding visitors towards the action you want them to take.

9. Check whether your website is ready for Google Ads

I often see people running Google Ads to a weak website. They spend hundreds or thousands sending traffic to a page that cannot convert.

If the website is unclear, slow or not trustworthy, ads will not fix it.
Fix the website first. Ideally include a strong SEO foundation.
Then layer in Google Ads.

10. Be realistic about DIY

DIY platforms make it look easy, but clients tell us the same thing every time.
They tried.
They got stressed.
They ran out of time.
And the website never looked or worked how they imagined.

DIY sites usually fail because there is no:
• strategy
• keyword research
• technical setup
• content structure

*Poor design
• conversion flow

People focus on getting something online instead of building something effective. It is also important to note that a DIY option is a good choice when you’re a start up and there is no budget yet to invest.

11. Understand how much work goes into a professional website

From the outside, it looks like a few pages and some pictures. Behind the scenes it involves:
• planning and wireframing
• copywriting
• keyword to page planning
• design
• development
• speed optimisation
• mobile layout
• Technical seo
• testing
• conversion tracking setup
• integration with CRM or booking tools
• performance checks

This is why professional websites cost more and perform better.

12. Ask about ongoing support and maintenance

A website is never finished. ( yes for us too, groan !)
It needs continuous updates and care.

Without a website care plan or SEO plan, performance will decline over time.

Security updates
Plugin changes
Google updates
AI search changes
Tracking adjustments
Content refreshes

This is how websites stay healthy and visible.

13. Ask how they stay up to date

I personally invest heavily in training, coaching and professional development.
• Agency Mavericks
• Dedicated SEO coaching
• The best tools

The digital world changes constantly. You want someone who stays ahead so your business stays ahead.

14. Understand the common misunderstandings

Here are the patterns we see all the time:
• people do not understand platforms
• they do not know what SEO is
• they do not understand conversions
• they believe a website is one and done
• they do not know what things cost
• they think Google Ads will fix everything
• they assume poor results are their fault
• they feel embarrassed for not knowing, even though no one ever taught them

Your job is not to know everything. Your job is to choose someone who explains things clearly.

15. How to use these questions when choosing a designer or website agency

Use this list in your next call. Good professionals will answer openly and clearly. Poor ones will avoid detail, hide behind jargon or give vague answers.

A great web partner should make you feel informed and confident, not confused or rushed.

16. Final thoughts

A website is not a commodity. It is a marketing asset that should support your business every day. When it is done properly, it becomes one of the most valuable tools you have. When it is done poorly, it becomes a constant source of frustration.

You do not need to become a web expert.
You just need to ask the right questions.

If you want honest guidance or want to explore a new website project, we are always happy to help.

Share Now

What our clients say about their dedicated Digital Agency in Cheshire

We partner with our clients for the long haul, so we can deliver them ongoing results that help their business grow and thrive online.

Nathan S.

20:37 23 Dec 25

Bloom Digital Marketing have been brilliant to work with on SEO for my photography business. They’re genuinely invested in understanding my business, really listen, and the whole team is always on hand when needed. Professional, approachable, and easy to recommend

AGM Products L.

19:38 22 Dec 25

We've been using Bloom for the last couple of years and it's been a pleasure working with such a professional and friendly company. The whole team have been so helpful in looking after our website, offering great advice and prompt support. With their wide range of knowledge and expertise, we know we are in safe hands. Highly recommended!

B S.

13:49 08 Dec 25

We've worked with Bloom Digital Marketing since mid 2022. Our website now consistently delivers quality removal enquiries. The bi-weekly calls keep everything on track, and we never miss a lead thanks to the systems they've put in place. They're proactive, reliable, and genuinely feel like part of our team

Peter H.

12:59 25 Jun 25

We’ve worked with Bloom since 2019, started as a one man band to a team of ten. We’ve grown our revenue 10x and we can say we wouldn’t be where we are without the team at Bloom.

Darren A.

14:44 12 Jun 25

Fantastic people at Bloom. They do what they say they are going to do. Hit deadlines, continually communicate and deliver on the project. Sometimes you just want a capable team to take on your project and Bloom are capable and then some. Highly recommended.

Response from the owner 19:03 16 Jun 25

Thanks Darren. Much appreciated. Looking forward to watching the results. You and the whole team at Amita have been a dream to work with and that's enabled us to deliver. We now say we want more Darren's please.

Agostino F.

21:04 02 Sep 24

I moved my website and digital marketing to Jeanette and the team in March this year, after being taken for a ride from another company. The changes I have seen in traffic and the comments made on the new website are amazing. Working with Jeanette is like having another wife, ( Unlike a wife though you don't have to go home to her! But be rest assured she is in the background getting ready to set more tasks!).... she is constantly on the case demanding information and doesn't let go ... in order to do the best possible job. Other companies I have dealt with don't have the same passion and enthusiasm . I cant recommend them highly enough, all the team are a dream to work with, very professional and enthusiastic, making it their job to know my business

Response from the owner 10:33 03 Sep 24

Thank you Ago and of course Milo ha ha ! I like being Chief Nag but on a serious note, I am happy we have been able to provide you with a website that works and support you with the business growth. Now to plan the next few months out for your ongoing marketing.

Sarah H.

14:02 31 Jul 24

Tsiantar Architects have been working with Jeanette and the team since the beginning of last year on the design and launch of our new website, which we are absolutely delighted with and has been a great success. Jeanette spent a lot of time finding everything out about us and our business, the way that we work, and what we were trying to achieve. She is fantastic to deal with, and goes above and beyond to help us and make sure we are getting the best results for our business. Not only are the team at Bloom really creative and talented, but they’re also great to work with. We get quick responses to queries and any amendments we require, monthly updates, plus in-person meetings. If you are looking for someone to design your website and provide on-going SEO and marketing support, then we would not hesitate in recommending Bloom Digital Marketing.

Response from the owner 14:12 31 Jul 24

What a wonderful review, Sarah! We're over the moon to hear how happy you are with the website and our services. Your respect for our work motivates us to continue striving for excellence. Feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. We're just one call away. Thank you so much for your recommendation!

Hannah G.

20:26 27 May 24

As a small business owner, I've worked with about 5 companies over the last 7 years. Each of them has made promises, and unfortunately most have failed to deliver. Many have taken advantage of my lack of knowledge about websites and have taken significant sums of money from me.

When I reached out to Jeanette, I was rather fed up, and also had a lack of faith and trust.

I can't thank her and her team enough for their support over the last 6 months. I have really values that Jeanette doesn't want to keep me in the dark, quite the opposite she has wanted to help me understand things better.

She has been mindful of my limitations of funds, and has given me sound advice on what I'm spending on and when.

Having someone that is straight forward and cares seems to be rare in this industry, so I consider myself very lucky.

I've also seen actual results, so this team actually do what they say!

Response from the owner 12:40 28 May 24

Hi Hannah, thanks for the amazing review. We were aware of your journey so far and it was more important than ever that we looked after you. We are proud of our commitment to transparency, value for money, and most importantly, generating tangible results for our clients. Your trust in us means a lot.

Queries JB Plumbing & H.

07:52 11 Apr 24

We cannot speak highly enough of the team at Bloom. As a plumbing company, having a visible online presence is crucial, and when our Google Business profile was suspended, we were understandably worried and it affected our business massiveley. However, Jeanette and her team truly went above and beyond to resolve the issue.

Throughout the entire process, they kept us informed and provided regular updates. Their efforts ultimately resulted in the successful reinstatement of our Google Business profile, for which we are incredibly grateful.

We highly recommend Bloom Digital Marketing to any business seeking outstanding digital marketing services. Thank you for your exceptional support !

Response from the owner 08:48 11 Apr 24

Thank you so much JB Plumbing & Heating! We really appreciate your kind words and recommendation. We definitely celebrated resolving the issue with your Google Business profile and that it’s live again !

Tsiantar A.

15:42 13 Mar 24

We have been working with Jeanette and the team since the beginning of this year on the design and launch of our new website, which we are absolutely delighted with and has been a great success.
Jeanette spent a lot of time finding everything out about us and our business, the way that we work, and what we were trying to achieve. She is fantastic to deal with, and goes above and beyond to help us and make sure we are getting the best results for our business.
Not only are the team at Bloom really creative and talented, but they’re also great to work with. We get quick responses to queries and any amendments we require, monthly updates, plus in-person meetings. If you are looking for someone to design your website and provide on-going SEO and marketing support, then we would not hesitate in recommending Bloom Digital Marketing.

Response from the owner 10:02 21 Nov 23

Thanks Tsiantar Architects! We appreciate your kind words and are thrilled that you are delighted with your new website. It was a pleasure working with you to understand your business and goals. We're glad that our team's creativity and responsiveness have been valuable to you. We look forward to continuing to provide ongoing support for your SEO and marketing needs. Thank you for recommending Bloom Digital Marketing!

John G.

16:47 10 Jun 23

Great service and very helpful

Response from the owner 14:07 12 Jul 23

Thanks John, much appreciated. Glad to be supporting local family businesses.

Claire N.

08:48 11 May 23

I am new to the business world and Jeanette came highly recommended for support with the technology side ( I am terrible!) The company is highly responsive and keep you updated regularly to help you understand the process and aims of the work they are doing. Her communication is amazing and not full of technological terms which really helped me. I would highly recommend using this service.

Response from the owner 10:40 11 May 23

Thanks so much Claire and I'm glad we have made it easier to understand on the tech front. Looking forward to following your new aesthetics business and seeing it grow.

Lee V.

08:19 13 Mar 23

Over the years we've worked with Bloom Creative on a number of projects and always found them, professional, friendly, focused and extremely knowledgeable. Would highly recommend.

Response from the owner 12:28 19 Apr 23

Thank you Lee !

Abby W.

22:19 20 Sep 22

I've worked with Jeanette and the team on a number of projects together and can't recommend them highly enough. Jeanette is absolutely lovely to work with, and genuinely cares about delivering the best results to her clients.

If you're looking for a web design and marketing expert who really knows how to deliver results, Bloom is your only option: their work is great, they're fantastic to work with, and they treat every project like it's their own.

Their dedication to great customer service really makes a difference - I highly recommend Jeanette and the crew at Bloom Creative Design.

Response from the owner 20:41 25 Sep 22

Thank you Abby - we love working with you guys on our projects.

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