How to choose a web designer in Northern Ireland

Choosing a web designer is a significant business decision. The right choice gives you a website that generates leads and grows your business. The wrong choice wastes money and time. Here's how to tell the difference.

1. Look at their own website first

If a web designer's own website is slow, outdated, or poorly designed, that tells you everything you need to know. Their website is their best work on display—if it's not impressive, your website won't be either.

Check their site on your phone. Is it responsive? Does it load quickly? Is the navigation intuitive? If the basics aren't right on their own site, they won't be right on yours.

2. Review their portfolio—critically

Don't just look at pretty screenshots. Visit the actual websites in their portfolio. Check if the sites are still live and maintained. Check the page speed (use Google PageSpeed Insights). Check if they're mobile-friendly. A portfolio of beautiful designs that perform badly in practice isn't much use.

Also look for variety. Can they adapt their style to different brands, or does every site look the same?

3. Ask about the technology

You need to understand what your website will be built on and what that means for you long-term. Key questions: What CMS will be used? Will you be able to edit content yourself? Who owns the code? Can you move to a different hosting provider if needed?

Be wary of proprietary platforms or page builders that lock you in. WordPress is the safest choice for most businesses because it's open-source and widely supported—you're never dependent on one agency.

4. Understand what's included in the price

A quote of "£3,000 for a website" means nothing without knowing what's included. Ask specifically about: design (custom or template?), number of pages, content writing, image sourcing, SEO, hosting setup, training, and post-launch support.

Also ask about ongoing costs. Will you need a separate hosting provider? What happens after launch if you need changes? Is there a maintenance plan?

5. Check their SEO knowledge

A beautiful website that nobody can find on Google is a beautiful waste of money. Every web designer should have basic SEO knowledge: proper heading structure, meta tags, fast page loads, mobile-first design, clean URLs, and image optimisation.

Ask them to explain their approach to SEO. If they can't give you a clear answer, or if they promise "page one of Google" guarantees, walk away.

6. Ask about their process

A professional web designer should have a clear process: discovery, design, development, content, testing, launch. They should be able to explain each stage and what your involvement will be.

Be cautious of designers who want to jump straight into building without understanding your business, your customers, and your goals first.

7. Check communication and responsiveness

How quickly do they respond to your initial enquiry? Are they clear and professional in their communication? This is a preview of what working with them will be like.

Slow responses, vague answers, and missed deadlines during the sales process are red flags. If they're hard to pin down before you've paid them, imagine what it'll be like after.

8. Read reviews and ask for references

Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and LinkedIn recommendations give you real client feedback. Look for comments about communication, meeting deadlines, and post-launch support—not just design quality.

Don't be afraid to ask for references from previous clients in a similar industry or of a similar size to your business.

9. Understand who'll do the work

Some agencies outsource development offshore. That's not inherently bad, but you should know about it. Ask who'll actually design and build your website, and who your point of contact will be throughout the project.

10. Think about the long-term relationship

Your website isn't a one-off project—it's an ongoing business asset. Think about who you want maintaining it, updating it, and improving it over the next 3-5 years. A cheaper initial build from a fly-by-night designer could cost you more in the long run if they disappear after launch.

Choose someone who'll be around, who offers ongoing support, and who treats your website as a long-term partnership rather than a quick transaction.

Ready to talk?

We've been building websites for businesses across Northern Ireland and Ireland since 2007. We're transparent about our pricing, process, and technology. If you'd like to discuss a project, get in touch for a no-obligation conversation.