Choosing a Web Designer: Spotting Red Flags

Hiring someone to build your website can feel overwhelming when you don’t work in tech. Whether you run a one-man business or look after a small team, getting the right person to handle your website matters a lot. It’s not just about picking someone who can make things look good. It’s about finding someone you trust to deliver something that works, shows off what you do, and supports your goals long term.

That’s why it helps to know what red flags to look out for when searching for a web design service near me. If you can spot the warning signs early, you’ll avoid wasting time and money. This article covers some common signs that a web designer might not be a good fit, so you can feel more confident when choosing who to work with.

Lack of Portfolio or References

Most experienced web designers will have some kind of portfolio to show. It doesn’t have to be packed with flashy animations, but it should give a clear sense of their past work. If a designer can’t provide examples of websites they’ve completed, that should raise concerns. It leaves you guessing about their abilities and may suggest they’re not as experienced as claimed.

Having client references is just as important. Even a few short testimonials can offer insight into how the designer handles projects. If there aren’t any, or the feedback feels vague or overly general, it may mean they don’t have a real track record.

When reviewing a portfolio, ask yourself:

• Are the websites live and working, or are they just static screenshots?
• Do the designs feel polished, or do they look unfinished?
• Can you spot examples that match the kind of business you run?
• Do the sites function well on both mobile and desktop?
• Do they show a range of styles, or does every site look the same?

A solid portfolio demonstrates not only what the designer can build, but also how well they listen to their clients’ needs. You’ll often get a feel for whether they’re building with real users in mind or just focusing on surface-level design.

Poor Communication Skills

If you’re a small business owner, time is tight. You don’t want to spend weeks chasing someone for updates or re-reading confusing emails. The way a web designer communicates in the early stages can tell you a lot about how the whole process will go. If they’re slow to respond, unclear, or offer brief and shallow answers, those are signals that things may not run smoothly.

Designing a website is not just a technical task. It involves plenty of back-and-forth, feedback, and decision-making. So if your designer doesn’t ask questions or doesn’t seem interested in your goals, you might not get a site that truly delivers for your business.

Here are some helpful questions to ask early on:

• How do you keep clients updated as a project moves forward?
• Will you help with content, or do I need to supply everything at once?
• What happens if I need changes after the site goes live?

How they respond matters. If they explain things in a helpful and down-to-earth way, that’s a good sign. If they brush off questions or speak in vague terms, it’s best to move on.

Unclear or Unreasonable Pricing

Everyone likes a good deal, but a quote that seems too low can turn into a problem later. Cheap websites are often built quickly, with corners cut and no attention to performance or reliability. Some people are caught out by vague pricing, ending up with surprise costs or a project that doesn’t include what they originally expected.

Reasonable and clear pricing is a must. Whether your project is a one-page site or a full online platform, a good web designer should offer a simple, understandable quote that lists what you’re getting.

Ask these questions before agreeing to anything:

• Can you explain what’s included in the quote?
• Are there any extra fees I should plan for?
• How do you charge for added changes or new features later on?

It should be easy to see the value in what they’re offering. Clear pricing protects both sides and means less chance of conflict during the project.

No Clear Design Process

Strong web designers don’t just figure things out as they go. They follow a tested, structured process that moves a website from idea to launch in predictable steps. If a designer can’t clearly explain how they work, or what you’ll be involved with along the way, that’s worth looking into more.

A good web design process usually includes:

• Planning (understanding your goals, audience, and content needs)
• Design (creating layouts, visuals, and prototypes)
• Build (developing the working website)
• Feedback (testing, edits, approval checkpoints)
• Launch (site goes live, final checks happen)

If any of those parts are missing, or if the designer seems unsure what comes next, you could end up stuck at some stage with minimal progress.

Be sure to ask:

• What’s your typical process from start to finish?
• Will I have deadlines or tasks to keep things moving?
• How do you handle feedback or changes throughout the project?

Their answers should leave you feeling like you’re part of a well-run job, not left guessing what’s next.

Limited Knowledge of SEO and Mobile Design

A good-looking site is great, but only if people can find and use it. A designer who lacks knowledge of search engine optimisation (SEO) or hasn’t designed for mobile usage is working with an outdated mindset. Today’s users expect sites to load quickly, work on their phones, and be easy to interact with. Google expects the same.

You don’t need to be an expert in SEO yourself, but your designer should be able to explain how they build sites that are search-friendly and mobile-ready.

Ask things like:

• Do you use SEO-friendly tools and clean code?
• Do you optimise images and test loading times?
• Will my site work well on different phones and tablets?

It’s a green flag when designers mention things like heading tags, sitemap creation, mobile responsiveness, and user-friendly layouts. These little things make a big difference to how well your site performs and how easy it is for customers to use.

You can also view examples of their work on your phone. If it’s hard to read or navigate, that’s a red flag.

How to Spot Trouble Early and Get a Website That Works

Finding the right person to create your website can feel like a big decision. But if you watch out for the signs above, it becomes far easier to choose wisely. The wrong hire can lead to wasted time, poor results, and unexpected headaches.

Don’t rush it. Take time to look through portfolio samples, ask proper questions, and notice how a designer behaves when you raise concerns. You’re not just hiring someone to build something pretty. You’re trusting them with how people experience your brand online.

Good designers will make things feel clear and simple. They’ll care about the results your site can bring, not just its appearance. When you find someone like that, the whole process becomes smoother and more rewarding.

Choosing a trustworthy web design service near me means finding someone who listens, follows through, and builds something lasting. Keep your eyes sharp, ask the right questions, and look for signs that point to someone who’s invested in your success.

If you’re after a partner who can bring your ideas to life and support your business goals online, choosing a trusted web design service near me is a great place to start. At Infinity3, we build websites that not only look good but are easy to use and built to last. Whether it’s launching something new or refining what you already have, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.