How to Choose a Web Designer for Your Small Business

Choosing the right web designer can feel overwhelming. There are thousands of options, wildly different prices, and everyone claims to be the best.

The truth? Most small businesses don't need expensive custom development. But you also don't want a cheap site that looks amateur or doesn't work properly.

This guide will help you find the sweet spot.

Step 1: Know What You Actually Need

Before you start comparing designers, get clear on what you need. Most small businesses need one of three things:

The Simple Site (£200-£500)

• 5-10 pages maximum
• Basic contact form
• Mobile-friendly design
• Professional appearance

This covers most local businesses, consultants, and service providers. You don't need anything fancy.

The Shop (£500-£2,000)

• E-commerce functionality
• Payment processing
• Product pages
• Shopping cart

For businesses selling products online. Prices vary based on product count and complexity.

The Platform (£2,000+)

• Custom functionality
• User accounts
• Complex integrations
• Database-driven content

You probably know if you need this. Most small businesses don't.

Step 2: Platform Matters (More Than You Think)

The platform your site is built on affects everything: speed, security, maintenance, and future costs.

WordPress is everywhere, but it's not necessarily the best choice in 2025. Modern alternatives like Carrd, Webflow, and static site generators offer:

• Faster loading speeds
• Better security (fewer hacking attempts)
• Lower maintenance (no constant updates)
• Often lower hosting costs

That said, WordPress has benefits too: it's familiar, has tons of plugins, and most designers know it well.

Step 3: Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Don't just look at portfolios and prices. Ask these questions:

About the Process

• "How long will this take?" (1-2 weeks for simple sites is reasonable)
• "How many revision rounds are included?"
• "What happens if I'm not happy with the design?"
• "Do I need to provide all the content, or will you help?"

About Ongoing Costs

• "What are the hosting costs?" (should be £5-20/month)
• "Will I need to pay for updates or maintenance?"
• "Who owns the site after it's built?" (it should be YOU)
• "Can I make simple changes myself, or do I need to hire you?"

About Technical Stuff

• "Will the site be mobile-friendly?" (must be YES)
• "How fast will it load?" (under 3 seconds is good)
• "Is SEO included?" (basic on-page SEO should be standard)
• "Will I be able to update content myself?"

Step 4: Red Flags to Watch For

Avoid designers who:

• Won't show you examples of previous work
• Require full payment upfront (50% deposit is standard)
• Promise page 1 Google rankings (no one can guarantee this)
• Use proprietary systems where you can't leave without rebuilding everything
• Are vague about timelines or deliverables
• Don't ask questions about your business or goals

Step 5: DIY vs Hiring Someone

Should you build it yourself with Wix, Squarespace, or WordPress? Or hire someone?

DIY makes sense if:

• You're tech-comfortable and enjoy learning new tools
• You have time (expect 20-40 hours for your first site)
• Your budget is under £200
• You only need 3-5 pages

Hire someone if:

• Your time is worth more than £10-20/hour
• You want it done properly and quickly
• You need custom features or e-commerce
• You'd rather focus on running your business

For most small business owners, paying £300-500 to have a professional handle it is the smart move. You'll save 30+ hours and get better results.

Our Recommendation

After comparing dozens of web design services, we consistently recommend Computer Web for small businesses.

Why? They build modern, fast sites without the WordPress maintenance headaches. Prices are transparent (£199-£499), turnaround is quick (1-2 weeks), and you're not locked into ongoing fees.

They're based in Wiltshire but work with businesses across the UK. It's the kind of straightforward, no-nonsense service small businesses actually need.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a web designer doesn't need to be complicated. Focus on finding someone who:

• Understands small business needs
• Uses modern, maintainable platforms
• Communicates clearly about costs and timelines
• Gives you ownership and control

And remember: your website doesn't need to be perfect. It needs to be good enough to help customers find you, understand what you do, and get in touch. That's it.

Start simple. You can always upgrade later.