Creating a website is one of the most important steps for any small business. It’s your digital storefront—the first thing many people see before they decide to contact you or make a purchase. But hiring the right web designer isn’t always easy.
Many small business owners rush the process or choose based on price alone, and that can lead to costly mistakes. In this post, I'll cover the five most common mistakes small businesses make when hiring a web designer—and how you can avoid them.
Whether you're building your first site or updating an old one, these tips will help you choose the right partner for your business.
📊 Did you know?
75% of consumers admit to judging a company’s credibility based on their website design.
(Source: Stanford Web Credibility Research)
1. Not Defining Clear Website Goals
Before you start designing anything, you need to know what you want your website to do. Do you want people to book a service? Buy a product? Learn about your brand?
One big mistake is jumping into design without setting clear goals. This can lead to a website that looks nice—but doesn’t actually help your business grow.
Avoid it by:
Writing down your top 2–3 goals
Thinking about your audience's needs
Sharing these goals with your designer from the start
2. Focusing Only on Price Instead of Value
Everyone wants to save money, especially small businesses. But picking the cheapest option isn’t always the best choice.
Some designers offer “affordable web design,” but they may not have the skills or experience to deliver real results. Others may leave out important things like mobile design, SEO, or support.
📊 Another stat to consider:
A poorly designed website can drive away 38% of users if they find the layout unattractive or confusing.
(Source: Adobe, The State of Content)
Avoid it by:
Comparing price and quality
Asking what's included in the price
Choosing someone who offers value, not just a low rate
3. Ignoring the Designer’s Experience with Small Businesses
Designing for big companies is different from designing for small businesses. You have different goals, smaller budgets, and often need more flexible support.
A common mistake is hiring someone who doesn’t understand those differences. They might overcomplicate things or miss what matters most to you.
Avoid it by:
Looking for designers who specialize in design services for small businesses
Asking if they’ve worked with businesses like yours
Checking out their portfolio and results
4. Skipping the Research Phase
It’s easy to trust someone who sounds confident—but don’t skip your research. Not looking at reviews or past work can lead to hiring someone who over-promises and under-delivers.
Avoid it by:
Reading client testimonials
Checking Google reviews or LinkedIn profiles
Asking to see 2–3 past projects they’ve completed
5. No Ongoing Support or Communication Plan
Many small business owners think the website is “done” once it’s live—but websites need updates, changes, and support.
One big mistake is not asking about what happens after launch. If something breaks or you need help updating content, will your designer be there?
Avoid it by:
Asking about post-launch support
Understanding their process for edits or updates
Choosing someone who offers long-term solutions, not just a quick fix
💡 Hiring a Designer is Like Hiring a Contractor for Your Store
Think of your website like a physical store. Would you hire someone to build it without checking their previous work, asking about materials, or discussing maintenance? Probably not. The same care should go into choosing who builds your website—it’s a long-term investment, not a one-time job.
How to Choose the Right Web Designer for Your Small Business
Here’s a quick checklist to help guide your decision:
✅ Do they understand small business needs?
✅ Do they offer affordable web design without cutting corners?
✅ Can they explain things clearly and simply?
✅ Do they have good reviews and a solid portfolio?
✅ Will they support you after launch?
At Wave Design Firm, I specialize in design services for small businesses. From branding to web design, I help entrepreneurs build beautiful, budget-friendly websites that work.
If you’re ready to build or refresh your website, contact me today for a free consultation.
❓ FAQ: Hiring a Web Designer for Your Small Business
Q1: How much should small businesses budget for a website?
A: Budgets vary, but many small business websites range from $800 to $3,000 depending on features, number of pages, and level of customization. Look for value and results, not just the lowest quote.
Q2: What’s the difference between a web designer and a web developer?
A: A web designer focuses on layout, visuals, and user experience. A developer handles the code behind the scenes.
Q3: Should I use a website builder like Wix or Squarespace instead?
A: DIY platforms are a good short-term option for very tight budgets, but they often lack flexibility, performance, and branding potential. A custom site grows with your business.
Q4: How long does it take to design a website?
A: It depends on the size of the site, but a typical small business website takes 3–6 weeks from planning to launch.
Do you want to check the health of your current website and make sure is working for you instead of against you? Download my free Website Health Check List.
