How to choose a web designer for a small business.

Write one sentence: for example, “get local customers to call or send an enquiry.” A designer can only recommend pages and features once the goal is clear.

Ask for the number of pages, the features included, the number of rounds of changes and what counts as an extra. Anything not written down is open to argument later.

A fixed price is easier to compare than an hourly estimate. Then ask what is not included: domain, hosting, email, stock photos, paid plugins and third-party subscriptions are commonly charged separately. See what a small business website costs.

Look at live websites the designer built and ask whether you can contact the owners. Be careful with design concepts presented as results: a concept shows style, not business outcomes.

Ask for the delivery estimate and what it assumes, such as content being ready. How long a small business website takes explains what usually causes delay.

Ask in writing who holds the domain name, the hosting account and the website files after launch, and whether you can move them elsewhere. You should be able to log in to the accounts your business depends on.

Ask who makes small edits, what monthly care covers, what it costs and how to cancel. Some projects need none; others need regular updates and backups.

Basic on-page work, such as titles, headings and a sitemap, is reasonable to expect. Be wary of anyone who guarantees a ranking or a number of visitors: no one controls Google's results.

Send the same short brief to two or three designers. Compare how clearly each answers, how they handle questions and whether the quote matches what you asked for.

Compare like with like: pages, revisions, exclusions and timeline. A low price that leaves out the parts you need is not cheaper.

Package prices and delivery estimates are published, and the final scope is confirmed in writing before you pay. See the small business website design service and the packages.