Not all web designers are equal. Some charge ₹50,000 for a template they downloaded for free. Others build custom sites for ₹15,000 that actually work. Here's how to tell the difference.
Ask to see their actual work
Portfolios can be misleading. Ask for live websites they've built — not screenshots. Then visit those sites on your phone. Are they fast? Do they look good on mobile? Do they have proper contact forms?
Ask who owns the code
Some agencies build your site but keep ownership of the code, hosting, and domains. This locks you into their ecosystem. A good designer gives you full ownership of everything.
Ask about post-launch support
A website isn't a one-time project. It needs updates, security patches, and content changes. Ask what happens after launch. Is support included? What does it cost?
Ask for an itemized quote
If someone gives you a single number without breaking down what's included, that's a red flag. A professional quote should list every deliverable: number of pages, features, timeline, and costs.
Check if they understand your business
A good web designer asks about your business goals, your customers, and your budget before suggesting anything. If they jump straight to 'we'll build you a WordPress site,' they're not listening.
The sweet spot
You don't need the cheapest option or the most expensive one. You need someone who understands your business, builds custom work, gives you ownership, and is available after launch. That's worth paying for.