What to look for in a small business website designer (and why it matters).
If you're a small business owner, chances are you've Googled "small business website designer" at least once. Probably in a mild panic, wondering who to trust, what platform to use and what you should actually pay.
So let’s dive into it a little bit. What does a small business website designer do? Do you really need one? And how do you choose the right one without falling into a never-ending Pinterest spiral?
What does a small business website designer actually do?
Let’s demystify it, shall we? A small business website designer (hi, that’s me 👋) is someone who works specifically with new or small businesses to build a website that not only looks beautiful, but that’s also strategically designed around your business goals and helps your business grow.
Here’s what I typically handle:
Designing a website that aligns with your brand (and doesn’t look like everyone else’s).
Taking your vision (and your Pinterest board) and turning it the website of your dreams.
Making sure it looks great on both desktop and mobile.
Optimising it for SEO and AI, so people can actually find you.
Structuring your website in such a way that your ideal customer is hooked in and sticks around.
Strategically building your website around your business goals.
Setting up all the backend tech bits, such as domains and emails.
Making sure everything is super easy for you to manage once it’s launched (because we have enough on our plates already, without a complicated website thrown into the mix).
Want to know a bit more about what I do? Take a look at my bespoke Squarespace websites or Launch in a Week semi-custom websites. And feel free to drop me a DM on Instagram if you have any questions.
Why small businesses need a pro (no shade to DIY, but...)
I get it. DIYing your website with Squarespace feels doable… until you’re six hours deep trying to figure out why your fonts won’t display properly and why you can’t get the mobile layout to look right.
Here’s why hiring a Squarespace website designer is worth every penny:
You save time. And energy. And headspace. And your sanity.
You get a strategic website. It’s not just about getting your content on the website. The content alone isn’t going to make waves. It’s about where that content goes, how it’s displayed, the calls-to-action that sit within it and how the whole thing flows from one page to another. Your website needs to guide users into action.
You’re taken seriously. Your website is often someone’s first impression of your biz. And a DIY website screams DIY. Is that the best first impression for your business?
You’ll actually show up on Google. Because yes, design and SEO matter. You need both to grow your business.
Your website will grow with you. A DIY website usually has a shelf life of 6-12 months. Then it becomes unfit for purpose. It’s not professional enough. It’s not converting enough clients. It’s not inline with your business anymore. A professional website will grow and evolve with you.
💡 Fun fact: 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the layout is unattractive (HubSpot). Translation? Your vibe does attract your tribe.
Still not sure? Read: Why hire a professional Squarespace website designer, when you could DIY it?
What to look for in a small business website designer
This part’s important. Not all web designers are created equal, and you want someone who gets your vision, that you feel aligned with and that knows how to build a great website.
Here’s what to keep an eye out for:
Experience working with small businesses.
A style that you love.
Experience in Squarespace (or your preferred platform).
Clear pricing (no weird hidden fees, thank you).
A streamlined process (you shouldn’t be guessing what happens next).
Testimonials and happy clients (aka: social proof).
That we could totally be mates feeling (because it’s so much easier to work with someone you get on with).
👉 Take a look at my latest projects
Questions to ask before hiring a website designer
Hiring a website designer is a big move for your biz, and not one you want to rush into just because someone has a pretty Instagram feed. Before you invest, it’s totally fair (and very smart) to ask the right questions so that you understand how they work, what you're getting, and whether they’re actually the right fit for you.
Most good website designers will offer a free discovery call so that you can ask them questions and get to know them a little better before you make a decision (fancy a discovery call with me? Contact me and let’s book it in 🙌🏻). It’s also a great way for them to get to know you and to ensure you’re a good fit for each other.
Here are a few must-ask questions to bring to the convo:
1. What’s your design process like?
You want to know how they work, not just what the final product looks like. Do they guide you through content? Do they do a deep dive into your business and build your website strategically? Will you be in the dark for 6 weeks or will you be getting regular updates? A great website designer will have a clear, step-by-step process and will be able to explain it to you without drowning you in jargon.
2. What’s included in your packages?
Does it include SEO setup? Mobile optimisation? Launch support? What about training so you can update your website later without panic-Googling? Get really clear on exactly what you’re paying for.
3. Can I see examples of websites you’ve built?
A portfolio gives you a feel for their style. Most website designers offer unique styles to their work. Make sure their style fits in with your vibe. And if they can walk you through why they made certain design choices? Even better.
4. What kind of support do you offer after launch?
Once the website goes live, are you ghosted forever? Or will they be around for tweaks, updates or post launch questions? Knowing this upfront saves so much stress down the line. The last thing you want is a website designer that’s going to build you a website and then ghost you the second it launches.
5. How do you handle feedback and revisions?
Every designer has a slightly different revision policy. Some include 1–2 rounds, others are more flexible. Ask how feedback is handled and how collaborative the process will be, because this is your website, and your voice should be heard.
6. What platform do you design in, and why?
Are they using something user-friendly (like Squarespace, which I love), or a platform that’s going to require a full-time developer every time you want to update a photo? Make sure you’re comfortable with the tech they build on.
(Want to know if Squarespace is right for your business? Read: How do you know if Squarespace is the right platform for your business?)
7. What’s your payment schedule and cancellation policy?
Let’s be real - this isn’t the fun part. But it is important. Understand how payments work, when they’re due, and what happens if you need to pause or cancel the project.
8. What do you need from me to get started?
A good designer will set you up for success before the project even begins. Do they help you prep content? Do they give you a checklist? Or are you expected to show up with everything figured out?
Bonus tip: Trust your gut.
The vibe matters just as much as the visuals. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions or you feel rushed or confused? That’s a red flag. You deserve someone who gets your business, respects your vision, and makes the process feel exciting - not stressful. You want to find someone that you get along well with. Perhaps you have things in common with. This all helps to build a great working relationship.
For more on this, read: Don’t hire a website designer until you know these 5 things.
Real talk: Why I love designing for small businesses
I’ve designed websites for big agencies, for local schools and for accomplished e-com brands, but there’s something really magical about working directly with small business owners. Having ran two product-based business myself, it’s a world that I am a part of. A world that I understand and that I feel so passionately about.
And although I don’t work with women exclusively, I really get a kick out of helping women that are juggling life, motherhood and a business all at the same time. I love helping women to build a business that they love around a life they love, and to realise their dreams and build something they are really proud of.
To me, designing your website isn’t just about making something that’s pretty to look at (although of course it will be). It’s about:
Creating a website that actually helps your business to grow.
Making sure your dream clients can actually find you.
And when they do, making sure that they are compelled work with you.
Building a website that aligns with your business goals and dreams and that will grow with you.
Giving you the confidence to manage and update your website with ease, so that it becomes a really easy and streamlined part of your workload.
Stripping out the jargon and the confusion and empowering you with a website that works with you, not against you.
Because at the end of the day, a good website is your best employee. It works 24/7, never calls in sick, and is always promoting your business. So my mission is to make sure that your best employee is working as hard as it can, for you.
Ready to launch a website you’re actually proud of?
If you’re tired of stressing over your website (or still don’t have one - no judgment), I’d love to help. Let’s jump on a discovery call and figure this out together.
👉 Let’s chat and get your dream website started.
FAQs
-
Look for someone with relevant experience, clear communication, transparent pricing, and a portfolio that aligns with your vibe. Oh, and someone that you could totally be besties with 👯♀️
-
1000% yes. Your website is your digital storefront. Even if most of your sales come from referrals or social media, people will Google you. And if you’re not showing up (or your site is a mess), you’re leaving money on the table.
-
You can… but it’ll probably take 5x longer and cause 10x more stress. Hiring a pro means it gets done right the first time. For more on this, read: Why hire a professional Squarespace designer when you could DIY it?