The most popular platforms are Wix, WordPress + Squarespace. Make sure you understand the pros + cons of the platform your designer uses! Most of my sites are built using the Wix platform.

The cost of a domain and hosting varies, but at the low end it’s about $100 a year. Be sure you know if it’s included in your package or not and know that it is a recurring cost. I can assist my clients with their domain set up, if needed.

Make sure you own your site and your web address (URL, domain name). Your web designer should not have these accounts in their name. Those accounts should be in your name with logins shared with your designer securely using a tool like LastPass.

Some web designers do branding, graphic + web design. Some just do the web designing from the branding and graphics you give them. Make sure you know what you’re getting. I provide branding and graphics with select packages.

Most web designers will not write your website copy for you, although some offer this service. Be prepared to write your own copy (or hire it out). I provide this service with select packages.

Plan on having to provide a logo, images, all of your website copy, links to your social media profiles, product and service descriptions and anything you want to make sure is included on your site.

Make sure you are super detailed in what you’re looking for. Most designers can create any kind of design. If the design you want is more complex, expect your designer to recommend a custom package. If it’s more simple and straightforward, your designer may have a template option which is great for your budget!

Your designer should have a clear process for getting feedback from you and making the revisions you request, and your designer should tell you if any of your requests are out of the scope of your original project and give you the choice of moving forward with out-of-scope revisions or not - before just doing them and billing you for them!