How to Tell If a Web Designer Is Any Good

(Without Being a Technical Expert)



Let’s be honest.

Most business owners are not technical. And yet, choosing a web designer often feels like you are expected to suddenly become one.

You are shown portfolios you do not fully understand. You hear words like UX, UI, SEO, hosting, performance, accessibility. You are asked to trust someone with a big investment that your business will rely on every day.

It is no wonder so many people feel nervous about making the wrong choice.


The good news is: you do not need to be technical to spot a genuinely good web designer. You just need to know what to look and listen for.

This guide will walk you through the real signs of quality, in plain English.

Written from the perspective of Orqa Design, a founder-led UK WordPress studio working with small businesses across the UK.

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1. They Ask Thoughtful Questions Before Talking About Design


A good web designer will not jump straight into colours and layouts.

Instead, they will ask things like:

  • What is the main goal of your website?
  • How do you currently get enquiries?
  • Who is your ideal client?
  • What does success look like in six months?
  • What is not working on your current site?

This tells you something important.

They are thinking about your business, not just your homepage.

If someone goes straight to: “How many pages do you want?” without asking why, that is usually a red flag.

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2. They Can Explain Things Clearly Without Jargon


A strong designer does not need to hide behind technical language.

They should be able to explain:

  • What they are building
  • Why they are building it that way
  • What you will be able to update yourself
  • What they will continue to manage for you

And they should do this in a way that feels:

  • Calm
  • Clear
  • And never patronising

If you leave a call feeling more confused than when you started, that is not a good sign.

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3. Their Portfolio Shows Purpose, Not Just Style


A beautiful portfolio is lovely. But what matters more is whether the work shows:

  • Clear structure
  • Easy navigation
  • Strong messaging
  • Thoughtful user journeys

Ask yourself:

  • Can I immediately understand what each business does?
  • Would I know what to click next?
  • Does it feel calm or overwhelming?

And do not be afraid to ask: “What result did this website achieve for the client?”

A good designer will happily talk about outcomes, not just aesthetics.

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4. They Talk About What Happens After Launch


This is one of the biggest differences between average and excellent designers.

A good designer will clearly explain:

  • Who hosts your website
  • Who updates it
  • Who secures it
  • Who backs it up
  • Who fixes it if something breaks

If the answer sounds vague or is brushed off, pause.

Your website is not a one-off purchase. It is an ongoing business tool. You deserve to know who is looking after it long term.

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5. They Are Honest About What You Do and Do Not Need


A trustworthy designer will sometimes say:

  • “You do not need that yet.”
  • “Let’s phase that later.”
  • “That would be overkill at this stage.”

They are not trying to upsell you everything on day one.

They are protecting both:

  • Your budget
  • And the health of your future website

If everything you suggest is immediately agreed to without any professional guidance at all, that can actually be a warning sign.

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6. They Are Transparent About Pricing and Boundaries


You should always feel clear about:

  • What is included
  • What is not included
  • How many revisions you get
  • Where the project scope ends
  • What ongoing support costs

You should never feel:

  • Pressured
  • Rushed to sign
  • Or afraid to ask about money

Clarity builds trust. Vague pricing creates anxiety.

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7. You Feel Safe Asking “Silly” Questions


This one matters more than most people realise.

A good web designer creates an environment where you feel:

  • Comfortable asking basic questions
  • Safe admitting you do not understand something
  • Supported rather than judged

You should never feel embarrassed for not knowing technical things. That is literally why you are hiring an expert.

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The Quiet Red Flags to Watch For


Here are some subtle warning signs people often ignore:

  • You are not given admin access
  • You are discouraged from owning your own hosting
  • You cannot get clear answers about backups
  • The contract is vague or does not exist
  • You feel rushed to pay before anything is explained properly
  • Communication feels inconsistent early on

Trust your instincts. If something feels off at the beginning, it usually becomes harder later.

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How We Work at Orqa Design


At Orqa Design, we work as a founder-led WordPress studio supported by a trusted network of specialists.

Our approach is built around:

  • Calm, clear communication
  • Strategy before design
  • SEO-ready technical foundations
  • Fully managed hosting and maintenance
  • Long-term client relationships
  • Honest guidance without pressure

We believe clients should feel:

  • Informed
  • Safe
  • And quietly supported long after launch

Not overwhelmed.

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Final Thoughts If You Are Choosing a Web Designer Right Now


You do not need to understand every technical detail to make a good decision.

What you do need is:

  • Clarity
  • Transparency
  • Care
  • And a sense of trust

A good web designer is not just someone who builds something beautiful. It is someone who helps you feel steady, supported and confident in your next step.

If you feel those things, you are probably in very safe hands.

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Written by
Sam Thomas
Founder, Orqa Design

Award-winning UK WordPress studio specialising in design-led, growth-focused websites for small businesses.