What should I ask a web designer before hiring?

Ask a web designer these six questions before hiring: What is the total fixed price, and what does it include? Who owns the site, domain and content when it is done? Who writes the copy? What is the launch date? Who makes changes after launch, and what do they cost? Can I speak to a past client?

The ownership question matters most. Some agencies rent you a site on their platform, so you lose everything if you leave. Any designer worth hiring answers all six in plain English without hedging. At Web Blend the answers are published on our pricing page before you ask, which is what you should expect from anyone quoting you.