Hiring a web designer can feel overwhelming—especially with so many freelancers, agencies, and DIY options out there. If you’re a business owner in Liverpool, choosing the right web designer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your online presence.
In this article, we’ll break down what to look for, what to avoid, and how to make the right call based on your business goals.
1. Look for Local Knowledge
A Liverpool-based web designer isn’t just closer to home—they understand the local market, customer behaviour, and even the tone that works with a Merseyside audience.
For example:
A site for a Bold Street café might need strong visuals and a mobile-friendly menu.
A tradesperson based in Bootle may want fast-loading service pages with direct contact buttons.
Why it matters: A local designer knows your audience—and that insight helps your site convert better.
2. Check Their Portfolio
Any good web designer should have a portfolio that shows:
a variety of industries,
clear, easy-to-navigate layouts,
mobile-friendly performance,
and ideally, work done for Liverpool businesses.
Take time to browse their past work. Ask yourself:
Do the sites look good?
Are they modern and clean?
Do they load quickly?
If you’re browsing our portfolio at Dolphin Web Services, you’ll see everything from sleek one-pagers to full eCommerce sites—each tailored to the client’s needs.
3. Ask About SEO and Performance
A beautiful site is useless if no one finds it. Good web design should always include:
search engine optimization (SEO),
page speed optimization,
image compression,
mobile responsiveness,
and proper structure for Google indexing.
Ask potential designers:
“Do you include on-page SEO in your builds?”
“Will my site load fast on mobile?”
“How do you structure pages for Google?”
At Dolphin, SEO isn’t an upsell—it’s part of the build. Every website is designed to rank well and convert users.
4. Understand Their Process
A solid web design process might include:
a discovery call or meeting,
a design proposal and mockup,
development milestones,
feedback and revisions,
testing before launch.
Avoid anyone who skips the planning stage or can’t explain how they work.
You want someone who listens to your goals, not just hands you a template.
5. Compare Pricing (But Don’t Go Cheap)
Liverpool has web design options at every price point—from students and freelancers to full-service agencies. While budget matters, the cheapest option usually cuts corners:
no SEO
limited support
template-based layouts
poor mobile experience
Instead, compare what’s included:
Is there ongoing support?
Will they host the site or help you manage it?
Do you get full ownership of your site?
At Dolphin Web Services, we keep pricing transparent and fair. No hidden fees. Just honest, high-quality work with long-term support.
6. Read Reviews or Ask for References
You don’t need hundreds of reviews—but you do want proof that past clients had a good experience.
Check Google, Yell, or ask the designer directly for client references. Ask questions like:
“Were they responsive during the project?”
“Did they deliver on time?”
“Would you work with them again?”
7. Make Sure You Get Ongoing Support
Websites aren’t “set it and forget it.” Even after launch, you’ll want someone to:
update your content,
fix bugs or add features,
support you as your business grows.
Some designers disappear after the site goes live. Make sure ongoing support is part of the offer—or available when you need it.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right web designer in Liverpool doesn’t have to be a gamble. Look for someone who:
knows the local market,
has a solid track record,
understands SEO and mobile UX,
and offers real, reliable support.
At Dolphin Web Services, we combine creative design with technical know-how and local insight. Whether you need a brand-new site or a redesign that actually works, we’d be happy to chat.
Need help choosing the right design for your Liverpool business?
Contact us for a free consultation—no jargon, no pressure.