Here are 5 red flags you should watch out for when hiring a web designer — whether for a personal project, a business website, or an e-commerce platform:

🚩 1. No Portfolio or Weak Portfolio

A reputable designer should have a portfolio of past work (websites, mockups, or case studies).

Red flag if:

They refuse to show samples.

Their examples are generic templates with little customization.

Links they provide don't actually work.

👉 Always check live sites they've worked on, not just screenshots.

🚩 2. Poor Communication or Vague Answers

Web design projects succeed only with clear communication.

Red flag if:

They're slow to respond.

They avoid answering technical or process questions.

They don't clarify timelines, revisions, or expectations.

👉 Good designers explain their workflow in plain language.

🚩 3. No Clear Contract or Pricing Structure

A legit designer will outline:

Scope of work (pages, features, revisions)

Timeline & milestones

Payment terms (deposit, final payment)

Red flag if:

They give only a vague "it depends" answer.

They insist on full payment upfront with no written agreement.

They don't specify what happens if scope changes.

🚩 4. Overpromising or Unrealistic Guarantees

Be cautious if they claim:

"I'll get you to #1 on Google in a week."

"Unlimited revisions, forever."

"I can build a custom site in one day for $50."

👉 Quality design and SEO take time and effort. Overpromising = future disappointment.

🚩 5. Lack of Technical Knowledge or Best Practices

Red flag if they:

Don't mention mobile responsiveness, site speed, or accessibility.

Have no plan for security (SSL, updates, backups).

Can't explain the difference between a custom site and using a template (e.g., WordPress, Webflow, Shopify).

👉 A good web designer should also understand basic SEO principles and user experience (UX).

✅ Pro Tip: Always ask for references or testimonials from past clients, and do a quick check on LinkedIn or Google Reviews to confirm their credibility.