If you’re hiring someone to build your website, you should definitely be asking them a few essential questions to make sure everything leads you to exactly the dream website you’re envisioning. Remember, your website isn’t just a pretty digital space; it’s your online hub, portfolio, and booking engine all wrapped into one.
As web and brand designers for photographers, we wanted to break down the most common questions we get asked before we kick off a project, as well as give you a curated list of questions you can ask your web designer as part of your onboarding process.
Keep reading to discover our real answers to our most common faq’s from clients.
8 Important Questions to Ask a Web Designer
Here’s a list of our top questions you should be asking your web designer, with our answers:
What’s needed from me as a client?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask, as knowing what’s required from you upfront prevents delays and ensures your site is set up for success.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
Here at Inkpot Creative, to build a stunning and functional website that works for you, we need a few key things:
- Your website copy
- Your photos
- Your branding assets (if you aren’t doing branding with us)
- Your website log-in and domain access
Another important part of what we need from you is your availability. You must be available for feedback during the project. We work collaboratively, so it’s important that you’re available during the two-week window to review drafts and give clear, timely feedback.
This isn’t a “set it and forget it” situation; we work with you, not just for you. When you show up ready, we can move faster, design better, and launch on time.
Do I have to write my own copy?
Your copy is just as significant as the design; it tells your story, guides your user, and helps convert browsers into bookings. This is a very important question to ask so that you know if you need to also work with a copywriter or plan time to write your own copy!
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
Yep! You’re responsible for your own website copy, but don’t worry – we don’t leave you hanging. You’ll get access to our full copywriting template, so you’re not starting from scratch.
This template is filled with all of the pages and sections on each page that we recommend all photographers have. If there are sections you don’t want or that don’t apply to you, you can just skip them! Want to outsource? We’ve got trusted copywriters we can refer you to.
Either way, your copy is due 1 week before your project starts, with no exceptions. This ensures we can design around your content instead of just guessing, and also ask you questions before your web design start date if we have any.
Is SEO included?
SEO helps people find your site, but not all designers include it (or do it right), which is why it’s something you should discuss with your website designer.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
The short answer: Yes, we include SEO.
We handle:
- Writing alt text
- Researching and implementing keywords
- Writing SEO titles and meta descriptions for each page
What we don’t do:
- Rename your image files; that’s on you, before uploading
Quick reminder – having SEO-friendly pages doesn’t guarantee you’ll rank.
For long-term success, here’s what we recommend:
- Blogging regularly (psst… did you know we offer a blogging service? You can learn more about it here)!
- Getting featured on other websites
- Continuing to update and promote your content
We build the base. You keep the momentum going.
What’s the timeline?
Knowing your website design timeline helps you plan around it and ensures you’re available for feedback during key milestones.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
Our standard web design timeline is 3 weeks. If you’re adding on branding, we’ll complete your brand identity 2 weeks prior to your web design start date. This setup helps us create a cohesive, intentional site that reflects your new visual identity without rushing the process.
What platforms do you design on?
The truth is that not all website platforms work the same, and some designers only specialize in one, so make sure your web designer works with your preferred platform. If you don’t know what website platform you want to use, you can also always ask your web designer which one they think is best for you and your business.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
We currently design on Showit, Squarespace, and WordPress (with the Kadence builder). If you’re not on one of those platforms, we’re still happy to design your site layout and visuals, and then you can hire a developer to bring it to life. We can also move you to either Showit, Squarespace, or WordPress.
Showit is our favorite for photographers because it’s super flexible and SEO-friendly with a drag-and-drop builder.
Can I make updates to the site after launch?
You shouldn’t have to hire a designer every time you want to update your prices or tweak your copy.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
100% YES! Both Showit and Squarespace are user-friendly and built for non-tech folks. We also include a walkthrough video at the end of your project, so you know how to make updates on your own.
Additionally, if you’d rather not touch anything tech-related, we also offer ongoing design support since we’re just an email away.
How will I let you know what type of design I want?
Clarity = better results. But remember, you don’t need to have every detail figured out.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
We get it, it’s a big decision. That’s why your brand is used as the direction for your website.
We also have a vision call where we will discuss websites you like and don’t like, so we can understand more of your preferences. The WHY is more important than anything, so we can get into the reasoning behind your choices.
You don’t need to have everything figured out when you work with us, but you do need to have a general idea of your vibe and ideal client.
Can I book just a website without branding?
Not everyone needs a full rebrand, but it’s important to know if your current brand can support a new site.
Our answer to this question, if you’re working with Inkpot Creative:
Absolutely, but ONLY if you have already worked with another designer and have a fully fleshed out brand design with at least a primary logo, color palette, and type suite.
If you already have a brand identity that you love (and it’s consistent), we’re happy to just design your site. Alternatively, if you have a logo you love but you need colors and fonts to go with, we’re also available to help with that.
If you’re unsure, we’re always honest about whether your current branding is strong enough to support a full site redesign. We want your site to look amazing and convert, so if we think it needs a new brand first, we’ll tell you.
Want a Website That Actually Connects With Your Dream Clients?
Our signature service, The Rebrand Edit, combines intentional branding with strategic web design to help photographers stand out and sell without saying a word.
Whether you’re just starting out or ready for a major glow-up, we’ll build you a website that does the heavy lifting for you!
The Rebrand Edit is the ultimate rebrand package that puts your business in front of your dream clients. Learn more about what the Rebrand Edit includes here, or get in touch with us here!
Read these next:
Small Business Web Design That Works: 9 Real Photographer Sites We’ve Built on Showit
What’s the Difference Between Web Design and Branding? (And Why Photographers Need Both)
KP’s design journey began in book publishing, but she fell in love with the truly limitless possibilities that web design presents. Since then, she’s been helping photographers and creatives become the no-brainer option for their dream clients before they even get on a call.
7/30/25
Published On:
Krystianna Pietrzak
