Finding a good web designer in Australia can feel like navigating a minefield. Prices range from $500 to $50,000. Some freelancers disappear mid-project. Agencies overpromise and underdeliver. Here's a no-nonsense guide to choosing the right person or team without getting burned.

1. Look at Their Portfolio — Not Just Their Own Website

Any designer worth hiring should be able to show you live websites they've built for clients. Look for real businesses with real URLs you can visit. Does the work look professional? Is it mobile-friendly? Does it load quickly? If a designer can't show you a portfolio, move on.

2. Get a Fixed Price — Not an Hourly Rate

Hourly billing is a red flag for small business website projects. Without a fixed scope, costs spiral. A professional web designer should be able to give you a fixed price based on your requirements — so you know exactly what you're paying before any work begins. If a quote is full of "it depends", push for clarity or look elsewhere.

3. Ask About Timelines Upfront

The classic web design horror story is a project quoted at 4 weeks that drags on for 6 months. Ask specifically: "What is your guaranteed delivery date?" and "What happens if you miss it?" At Zylo Digital, landing pages are delivered in as little as 48 hours and full websites from 48 hours — because we know your time matters.

4. Check Who Owns the Website After It's Built

Some agencies build your site on their own proprietary platforms or retain ownership of the design files — meaning if you leave, you have to start from scratch. Always confirm in writing that you own the website outright once it's delivered. No exceptions.

5. Understand What's Included for SEO

A beautiful website that Google can't find is useless. Ask specifically what SEO is included: meta titles and descriptions, mobile optimisation, page speed, Google Analytics setup, Google Business Profile integration. If the answer is vague or non-existent, the site you receive will be invisible to search engines.

6. Read the Reviews

Google reviews from real business owners are the most reliable signal. Look for specifics — did the designer communicate well? Did they deliver on time? Were there surprise costs? A consistent pattern of 5-star reviews from local Australian businesses is a very good sign.

The Checklist

  • Can they show you a portfolio of live client websites?
  • Is the pricing fixed and clearly scoped?
  • Do you own the website outright after delivery?
  • What SEO is included as standard?
  • What are their Google reviews like?
  • Do they have an ABN and are they based in Australia?