Short answer: pick a web designer who can show you real work for businesses like yours, puts the price and scope in writing, keeps your domain and website in your name, builds for phones and local search, and will still be there after launch. The ten questions below will tell you most of what you need to know in a single call.
San Antonio has no shortage of web designers, from freelancers to large agencies. Prices and quality vary widely, and most problems we're asked to fix later trace back to something that was never asked up front.
10 questions to ask before you hire
- Can I see sites you've built for businesses like mine? Look at live sites, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone. Do they load fast, read clearly and make it easy to call or request a quote?
- Who will own the domain, hosting and website? The answer should be you. If the designer registers the domain in their name or the site can't leave their platform, you're renting, not owning. Your domain is your web address, and the registrant listed for it is its legal holder. ICANN, which oversees domain names, has an FAQ for when a developer is listed as the registrant.
- What exactly is included in the price, and what costs extra? Ask about the number of pages, writing, photos, forms, basic SEO, revisions and training. A clear written scope prevents most disagreements.
- What's the timeline, and what do you need from me? Content and feedback from the business owner are the most common cause of delays. A good designer tells you exactly what they need and when.
- Will the site be fast and work well on phones? Most local customers will see your site on a phone first. Ask how the designer handles speed, and test a few of their past sites with Google's free PageSpeed Insights.
- How will you help me show up in San Antonio searches? Listen for specifics: service pages, the areas you serve, Google Business Profile, structured data and page titles. Be wary of vague promises.
- Can you build it in English and Spanish? Many customers in San Antonio are more comfortable in Spanish. If that's your market, ask how translations are handled and whether each language gets its own pages.
- Can I make simple updates myself? Changing hours, prices or photos shouldn't require a support ticket. Ask what you'll be able to edit and whether training is included.
- What happens after launch? Ask about updates, backups, security and fixes, and what each costs. A site with no maintenance plan is the one that breaks after a plugin update.
- Who actually does the work? Some shops resell work done elsewhere. That isn't always bad, but you should know who you're talking to when something goes wrong.
Red flags
- The domain or website would be registered in the designer's name.
- No written scope, contract or itemized quote.
- A guarantee of "#1 on Google." Nobody can promise that.
- A low monthly price with no way to take your site with you if you leave.
- No live examples, or examples that don't work well on a phone.
- Pressure to sign today.
The first red flag is one of the most common problems we run into when we’re asked to fix a site someone else built: the domain is registered in a former developer’s name, so the owner can’t change anything until it’s transferred. We explain how to get it back in how to save a broken website.
How to compare two quotes
Put the quotes side by side and check the same five things in each:
| Compare | Good sign | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Domain, hosting and site in your name | Registered to the designer, or locked to their platform |
| Scope | Pages, writing, photos, forms and revisions listed | One total with no breakdown |
| Timeline | Dates, plus what they need from you and when | “A few weeks” with no plan |
| After launch | Updates, backups and fixes priced up front | Nothing said about it |
| Proof | Live sites that work well on your phone | Screenshots only |
Local designer or remote?
A San Antonio-based designer knows the market, works in your time zone and can meet in person when it helps. That said, most of a website project happens over email and video calls, so clear communication matters more than distance. Choose the person who answers these questions well, wherever they are.
We're a San Antonio web design studio and handle most projects remotely, for clients across town and across the country. You can see how we approach local projects on our San Antonio web design page.
Ask us the same 10 questions
We'll answer every one of them in writing with your quote. Your domain, hosting and website stay in your name.
Get a Free QuoteQuick answers
How much does a website cost in San Antonio?
It depends on scope. A simple brochure site costs far less than a custom build with online booking or e-commerce. Get an itemized quote, and compare what's included rather than the total alone. Our own starting prices are in our website cost guide.
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
Freelancers and small studios usually cost less and give you direct contact with the person doing the work. Agencies offer larger teams for bigger projects. For most small businesses, the deciding factor is communication and ownership, not company size.
How long does it take to build a small business website?
A small brochure site often takes a few weeks. Larger or custom sites take longer. The biggest factor is usually how quickly content and feedback are ready.
Do I need a web designer who is located in San Antonio?
Not necessarily. Local knowledge and the same time zone help, but clear communication, a written scope and ownership of your site matter more than location.
Related: Small Business Website Checklist | How Much Does Web Design Cost?
Jaime Cabriales Carlos
Founder of Cabriales Web Studio. 3+ years building websites for small businesses, contractors, and nonprofits across Texas and the US. Based in San Antonio.