How to Choose a Web Designer (Hint: Start With Their Own Website)

Olivier Lawrence
September 29, 2025
•
5 minutes

Why Their Own Website Tells You Everything

Think of it like hiring a chef. Would you trust a restaurant with dirty floors and bad food to cater your wedding? Probably not.

It’s the same with web designers. Their own site is the best example of their work. When you’re checking out an agency, ask yourself:

  • Does their website feel modern and easy to use?
  • Can I find information quickly without feeling lost?
  • Does it look good on my phone?
  • Does it load fast, or do I sit waiting?

One client told me, “If I had looked at their site first, I never would’ve wasted my money.”

Hidden Fees That Shouldn’t Exist

Another red flag we hear about all the time is agencies charging extra for Google Analytics or Google Search Console setup.

Let me be real with you: these tools are free. They’re not optional extras—they’re basics. If your designer tries to upsell you on them, it’s a scam.

At Think1 Designs, we include Analytics and Search Console setup in every project. Why? Because without them, you’re flying blind.

Why Google Tools Matter From Day One

Google Analytics shows you who’s visiting your site, where they’re coming from, and what they’re clicking on.
Google Search Console tells you if Google can even find your site in the first place.

One of our clients put it perfectly:
“I didn’t realize my old site wasn’t even being indexed until you guys set up Search Console. No wonder no one was finding me.”

That’s why these setups should never be sold as add-ons. They’re the foundation of online visibility.

Don’t Just Glance at the Portfolio

Yes, you should check an agency’s past work. But don’t stop there. A portfolio can be cherry-picked.

Their own website? That’s the real test. If they cut corners on themselves, they’ll do the same with your business.

The Difference Between Pretty and Powerful

A “pretty” website might impress you for a moment. But a great website should do more than look good—it should bring in leads, customers, and real growth.

That means:

  • Built-in SEO structure
  • Fast load times on all devices
  • Easy navigation
  • Clear calls to action that turn visitors into clients

This is where we’ve helped businesses in San Antonio and beyond. One client told me, “Our old site looked okay, but it never brought us calls. Now we’re getting leads every week.”

Final Word: Hold Agencies to Their Own Standard

When you’re choosing a web designer, don’t just believe their pitch. Look at their site. Look at how they treat the basics like Analytics and Search Console.

If they don’t care about their own online presence, they won’t care about yours.

At Think1 Designs, we build websites that look great and actually work for your business. And yes—Analytics and Search Console are always included, no surprise fees.

👉 Ready to work with a team that practices what they preach? Contact Think1 Designs today for a free consultation.

Olivier Lawrence
Think1 Designs is a San Antonio–based web development and digital agency specializing in custom websites, CRM solutions, SEO, automation, custom APIs, frontend and backend integration, and digital marketing.
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