Choosing a web design company can feel overwhelming. Thousands of agencies are out there, all claiming to be the best. Everyone has slick portfolios, “cutting-edge” tech, and plenty of trendy jargon to throw around. But your website isn’t just another project. It’s your business’s first impression and digital storefront. And if it doesn’t reflect your brand, convert visitors, and comply with Google, what’s the point?
In this blog, we’ll break down how to choose the right web designer, what to look for, and what to avoid. And finally, we’ll share something we’re proud of: Fu Dog Media has been named one of the Top 3 Web Designers in Charleston for 2025 by ThreeBestRated.
1. Understand What You Actually Need
Before you open a search bar, ask yourself: What does your website need to do? For some businesses, it’s all about lead generation. For others, it might be e-commerce, scheduling, showcasing services, or educating customers.
What matters is having a clear sense of your goals. Not just “make it look good” but also what success means once your site is live. Your web designer should help you clarify this, but if they’re not asking questions about your business model, goals, and audience, that’s a red flag.
2. Look Beyond the Portfolio
Yes, the portfolio matters. It shows whether they can design something that looks and feels like the brand you want to build. But don’t stop there.
Ask deeper questions, including:
- Do these sites actually perform?
- Are they ranking in search results?
- Are users taking action—calling, clicking, purchasing?
A great web designer isn’t just an artist. They’re a problem-solver, strategist, and partner in your growth. You don’t need a trophy site. You need a tool that works.
3. Ask About SEO (And Listen to the Answer)
A stunning website without SEO is like a billboard in the desert. Nobody sees it, and nobody finds it. It doesn’t matter how stunning it is if it doesn’t appear in search results. Ensure your designer knows the fundamentals of on-page SEO, such as:
- Keyword strategy
- Mobile responsiveness
- Page speed optimization
- Metadata structure
- Internal linking
If their SEO strategy is “we install a plugin and call it a day,” keep looking.
At Fu Dog Media, SEO isn’t an afterthought—it’s a valuable piece of every digital marketing strategy. Design and performance go hand-in-hand, and we don’t launch a site until both design and performance are perfectly optimized.
4. Test the Communication Waters Early
If it takes a week to get a reply to your first inquiry, imagine what it’ll be like during the actual project. You need a web designer who responds, respects your timeline, and keeps you in the loop.
Here’s what good communication looks like:
- Clear expectations and timelines
- A defined process with milestones
- Someone who listens before they pitch
Our team at Fu Dog Media is big on transparency. There are no vague promises or vanishing acts, just consistent updates, clear goals, and a collaborative vibe from start to finish, with around-the-clock availability.
5. Read the Reviews (The Real Ones)
Client testimonials are great, but look beyond the curated praise on a company’s website. The unfiltered truth is found in Google reviews, third-party platforms, and social media.
You’re looking for signs that:
- Clients feel supported and heard
- The team delivers on deadlines
- The results speak for themselves
We’re proud to say we’ve earned hundreds of five-star reviews from clients who not only love their sites—but love the experience of building them with us.
6. Don’t Be Fooled by Buzzwords
“Full-stack.” “Mobile-first.” “Next-gen UX/UI.” While these all sound good, ask what that means for your business. A great web designer can explain their process in simple terms. They can show you how their strategy connects to your goals. And they never try to impress you with words that are meaningless outside of tech circles.
We keep things straightforward, human, and authentic. We’ll explain what we’re doing, why it matters, and how it will help your business grow.
7. Think Long-Term, Not Just Launch Day
Web design isn’t a one-and-done project. It’s a foundation for everything else—your digital marketing efforts, content, paid ads, and customer experience.
That means your designer should be thinking beyond launch:
- Will the site be easy for you to update?
- Can they help with ongoing SEO or internet marketing campaigns?
- Do they offer support and maintenance?
At Fu Dog, we’re here for the long haul. We build sites we’re proud of and stick around to help you evolve as your business grows.
How This Fuels Your Digital Journey
We don’t want you to hire just any web designer. We want you to hire the right one. Whether it’s us or someone else, you deserve a site that reflects your vision, serves your business, and gets real results.
But if you’re looking for a team that:
- Listens to you
- Knows how to blend bold creativity with strategic thinking
- Builds custom sites that convert
- Shows up when you need us
- Cares about your business as much as you do
Let’s talk.
And Now for the Good News…
We’re honored and excited to share that Fu Dog Media has been named one of the Top 3 Web Designers in Charleston for 2025 by ThreeBestRated.
What makes this award extra special is that it’s not pay-to-play. There’s no nomination form or lobbying involved. The team at ThreeBestRated uses a 50-point inspection system that evaluates:
- Customer satisfaction
- Business history
- Reviews and reputation
- Responsiveness
- Consistency and trust
It’s recognition based on actual work and tangible results, and we’re grateful to our incredible clients for making it possible. This isn’t just an award—it’s proof that staying committed to excellence, creativity, and client experience actually works.
Reach out now to get started with our Charleston web design and digital marketing company. From social media marketing to search engine optimization and custom website design, we help bold brands stand out and grow online.