Updated 2026-10-14 · by Fivefoot Studio
Short answer: Ask whether it is a template or a custom design, who owns the domain and the site, who writes the content, what a change costs after launch, whether it works on a phone, whether search basics are included, what happens if you stop paying, and walk away from anyone who guarantees a Google ranking.
Fivefoot Studio writes these guides from Google's own documentation and published Singapore price guides; each figure links to where it comes from.
The questions
- Template or custom design? Both are fine; you should know which you are paying for.
- Who owns the domain? It should be registered to your business, so it stays yours.
- Who writes the content? Your services, prices and story. If it is you, budget the time.
- What does a change cost after launch? Or can you edit it yourself?
- Does it work on a phone? Look at an example on your own phone, not on their laptop.
- Are the search basics included? Page titles, a sitemap submitted to Google and Bing, business markup (Google’s starter guide).
- What happens if you stop paying? For hosting, support, or a subscription: do you keep the site?
- Can I see it before I pay? A mockup of your own homepage answers more than any portfolio.
The red flag
A guaranteed Google ranking. Google states there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking (Google). A designer promising first place is promising something nobody controls.
The easiest way to compare
Ask two or three designers the same eight questions, and ask each to show you your own homepage before you pay. Fivefoot Studio does that by default.
Want to see your own homepage?
We reply with a free homepage mockup of your own business, before you pay anything.
Request received.
We will send your free homepage mockup to the number you gave. Nothing to pay unless you decide to go ahead.
More questions
Can a web designer guarantee first page on Google?
No. Google states there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking. A guarantee is a red flag.
Should I own my domain?
Yes. Register it in your business's name so it stays yours whichever designer you use.