How do you choose a web designer in Hattiesburg?
What to look for, what to ask, and the red flags that cost local businesses time and money.
Brennen HodgeFounder, dbVantage
Short answer
Choose a Hattiesburg web designer by looking at real sites they've built for businesses like yours, asking who writes the words and who owns the site, and checking that they set up local search, like your Google Business Profile and the towns you serve. Get a written quote that lists the pages, the monthly cost after launch, and how changes work.
What should you look at first?
Their work. Ask to see sites they've built for businesses like yours, then open those sites on your phone, because that is where most of your customers will see yours.
Look for three things. Does the site load fast? Can you tell what the business does in a few seconds? Is it easy to call or ask for a quote? If the designer's own clients' sites are slow or confusing, yours probably will be too.
It also helps to see work for local businesses. A designer who has built sites for companies in Hattiesburg, Petal, and the rest of the Pine Belt already knows the towns people search for and the competition you face.
What questions should you ask a web designer?
Ask every designer the same questions so you can compare the answers.
- Can I see sites you've built for businesses like mine? Real, live sites, not mockups.
- Who writes the words? If you have to write every page, plan for that time, or pick someone who writes for you.
- Who owns the domain and the website? You should. If you leave, you should be able to take both with you.
- What will I pay each month after launch? Hosting, updates, and changes all cost something. Get the number in writing.
- Will you set up local search? That means your Google Business Profile, the towns you serve, and pages Google can read.
- How many rounds of changes are included? And what happens after that?
- Who will I actually work with? The person who sells the project is not always the person who builds it.
- How long will it take, and what do you need from me? Most delays come from waiting on words, photos, and approvals.
Does it matter if the web designer is local?
It can. A local designer knows the market, the towns, and the businesses you compete with. They are easy to reach, and you can hold them to their word.
Plenty of good work also gets done remotely. What matters most is that the designer understands local search and has built sites that bring in calls. Be careful with out-of-state agencies that publish a page for every city in the country. Ask where they are and whether they have worked with businesses here.
What are the red flags?
Most bad website projects show the warning signs early.
- No real portfolio. Mockups and templates are not the same as working sites for real businesses.
- A one-line quote. "Website, $4,500" with no list of pages or what is included.
- They keep the domain. If the domain is in their name, they control your business's address online.
- Long contracts you can't leave. You should be able to move your site if things don't work out.
- A promise of first place on Google. No one can promise that. Good designers give you the best shot and explain how.
- No plan for after launch. Sites need updates, backups, and changes.
- A template sold as custom. Ask what is made for you and what is shared with other sites.
How do you compare quotes?
Put the quotes side by side and check each of these.
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Pages included | More pages for each service and town help you get found |
| Writing | If it is not included, you are doing it |
| Ownership | You should own the domain and the site |
| Monthly cost | Hosting and updates are part of the real price |
| Local search setup | Your Google Business Profile and service area bring in nearby customers |
| Changes | Know how many rounds are included |
| Timeline | Know when it launches and what they need from you |
For price ranges, read how much a website costs in Hattiesburg.
How does dbVantage work?
dbVantage is based in Hattiesburg. You work directly with Brennen, the founder, who has built websites and software since 2010. We've built more than 250 websites.
We write every page, set up local search, and you own your website and domain. Websites cost $2,000 to $10,000, plus $50 to $250 a month for hosting, updates, and maintenance, and you get one clear price before any work starts. See our local work in websites and software we've built for Hattiesburg-area businesses, or learn more about our web design in Hattiesburg.
Common questions
How much does a web designer in Hattiesburg cost?
Most local studios charge $2,000 to $15,000 for a custom business website, plus $50 to $250 a month for hosting and updates. Freelancers often charge $1,000 to $5,000 for simpler sites.
Should I hire a freelancer or a web design company?
A freelancer can be a good fit for a small, simple site. A company or studio is a better fit when you need writing, local search, booking or payments, and someone to look after the site after launch. Ask either one the same questions.
Can a web designer help me show up on Google Maps?
A good one can. Your Google Business Profile, your reviews, and your website all work together in local search. We explain the steps in how a Hattiesburg business gets into Google's map results.
How long should a business website last?
A well-built website can be updated and grow for years. A site built on shortcuts often has to be redone every two or three years.
Brennen has built websites, software, and companies since 2010. He has served as a CEO and VP of Product, and today he works directly with business owners on their websites, software, automation, and marketing.