You wouldn’t buy a used car in Liverpool without checking under the bonnet, yet we see Liverpool business owners handing over thousands of pounds for websites they don’t understand.
The local market is currently saturated. You’ve got established agencies, but you’ve also got “bedroom experts” promising the earth for £200 or less. The problem isn’t the price; it’s what you are getting and ownership.
We’ve had clients come to our studio in tears because their previous designer vanished, taking the domain name and all their customer emails with them. Don’t let that be you.
⚠️ Key Takeaways: The Cheat Sheet
- Ownership is King: Ensure the domain is registered in your name, not theirs.
- Avoid “Lock-in”: Use standard platforms (WordPress/Shopify) so you can move if needed.
- Security Standard: Demand they follow NCSC guidelines, not just “install a plugin.”
- Local Proof: Verify they have actual clients in Merseyside, not just generic case studies.
- Hidden Costs: Get the monthly maintenance & licence fees in writing before starting.
1. “Will I be the legal Registrant of the domain?”
This is the most common scam we see. The agency offers to “buy the domain for you” to save you the hassle.
The Trap: They register yourbusiness.co.uk under their name. Legally, they own your brand’s digital storefront. If you want to leave them later, they can hold your domain ransom.
The Fix: You should buy the domain yourself. If they do it for you, demand to see the WHOIS record showing your name as the Registrant.
2. “What platform are you building on?”
We recently audited a site for a client near Sefton Park. The previous developer had built it on a custom-coded system that nobody else in Liverpool knew how to use. When that developer retired, the client was left with a “zombie site” they couldn’t update.
You need portability. Stick to industry standards like WordPress or Shopify.
Google is very clear on this. In their official documentation, they warn business owners to ensure they have access to their site’s code. You should review Google’s Guide to Hiring an SEO/Developer to understand exactly what access you should demand from day one.
3. “How specifically do you handle security?”
“I install a security plugin” is not a good enough answer.
Websites are attacked constantly. Whether you run a cafe on Bold Street or a logistics firm in Bootle, if you hold customer data, you are a target.
In our experience, most hacked sites we fix are due to weak passwords and outdated software. We strictly advise clients to ensure their agency follows the NCSC Small Business Guide.
Ask your designer: “Do you follow the NCSC guidance on backups and Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?” If they look blank, your data is at risk.
4. “Can you put me in touch with a local client?”
It’s easy to fake a portfolio. It’s hard to fake a reputation.
If they claim to be a premier Liverpool agency, they should have a footprint here. Don’t just look at the logos on their homepage; ask for a phone number of a client they worked with in the last six months.
Pro Tip: Check if they are listed in the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce Directory. Legitimate businesses usually hang out with other legitimate businesses. If they are invisible locally, ask why.
5. “What are the ongoing ‘Maintenance’ fees for?”
We hate hidden costs. We once saw an invoice for a client where a designer was charging £50 a month for “Server Management,” but the site was hosted on a £5 shared plan.
Real World Example:
A tradesman in Old Swan came to us with a £2,000 quote. It looked fine, until we spotted the fine print: a mandatory £150/month “Care Plan” for a 12-month minimum term. That’s an extra £1,800 a year for updates that take ten minutes.
Ask for a breakdown:
- How much is hosting?
- How much are software licences?
- How much is your time?
The L1 Verdict
Hiring a web designer is a partnership, not a transaction. You need someone who has your back, not someone looking for a quick payday.
If a designer gets defensive when you ask these questions, that’s your red flag. The good ones—and there are loads of boss designers in Liverpool—will be happy to explain their process.
Need a hand sorting this out? Give us a shout at L1. We’re local, we’re real, and we don’t bite.