Let’s be honest — finding a good web designer can feel like dating. Things start out great, but over time, you start noticing little things that just don’t sit right. Maybe communication is slow, deadlines slip, or the work doesn’t quite match what you envisioned. Before you know it, you’re wondering if you’ve outgrown the relationship altogether. The truth is, not every web designer is the right fit for every business — and that’s okay. Here are 13 red flags to watch out for that might mean it’s time to move on and find a better fit in 2025.
1. They’re slow to respond. One of the fundamentals of great customer service is prompt communication. While it’s understandable that your web designer may have multiple clients, waiting days—or even weeks—for a reply to a simple question is unacceptable. Even worse, if you have to follow up multiple times on the same issue or receive no response at all, that’s a major red flag. You shouldn’t feel stressed or uncertain about when you’ll hear back. A reliable web designer should make you feel confident that they’re accessible, responsive, and ready to help when you need them.
2. Communication feels awkward. Have you ever worked with someone where the communication just doesn’t click—where even simple conversations feel confusing or out of sync? You don’t need to be best friends with your web developer, but communication, whether over email or in meetings, should feel natural and easy. Partnering with a web design company is a long-term relationship that should grow and improve over time. If every interaction feels like pulling teeth, chances are the problem will only get worse down the road.
3. Frequent simple mistakes. No web design project is completely free of errors, and it’s unrealistic to expect perfection. However, if you’re noticing frequent mistakes that are easy to fix, it’s a clear sign of poor attention to detail. This might include spelling errors, formatting inconsistencies, technical glitches, or broken website features that should function properly even during development. While it’s important not to nitpick every little thing, you should still expect a consistent level of quality and professionalism every time.
4. Lack of organization. If your web developer constantly forgets details, asks for the same information multiple times, or seems inattentive to your needs, that’s a real problem. A well-organized web designer should excel at project management—clearly outlining timelines, keeping you updated on deliverables, and tracking every aspect of the work. You shouldn’t have to resend files or repeatedly remind them about unfinished tasks. Disorganization only leads to frustration and wasted time—two things you definitely don’t need during a web project.
5. Technical support is unpredictable. There’s nothing worse than needing your web designer’s help in a pinch—only to find they’re nowhere to be found. You send an email or text, then eventually call, but still get no response. While even the best professionals have busy periods, you should never be left waiting days for urgent assistance. Some issues may be simple to fix, others more complex, and not all may be the designer’s fault—but it’s still their responsibility to assess the situation quickly and take prompt action. Accepting a lower standard of support can harm your business faster than you think.
6. You wouldn’t feel comfortable referring them to others. When someone you know—like a friend, relative, or colleague—needs web design help, your natural instinct is usually to recommend someone you trust. But if your gut tells you to stay quiet, it’s probably for a good reason. If you find yourself saying, “I know someone, but be careful—they’ve had a few issues,” that’s a red flag. Your hesitation is a clear indicator that your experience hasn’t met the standard it should. This kind of doubt is a strong sign that the partnership may not be worth continuing.
7. Unreliable schedule. Maybe your web designer started off great—but then suddenly disappears for unexpected vacations, obscure holidays, or frequent “family emergencies.” That’s not a good sign. Of course, everyone faces occasional unforeseen circumstances, but if it becomes a pattern, it’s the business equivalent of hearing “the dog ate my homework” over and over again. A reputable professional maintains consistent working hours and communicates any planned time off clearly. If you constantly have to guess their availability or chase them down for updates, it’s time to reconsider the partnership.
8. Work doesn’t appear to be local. If the work you’re receiving is filled with poor grammar, odd phrasing, or suspicious errors, that’s a red flag. It may suggest that your project isn’t being handled by someone local—or that it’s being outsourced overseas where English isn’t the primary language. Ideally, you want to work with an agency whose team is local, accessible, and available to meet or connect via Zoom during normal business hours. If the work you’re getting has a distinctly “foreign” feel to it, don’t overlook that concern—it could signal deeper issues with communication, quality, or accountability.
9. Not hitting deadlines. When a web design company sets a deadline for completing a task, it may not be a legally binding contract—but it should still be taken seriously. If a project that was supposed to take a month drags on for half a year, that’s simply unacceptable. While occasional delays can happen for legitimate reasons, a reliable company should meet its commitments consistently. Making clients wait for extended periods is unprofessional and would never be considered normal in any other industry. If excuses keep piling up, don’t hesitate to call them out and demand accountability.
10. Instructions not being followed consistently. Clear communication between you and your web developer is essential—every project is a two-way street. However, if you notice that your instructions aren’t being carried out accurately, or worse, ignored altogether, that’s a serious problem. Whether it stems from poor communication, lack of effort, or simple unreliability, the result is the same: frustration and wasted time. You’re the client, and you’re the one investing in the project—your web designer has no right to alter the plan without your full approval. If they make that process difficult, consider it a major warning sign.
11. Rude, distant, or lacking customer service. In any profession—whether it’s hospitality, retail, or web design—good customer service is non-negotiable. You deserve to be treated with respect, patience, and professionalism at all times. If your web designer makes you feel uncomfortable for asking questions or communicates in a way that’s dismissive or confusing, that’s unacceptable. You should never feel disrespected or undervalued as a client. A healthy working relationship is built on mutual respect and understanding—without that, it’s not a partnership worth continuing.
12. Making excuses. When work is late, done poorly, or riddled with issues, a reputable company takes accountability and makes things right. But if your web designer constantly blames factors “beyond their control”—or worse, shifts the blame onto you—it’s time to move on. They’re the professionals you hired, and it’s their responsibility to deliver results on time and to standard. Frequent excuses are a clear sign of poor quality, lack of accountability, and an attitude that has no place in a professional partnership.
13. Extra charges creeping in. One of the biggest concerns when working with web designers is the risk of unexpected fees—much like dealing with a dishonest mechanic. You never know when hidden costs or surprise charges might appear for things that weren’t discussed upfront. Sometimes, once an agency feels they have you “locked in,” they may try to upsell unnecessary add-ons or make you pay for mistakes that weren’t your fault. A trustworthy web design company should always be transparent about pricing and clearly outline what’s included. You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for—no surprises, no guesswork.
Final Thoughts. If you’ve started to notice several of these warning signs in your current web designer, it may be time to move on. A great web design company should make your life easier, not add stress or uncertainty to your business. You deserve a partner who communicates clearly, respects deadlines, values your input, and consistently delivers quality work. Don’t settle for less—if your current experience is filled with frustration, poor service, or constant excuses, it’s a strong signal that it’s time to enlist a new web design company that truly values your time, trust, and goals.
Ready for a better experience?
If any of these red flags hit a little too close to home, it might be time to work with a web design team that communicates clearly, meets deadlines, and treats your business like their own. Advance Web Solutions is here to help — reach out today and let’s build something better together.
Jeff Moyer | Advance Web Solutions Owner
