6 Things to Do Before You Buy a Website From Someone
When it comes to buying a website, it’s easy to get swept away by a sleek portfolio or a fancy sales pitch. But before you commit to a web designer or developer, there are a few key checks you should do to ensure you're getting what you pay for. Here are six things to do before you buy a website from someone:
1. Check Their Website on Google PageSpeed Insights
One of the first things you should do is run their website through Google PageSpeed Insights. If the company or individual you’re hiring doesn’t take the time to optimize their own website for speed and performance, that’s a huge red flag. Site speed affects everything from user experience to SEO rankings, so if they can’t keep their own site fast, don’t expect them to prioritize yours.
Pro Tip: A slow website might indicate that the developer lacks the time or knowledge to keep up with modern optimization standards, which could affect your project in the future.
2. Check How Old Their Website Is on whois.com
It’s easy for companies to claim they've been around for years or boast about their extensive client lists, but how can you know if that’s true? Head over to whois.com/whois and look up the age of their domain. If their domain is only a few months old, but they’re claiming a decade of experience, something doesn’t add up. Transparency is key, and if they aren’t honest about their history, what else might they be hiding?
3. Consider the Price
Website pricing can vary dramatically, but paying a premium for minimal effort is one thing to watch out for. Many people charge thousands of dollars for websites, making it sound like they’re custom-coding each part from scratch when, in reality, they’re using a basic website builder that takes a couple of hours to set up.
Pro Tip: Ask upfront what platform they’re using and how much customization is involved. You might want to reconsider if you’re paying thousands for a template-based website.
4. Check BuiltWith.com to See What Website Builder They Use
Speaking of website builders, before you hire someone, run their site through BuiltWith.com to see what platform they’re using. If they’re using a basic drag-and-drop website builder, that’s probably what they’ll use to build yours, too. If it fits your needs, there’s nothing wrong with that, but make sure you’re aware of the cost versus effort. Are they charging a premium price to use a basic builder?
Personal Recommendation:
GoDaddy: Great if you want to update your site yourself and don’t have high technical skills.
Squarespace: Good for those who are more technical and have an eye for design. (My recommendation).
Webflow: Ideal for enterprises who need something highly customizable.
5. Check Their Backlinks With Moz
Want to see real examples of their work? Use a tool like Moz to check backlinks to their clients’ websites. Many web designers will place a small link to their own site in the footer of the websites they build. This is a quick way to see some of their previous work, even if they don’t share case studies. Plus, it gives you a sense of the quality of sites they’ve worked on.
Pro Tip: A good backlink profile from reputable clients can indicate a trustworthy designer with a strong portfolio.
6. Ask for a Detailed Contract
Lastly, always ask for a detailed contract before you commit. This might seem obvious, but many people skip this step. The contract should outline exactly what you’re getting—how many revisions are included, what kind of support you’ll receive post-launch, and who retains ownership of the website’s content and design. A solid contract protects you and sets clear expectations for both parties.
Pro Tip: Be wary of anyone who avoids providing a detailed contract. It’s a sign that things could get messy later.
