October 2026

What to Ask a Web Designer in Cebu Before You Pay

Hiring a web designer in Cebu can feel like a leap of faith, especially if you've never had a website before. Packages, prices and promises vary a lot, and it's hard to tell what you'll really be getting. These six questions need no technical knowledge. They help you find out, before you pay, whether you'll actually own what you paid for.

Six questions to ask any web designer

1. Whose name will the domain be in?

Your domain is your website's address, like yourbusiness.com. It's registered through a company called a registrar, and the registration names an owner. That owner should be you or your business. If a designer registers it under their own account "to keep things simple," you may need their permission to renew or move it later. Ask: "Will the domain be in my name, and will I have the login?" Also ask who pays for renewal. A domain is rented by the year, and if it isn't renewed, the address can be lost.

2. Will I get a copy of my website files?

The files are the pages, text and images that make up your site. Ask whether you'll receive a full copy when the project is done, and whether the photos and fonts used are licensed for business use. You may never need to move your site, but it's far easier to agree on this at the start than after a disagreement.

3. Where is it hosted, and what does it cost after launch?

Hosting is the service that keeps your site online. Ask who pays for it, how much it costs per month or per year, and what happens if you stop paying. If there's a monthly fee, ask what it covers: updates, small changes, or hosting only. A low upfront price can be a good deal or can hide ongoing costs, and only the answers will tell you which.

4. Do I get a business email, and what are its limits?

A branded address like hello@yourbusiness.com looks more established than a free Gmail address. Ask whether one is included, which service provides it, and what the limits are: how many mailboxes, how much storage, and whether you can use it on your phone. Free email plans can be a good start, but they do have limits, so ask. We'll cover domains and business email in more detail in a separate article.

5. What exactly is in the price?

Ask for a written quote that lists the number of pages, how many rounds of changes are included, who writes the text and takes the photos, whether the site works well on phones, and what costs extra. Ask how long the project will take and what a change after launch would cost. A clear quote protects both of you.

6. Can I see real examples?

Ask for live websites they've built, not just mockups, and open them on your phone. If they have a past client you can contact, even better. A newer designer may have only a few examples, and that's fine as long as they're upfront about it.

Answers that should make you pause

The domain or hosting is only in their name, and you won't get the login.
Vague answers like "don't worry about that, we'll handle it."
No written quote or agreement.
Pressure to pay everything upfront before you've seen anything.

How we answer these at Alfam Digital

We're a small studio in Lapu-Lapu City, so here's where we stand. Your domain is registered in your name and billed to you separately. Our Basic website (₱5,000, one-time) includes one business email set up through Zoho Mail's free plan, which has limits we explain before you decide. Standard sites run ₱8,000–12,000, Premium ₱12,000–18,000, and a monthly plan of ₱500–1,500 is optional. Whoever you hire, ask all six questions.

Still deciding whether you need a website at all? Start with Is a Facebook Page Enough for Your Business?

Comparing quotes?

If you've received a quote and aren't sure how to read it, message us on Facebook and we'll tell you what we'd look at. No pressure, no obligation.

Message Us on Facebook