Protect Your Business From Confusion and Costly Mistakes
Hiring a website designer in Kalamazoo is a big decision. Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business, and it’s the hub for all your marketing efforts. Unfortunately, not every designer plays by the same rules. Some may cut corners, hide important details, or present their work in ways that aren’t as transparent as they should be. Knowing the red flags ahead of time can save you time, money, and frustration — and help you choose a partner who will protect your brand for the long term.
1. Testimonials Without Clear Sources
If a company lists glowing reviews but omits the business names, you have no way of confirming they’re from actual clients.
Why it matters: Testimonials build trust—when they’re authentic. If they can’t be verified, you risk working with someone who might be overstating (or inventing) their track record.
2. No “About” Page
An About page is where you learn who you’re hiring, their experience, and their approach. If it’s missing entirely, you’re left guessing who’s behind the business.
Why it matters: Website design is a partnership. You deserve to know the person or team you’ll be working with and whether they have the expertise to deliver.
3. Portfolios Where Every Site Looks the Same
A skilled designer adapts their style to each client’s unique brand and needs. If every site in their portfolio uses the same layout, colors, and structure, it may be cookie-cutter work.
Why it matters: Template-based designs may be fast and cheap, but they rarely reflect your brand’s personality or help you stand out from the competition.
4. Portfolio Examples That Aren’t Live (or Don’t Match the Real Site)
If a designer shows examples you can’t click on—or if the live version is completely different—it’s worth asking why.
Why it matters: This could mean the work was never launched, wasn’t their project to begin with, or the client wasn’t happy and replaced it. In any case, you’re not seeing an accurate representation of their current abilities.
5. “Hidden” Best Work
If a company sends you beautiful examples privately, but none of them are on their public portfolio, that’s unusual.
Why it matters: Most designers showcase their best work proudly. If it’s hidden, it may mean they don’t have permission to show it—or that they didn’t actually do it.
6. Copycat Business Names
When a new business chooses a name nearly identical to an established, local company—right down to the abbreviation—it creates confusion for clients.
Why it matters:
- Clients can easily mistake one business for the other.
- Inquiries, reviews, or complaints may be misdirected.
- It’s simply bad business practice and erodes trust.
- Your website designer should be original in all areas of their work—including their branding.
How to Protect Yourself: Questions to Ask Before You Sign
- Can you share three recent live sites you’ve built?
- Will my site be custom-designed or based on a template?
- Who owns the site and content when it’s finished?
- What’s your process for ongoing updates or support?
- Can you connect me with a past client for reference?
Why Longevity Matters
Many “here today, gone tomorrow” website design companies pop up, take on clients, and disappear within months. That leaves business owners stranded with outdated or broken sites and no support.
At Kalamazoo Web Design, we’ve launched over 400 websites since 2008 and continue to support many of those clients today. Our portfolio links to real, live sites. Our testimonials name the businesses we’ve partnered with. Our About page tells you exactly who you’re working with.
Your website is your reputation online. Choose a partner who will protect it, maintain it, and help it grow for years to come.
Ready to Work With the Real KWD? 🙂
If you’re looking for Kalamazoo Web Design—the original KWD serving Southwest Michigan since 2008—you’ve found us. We create strategic, custom websites that build trust, attract your ideal audience, and help your business grow. Whether you’re in Kalamazoo, Portage, Battle Creek, or anywhere in West Michigan, our process is transparent, our portfolio is proven, and our clients are happy to put their name behind our work. Don’t risk your brand with a copycat—partner with the experienced website designer in Kalamazoo who’s here for the long haul.
