Don't Get Scammed: 7 Warning Signs of a Bad Web Designer in Kenya

Hiring a web designer is a major investment for your Kenyan business. The right partner can build you a powerful asset that drives growth for years. The wrong one can leave you with a broken, ineffective website, and a huge hole in your budget. To help you choose wisely, here are 7 critical warning signs of a bad web designer.

7 Red Flags to Watch Out For

1. A Poorly Designed Own Website

This is the most obvious sign. If a designer's own website is slow, ugly, or broken on mobile, how can you trust them to build a great site for you? Their site is their portfolio. If they haven't invested in it, that's a massive red flag.

2. They Can't Show You a Portfolio of Live Websites

Images and mockups are easy to fake. A professional designer will have a portfolio of live websites for businesses they have actually worked with. Ask for links and check them out yourself.

3. They Offer a "Too Good to Be True" Price

A professional website is a significant project. If someone quotes you KES 10,000 for a "custom e-commerce website," run. You'll likely get a pirated theme, no support, and a site that breaks within weeks. Check our pricing page and our cost breakdown guide for a realistic idea of professional costs.

4. They Don't Ask About Your Business Goals

A bad designer asks, "What colors do you like?" A good designer asks, "What are you trying to achieve with this website? Who is your target customer?" A professional focuses on strategy and results, not just aesthetics.

5. Poor Communication and Unprofessionalism

Do they take days to reply to your emails? Are their messages full of typos? If they are unprofessional during the sales process, it will only get worse once they have your money. A professional communicates clearly and promptly.

6. They Can't Explain Their Process

A professional follows a structured web development process (Discovery, Design, Development, Testing, Launch). If they can't explain their step-by-step process, it means they don't have one and will likely deliver a chaotic and delayed project.

7. They Claim You Won't Own the Website

You must have full ownership of your website, domain name, and hosting account. Some unscrupulous designers will register everything in their name, effectively holding your website hostage. Clarify ownership in writing before any work begins.

"Hiring a cheap designer is the most expensive mistake you can make. You'll end up paying a professional to fix their mess later."

Choose a Trusted Partner

At Elite Designs Kenya, we pride ourselves on our professionalism, transparent process, and focus on delivering real business results. We believe in building long-term partnerships with our clients.

If you're looking for a reliable, expert web design partner in Kenya, we invite you to get in touch with us. Let's discuss your project and show you the difference a professional team can make.