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    Web Design
    Blog Post Last Updated: July 2026

    How Do I Know If a Web Designer Is Qualified?

    The signs that separate a qualified web designer from someone winging it — experience, process, references, and proof of real results.

    Quick Answer

    Years of experience matter less than a body of live, working sites. See [What Portfolio Should I Look for When Hiring a Designer?](/blog/what-portfolio-should-i-look-for-when-hiring-a-designer) for what to evaluate.

    Look for shipped work

    Years of experience matter less than a body of live, working sites. See What Portfolio Should I Look for When Hiring a Designer? for what to evaluate.

    A clear process

    Qualified designers have a repeatable process: discovery, scoping, design, build, launch, support. If they can't describe it, that's a flag.

    References and reviews

    Ask to speak with a past client. Check Google reviews. Real testimonials beat polished sales pages every time.

    How we measure up

    Our portfolio and packages lay it all out. Contact us for a no-pressure call.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does a professional small business website cost in Canada?

    Most small business websites in Canada cost between $1,500 and $8,000 for a one-time build, or $23–$95 per month on a managed plan. See our current packages for exact pricing.

    How long does it take to build a new website?

    A typical small business website takes 2–4 weeks from kickoff to launch. Larger custom builds with e-commerce or booking systems usually take 4–8 weeks.

    Do you handle hosting and ongoing maintenance?

    Yes. Every Cloud Peak Solutions plan includes hosting, SSL, backups, security updates, and monthly content edits so your site stays fast and secure.

    About the Author

    This article was written by the team at Cloud Peak Solutions, a Vancouver-based web design and digital marketing agency helping small businesses across Canada and the US get more customers online through professional web design, local SEO, and Google Business Profile management. Learn more at cloudpeak.solutions.

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