A good web designer keeps you updated on a rhythm you both agree at the start. That usually means a short written update every week, a shared timeline you can check any time, and a live preview of the site at each major milestone. You should never have to chase for news, and you should always know what is done, what is next and what they need from you.
If you are wondering how your web designer will keep you updated, ask before you sign. The answer says a lot about how the whole project will run.
Agree the rhythm at kick-off
Communication works best when it is planned, not improvised. At the first meeting, settle four things:
- Who your single point of contact is, so questions do not bounce between people.
- How updates will arrive: email, a project management tool or a scheduled call.
- How often you will hear from them, and on which day.
- How quickly each side is expected to reply to questions and review requests.
Write it down. A one-paragraph communication plan avoids most of the frustration that sours web projects.
What a normal update cadence looks like
Weekly status updates
During the active build, a weekly update is the standard to expect. It does not need to be long. Four lines cover it: what was finished this week, what is planned for next week, anything blocked, and anything they need from you. Short and regular beats long and occasional.
A shared timeline or project board
Many agencies give clients access to a project board or timeline showing each stage and its status. It means you can check progress on your own schedule instead of waiting for an email. If yours does not offer one, a simple shared document with dates against each milestone does the same job.
Previews on a staging site
A staging site is a private, working copy of your new website that the public cannot see. It lets you click through real pages on your own phone and computer rather than judging static images. Expect a preview at the design stage, again once content is in, and a final one before launch.
Milestone sign-offs
Most builds move through stages: planning and sitemap, design, content, development, then testing. Each stage should end with a clear review and your written approval before the next one starts. Sign-offs keep everyone honest. They confirm you have seen the work, and they stop late surprises about what was agreed.
Your side of the conversation
Updates run in both directions, and the client’s half matters more than most people expect. A few habits keep a build moving:
- Nominate one decision maker, even if several people give input.
- Gather feedback into one consolidated reply rather than a stream of separate emails.
- Review previews within the agreed time, and say so if you need longer.
- Send content and logins when they are due. Missing materials are the most common reason a build stalls.
Signs communication is slipping
Watch for weekly updates that stop arriving, vague answers to direct questions, and previews that keep moving to next week. None of these means the project is in trouble yet, but each is worth raising early, politely and in writing.
A quick message such as “I have not had an update for two weeks, can we book fifteen minutes to check where things are?” usually resets the rhythm. If the gaps keep growing and dates start to slip, the conversation shifts from updates to a written recovery plan.
Clear communication is a large part of how we run projects. Our website design and development page outlines the stages a build moves through.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see my website before it goes live?
Yes, and you should. Most designers share a private staging version so you can review real pages on your own devices. Treat launch day as the moment the public sees it, not the first time you do.
How often should I hear from my web designer?
At least weekly while the site is being actively built. Quieter periods, such as while you are writing content, may need less, but you should still know when the next update is due.
What is a staging site?
It is a private copy of your website, hosted somewhere the public and search engines cannot reach. Designers use it to build and test changes safely before they go live.
How many rounds of feedback are normal?
Many agreements allow two rounds of revisions at each major stage, though it varies by provider. Check your quote, and keep each round consolidated so none are wasted on small separate notes.
Know what to expect before you start
The best time to agree how you will be kept informed is before the build begins. Book a discovery call and ask us exactly how we would run yours.
