Almost every web designer's portfolio page is going to look good; it's curated, static screenshots on a controlled background. The real evaluation happens when you dig one level deeper than the screenshot.
Click Through to the Live Site
A portfolio screenshot tells you nothing about how the site actually behaves. Click through to the real, live website. Does it load quickly? Does it look right on your phone? Do the buttons and forms actually work? A surprising number of "portfolio" sites are broken, outdated, or were taken down entirely.
Look for Range, Not Just Polish
- Do the projects look meaningfully different from each other, or does every client end up with the same layout?
- Is there a mix of industries, or is everything in one narrow niche?
- Are there examples close to your business type or size?
Ask About the Results, Not Just the Look
A portfolio shows you what a designer can build. It doesn't show you whether that site actually worked for the client. Ask directly: did this redesign improve their traffic, leads, or sales? A designer who can point to real outcomes, even informally, is thinking about your business results, not just aesthetics.
Thinking About Web Design?
Hammerhead Creations offers web design for businesses in Cartersville, GA and beyond.