How to Choose a Website Designer in Tanzania

1. Can you show live websites, not just screenshots?

Ask for links to websites they built that are still online. Open them on your phone over mobile data. Do they load quickly? Is it easy to find prices and contact details?

2. What will the website achieve?

A good designer asks about your goal before talking about colours: more enquiries, bookings, or online sales. If nobody asks, you will likely get a nice-looking website that does not bring customers.

3. Who will own the domain and website?

Your business should own the domain name, hosting account (or have full access to it) and all content. Avoid arrangements where the designer registers the domain in their own name.

4. Can my team update it without you?

You should be able to change prices, photos and text yourself. WordPress makes this straightforward when it is set up properly.

5. Will customers be able to pay with mobile money?

If you sell online, ask which payment gateways they have integrated before and whether M-Pesa, Mixx by Yas and Airtel Money will work, not just cards.

6. Will it work well on phones and mobile data?

Most visitors in Tanzania browse on a phone. Ask how they test speed and whether they check pages on real Android phones.

7. What about Google?

Ask what SEO basics are included: page titles and descriptions, one page per service, a sitemap, and setting up Google Search Console. These cost little when done at the start and a lot to fix later.

8. What happens after launch?

Who hosts the website, who makes backups and updates, and what does it cost if something breaks? Get this in writing.

Red flags

• A very low price with no clear list of what is included.
• No live examples you can open and test.
• The domain or hosting will be in the designer’s name.
• No mention of mobile speed, payments or Google.
• No plan for backups, security or updates.

Frequently asked questions