Hiring a web designer is a significant decision for your business. Before you pay a deposit, you need to know exactly what you are getting and who controls it after launch. These seven questions will help you avoid common pitfalls, especially for Korean American businesses that need a bilingual online presence.

Your website is a business asset, not a rental. The right questions protect that asset. They clarify who owns the work, how the Korean content is created, and what happens when you need a change. This guide is for busy owners, not marketers, so we lead with direct answers.

1. Who will own the website files and the hosting account?

The most critical question is about ownership. Some agencies build your site on a platform they control and license it to you monthly. You do not own the code or the hosting account. If you stop paying, your site may disappear.

At Hyper Vision Co., you own everything. We build your site and hand over the files. We set up a hosting account in your name. You own the code, the domain, and the account. This is true for every project, from our $599 Landmark site to our custom $3,750+ Flagship builds. If you decide to leave, you take your website with you. Trust is built on you controlling your property.

WARNING: A common mistake is not asking about ownership until it's too late. If an agency hesitates to put the hosting in your name, consider it a red flag.

2. Is the Korean version written or machine-translated?

For a Korean American business, your Korean-language site must be authentic. Machine translation from English creates awkward, often incorrect phrasing that native speakers will notice immediately. It harms your credibility.

Our method is different. We write the Korean and English content separately, for humans. Each language lives on its own URL (like yoursite.com and yoursite.com/kr/) connected properly for search engines. This means both versions can rank well. We never run English copy through a translator. This is a core part of our work for restaurants, clinics, and all our clients.

3. What is included in the launch price, and what costs more later?

Get a clear list of what the quoted price delivers. Does it include setting up Google Business Profile? Basic search engine optimization (SEO)? A contact form that works? Accessibility checks? If not, those become add-ons.

We publish our prices to eliminate this confusion. Our Landmark site at $599 includes a full bilingual site, basic local SEO setup, and a WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility check before launch. Our Storefront at $2,000 includes a full online store. If you need ongoing work like monthly Local SEO for $100 or Blog content for $150, those are separate month-to-month retainers. We tell you upfront.

4. How do you handle website edits after the site is live?

Websites need updates. You might change a menu price, add a new service, or post an announcement. You need to know the process and cost for these edits before you sign.

Some agencies lock you into a monthly "maintenance" plan for simple edits. Others charge high hourly rates. We believe in transparency. After launch, you can request edits at a clear rate, or you can manage simple text updates yourself if you choose. We will show you how. For many businesses, a static site that works perfectly is better than a complex system that requires constant, costly updates. Sometimes, keeping what you have is the right choice.

5. Will my site be built from scratch or use a purchased theme?

Many designers use purchased WordPress or Shopify themes. This can be faster and cheaper, but it often leads to bloated, slow code that every other site is using. A custom-built site is faster, more secure, and unique to your brand.

We hand-build every site. We never use a purchased theme. For our flagship projects, we use modern frameworks like React/Next.js. This results in a faster, cleaner website that represents only your business. See the difference in our case studies.

6. What is your process for ensuring my site is accessible?

Website accessibility (WCAG) is a legal and ethical requirement. It means people with disabilities can use your site. Many designers overlook this, which can exclude customers and create risk.

Every site we build passes a WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility check before it goes live. We check color contrast, keyboard navigation, and screen reader compatibility. This is not an upsell. It is part of our standard launch process. It is the right thing to do for your community.

7. Can you show me real examples for a business like mine?

Ask for specific examples in your industry. A good portfolio shows depth in your field, whether it's PMU and beauty studios or fitness studios. Be wary of agencies that only show one perfect example in each category.

We have built sites for the range of businesses our community owns. You can see real work on our case studies page. We do not invent client stories or testimonials. What you see is what we have genuinely delivered.

Making Your Decision

After asking these questions, you will have a clear picture. You will know if you are buying a true asset or entering a long-term rental agreement. You will understand the quality of your bilingual content and the long-term cost of ownership.

If an agency cannot give you straight answers on ownership, translation, and costs, walk away. Your website is too important. For a detailed breakdown of what we offer and our exact prices, visit our pricing page. If you have an existing site and want a professional evaluation, you can also request a free website audit.