Define the website scope
Page count.
Key page types.
Responsive layouts.
Navigation.
Conversion goals.
Existing brand system.
Content status.
Developer handoff.
Review complete websites
A single attractive hero section is not enough evidence. Look at how the designer handles repeated components, content density and secondary pages.
Clarify design vs development
Some web designers also build sites; others deliver design files for a developer. Define the boundary before comparing proposals.
A website is a system of pages and decisions.Judge the portfolio beyond the first screen.
Plan the handoff
Agree on design files, responsive states, components, assets and any notes developers will need.