Should I hire a local web designer or one who works remotely?

For a trades website, physical proximity to your designer doesn't move the needle much. Unlike a photographer or a sign shop, a web designer doesn't need to be in your town to understand your town — the service-area and local-SEO work that matters is research, not a site visit.

What actually matters when you're hiring:

• A portfolio that includes trades or local-service businesses, not just restaurants or retail
• They can explain, in plain language, how service-area pages and local SEO work — not just "we'll make it pretty"
• Response time and communication style you can live with — a fast video call beats a slow in-person meeting
• Enough timezone overlap to get quick answers during your build

Remote designers often mean a wider talent pool and lower overhead, which can mean a better price for the same quality. Local designers can be worth it if you specifically want someone who'll show up in person for training or troubleshooting — but that's a preference, not a requirement for a good site.

Red flag either way: someone who can't clearly explain their process, timeline, and what you'll own when it's done. That matters far more than their zip code.