9 Questions You Should Ask a Web Design Agency Before You Hire Them

Hiring the wrong agency is expensive and stressful. Ask these nine questions before you sign, and you'll quickly separate the professionals from the rest.

Most website horror stories, such as missed deadlines, surprise bills and sites that can't be edited, could have been avoided with a few good questions up front. Here are the ones we'd ask if we were in your shoes.

1. Can I see websites you've built for businesses like mine?

Look for live sites you can click through, not just screenshots. Test them on your phone.

2. What exactly is included in the price?

Number of pages, design revisions, content writing, SEO setup, hosting, training, support. Get it in writing.

3. Who will actually work on my project?

Is the work done in-house or outsourced? Who is your single point of contact?

4. How long will it take, and what do you need from me?

Delays often come from waiting on the client's content. A good agency will be clear about both sides' responsibilities.

5. Will I be able to update the website myself?

Ask which platform they use and whether training is included.

6. Who owns the website, domain and hosting?

The answer should always be: you do. Everything registered in your name.

7. How do you handle SEO?

At minimum: clean URLs, page titles, meta descriptions, fast loading, mobile-friendliness, schema and a sitemap submitted to Google.

8. What happens after launch?

Is there a free support period? What does ongoing maintenance cost?

9. How do you handle changes mid-project?

Scope changes happen. You want a fair, transparent process, not a blank cheque.

We're happy to answer all nine. Put us to the test.