How to choose a web agency: 7 questions that save you money

Every agency shows a beautiful portfolio and promises a “modern and fast website”. The difference between a good and a bad provider shows after launch: when something breaks, when you want a change, when you need to move the domain. These seven questions reveal it in advance.

1. “Who owns the website, the domain and the code?”

The only right answer is “you”. Some providers register the domain in their own name or keep the site on a platform it cannot be exported from. If you decide to change agency, you lose everything. Insist that the domain is registered to your company and that you receive access to everything.

2. “What exactly does the price include, and what not?”

Ask for a list. Design, mobile version, texts, photos, form, languages, SEO setup, training. Then ask which of those costs extra. Hidden costs usually hide in the “small” things: one more page, one more language, changing a photo after launch. If something is not on the list, assume it costs extra and ask how much.

3. “How much will I pay per month afterwards?”

Hosting, domain, maintenance, licences. There are websites where three years of monthly fees exceed the build price. Ask specifically and ask for the amount in writing. With us, for example, hosting is free and the domain is around €15–20 a year, paid directly by you.

4. “Can I see the site on my phone before I approve it?”

Over 70% of a small business's visitors come from a phone. A website that only looks good on the designer's computer loses most clients. Ask for a test address and open it on your own phone, on mobile data, not Wi-Fi.

5. “What happens when something stops working?”

The form stops sending emails. Payment throws an error. The site does not open. Who fixes it, how fast and at what price? “Write to us and we'll see” is not an answer. Look for a clear commitment: reaction within 24 hours, support after launch, a specific contact person.

6. “Will I be able to change prices and photos myself?”

If every price change means writing to someone and waiting, the site will be out of date within months. A good provider shows you how to change texts, photos and prices yourself, in plain language, without technical terms.

7. “Can I talk to one of your clients?”

The portfolio shows what the website looks like. The client tells you how the work went: were deadlines kept, does the agency answer after launch, were there surprises in the price. A five-minute call says more than ten screenshots.

A good provider is not bothered by these questions. They expect them and already have answers. If someone gets annoyed that you ask, that is an answer too.

Red flags

• A price without a list of what it includes.
• A domain registered in the agency's name.
• “Support is included”, without saying what that means and for how long.
• A portfolio of websites that no longer open.
• Pressure to pay the full amount upfront.