By the Vertexweb team. Last reviewed .
Choosing the right partner is the most important decision in any website project. A good web design agency will make your business look credible and bring in enquiries. A poor match can leave you with a slow site, hidden costs and no one to call. The problem is that agency websites all look confident, so it is hard to tell them apart.
This guide gives you ten questions to ask before you hire, the red flags to watch for and a simple way to compare quotes fairly.
Key takeaways
- Ask to see real work for businesses like yours, and speak to a client if possible.
- Get the total cost over two years, not just the build price.
- Confirm you will own your domain, content and design files.
- Check what support and maintenance are included after launch.
- Compare quotes using the same written brief.
Before you contact anyone
Write a short brief first. Note what your business does, who your customers are, what you want the website to achieve, which pages you think you need and your rough budget. A clear brief makes it easier for agencies to quote properly, and it shows you which ones listen.
If you are unsure about pricing, read our guide to how much a business website costs in the UK first.
Questions about the work and the team
1. Can I see work for businesses like mine?
Look for live websites, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone and judge speed and clarity yourself.
2. Who will actually work on my website?
Ask whether the team is in-house or outsourced, and who your day-to-day contact will be.
3. What exactly is included?
Count pages, features, revisions, photography, copywriting and training. Anything not listed should be assumed to cost extra.
4. How do you handle mobile design, speed and search basics?
A good answer mentions designing for phones first, optimising images and setting up page titles, headings and descriptions. See our post on why your business needs a mobile-first website.
5. What do you need from me, and when?
Delays are often caused by missing text and photos. Ask for a timeline and a list of what you must provide.
Questions about cost, ownership and support
6. What is the total cost over two years?
Include build, domain, hosting, SSL, email, maintenance and renewals. Ask whether prices include VAT.
7. Who owns the domain, content and design files?
You should own your domain and content. Ask in writing, and confirm you can move your site if you leave. See our guide to choosing and owning your domain name.
8. What support is included after launch?
Find out how to report problems, how fast they respond and whether maintenance is included. Our website maintenance guide lists what good care looks like.
9. How will you measure success?
Ask what they will track, such as calls, enquiries or bookings, and how often they report.
10. What happens if we disagree?
Ask about the revision process, the contract and how either side can end the agreement.
Red flags to watch for
- No examples of real work, or work that is not theirs.
- Guaranteed number one rankings. Nobody can honestly promise this.
- Vague quotes with no list of inclusions.
- Pressure to sign immediately.
- The agency registers your domain in its own name.
- No clear answer on renewal costs.
Our post on affordable website red flags explains these in more detail.
How to compare quotes fairly
- Send every agency the same written brief.
- Ask for a written breakdown of what is included.
- Calculate the two-year total cost for each.
- Compare timelines and what you must supply.
- Check reviews, references and live examples.
- Choose the one that is clear, honest and easy to talk to, not just the lowest price.
What a good partnership looks like
A good agency explains things in plain English, tells you honestly what it can and cannot do and treats your business as if it were its own. You should feel comfortable asking questions at any stage. At Vertexweb, we are happy to answer every question on this list. See about us, our web development service and our £299 a year launch offer.
What to prepare before your first meeting
You will get better answers if you arrive prepared. Gather your logo and brand colours, a list of the pages you think you need, examples of websites you like and dislike, and any photos or text you already have. Write down your main goal, your target customers and your budget range. Note the questions from this guide that matter most to you, and ask each agency the same ones so you can compare the answers side by side.
What a typical project timeline looks like
Every agency works differently, but most projects follow the same stages: discovery and planning, design, content and build, testing, launch and then support. A small site can often be completed in a few weeks, provided that text, photos and feedback arrive promptly. Ask each agency for a written timeline, find out when you will see designs and agree who approves each stage. Delays are usually caused by waiting for content or feedback, so build that into your plan.
Common questions
Should I choose a local agency?
Not necessarily. Many agencies work well with clients across the UK by phone and video. Choose on clarity, work quality and trust.
Is a freelancer better than an agency?
Either can work. Freelancers can be flexible and personal, while agencies usually offer a wider team and continuity. Ask the same ten questions of both.
Final thoughts
The best way to choose a web design agency is to ask clear questions, insist on written answers and compare like with like. Focus on ownership, total cost and support, not only the first quote.
If you would like to put our team to the test, send us your questions.
Related reading
- Domain, Hosting and SSL Explained
- Website Content Checklist: What to Write for Every Page
- How Much Does a Business Website Cost in the UK?
- Affordable Website UK: Red Flags to Check Before You Pay
- WordPress vs Wix vs Squarespace
- About Vertexweb
Launch offer for UK small businesses. Get a professional website for just £299 a year, with free domain, hosting and SSL for the first year. Only the first 20 customers.
