9 questions to ask before commissioning a website
Comparing quotes on price alone isn't enough. Ask these nine questions and you'll see where the difference between them comes from.
You have three quotes in front of you: one cheap, one mid-range, one expensive. All three say "professional website". So where does the difference come from?
These nine questions make it clear. Ask for the answers in writing.
1. Who will own the files?
You should. The code, domain and content should be registered in your name. If a quote says "it runs on our platform", you're left with nothing the day you want to leave.
2. Is there a monthly payment, and for what?
Paying yearly for hosting and a domain is normal, but that money goes straight to the provider. If you pay the developer a monthly "usage fee", you're renting the site. Either can be fine, as long as you know which one you're doing.
3. A stock theme or a custom design?
A stock theme isn't a bad thing. It's cheap and quick to set up. But if you're paying a premium price for a $40 theme, do it knowingly. Ask "Which theme will you use, and what is it called?"
4. Who writes the content?
Most quotes don't include copywriting. If you don't supply the text, the site sits there full of Lorem ipsum for months. Settle this at the start.
5. How many revisions do I get?
Unlimited revisions isn't a realistic promise, because the work would never end. Two or three rounds is reasonable. When the revisions happen matters too. Changes made after the design has been signed off are expensive.
6. What is the delivery date, and what if it slips?
Ask for a firm date. Also agree how you'll decide who caused a delay if there is one. Most delays happen because the client's content arrives late.
7. Will I be able to update the site myself?
Is there an admin panel? Will you have to email the developer every time you add a post, change a price or upload an image? Will they show you how to use the panel at handover?
8. How much support is there after delivery?
"One month of free support" is common and reasonable. But ask what counts as support. Fixing bugs and adding new features are different things.
9. What will be done for SEO?
Ask for a specific list: sitemap, heading structure, meta descriptions, speed work, Search Console setup. "We build it SEO-friendly" on its own tells you nothing.
Don't work with anyone who guarantees you the top spot. Nobody can guarantee that, and anyone who does either doesn't know the job or isn't telling you the truth.
One last note
The cheapest quote usually ends up costing the most, because six months later you have to start again. The most expensive quote isn't automatically the best one either.
Get these nine answers in writing and you'll see what each quote is really selling. After that, the decision is easy.