People typically commission a website once every few years, so most have no experience choosing a contractor. They end up comparing commercial proposals that vary in price and deadlines and have nothing in common in terms of structure. Here are the questions you should ask before signing a contract—the answers to these will tell you more than any portfolio ever could.
1. What exactly is included in the price?
The cheapest offer almost always means that something has been left out of the list. Ask directly:
- responsive for mobile devices and tablets;
- How many unique design layouts are there, and how many pages are based on templates?;
- Basic SEO optimization: headings, meta tags, sitemap, page speed;
- Integration of forms and analytics;
- Content creation—who writes the text and prepares the photos.
We have broken down the structure of the cost estimate separately: What Goes Into the Price of a Website?.
2. Who will own the website and the access rights?
The worst-case scenario in this area is as follows: a year later, you want to make some changes, only to discover that the domain is registered to the contractor, who also hosts it, and you’ve never had access to the admin panel.
Correct: The domain is registered in your name or your company's name; you pay for the hosting; and upon delivery, you receive all passwords and source files. This should be specified in the contract.
3. What will you use, and why?
This isn't about trends, but about the cost of making changes a year from now. Make sure to check whether another developer will be able to take over the project, whether you're tied to a closed platform with a monthly fee, and whether the website depends on a website builder that might change its pricing tomorrow.
4. Who exactly will be working there?
Sometimes one team handles sales, while a completely different team handles the actual work. Ask how many people are on the project, who your point person is, and what will happen if that person goes on vacation.
5. How many revisions are included in the price?
This is where most conflicts arise. Clarify what counts as a revision, how many rounds of design approval are included, and how much each additional round costs. “We’ll keep revising until you’re satisfied” isn’t a benefit—it’s an excuse to drag out the process.
6. What happens after the launch?
- Is there a warranty period, and what does it cover?
- How much does it cost? support And is it mandatory?
- Who will update the CMS and plugins?
- Can you teach me how to use the admin panel?
A website that isn't updated becomes vulnerable: In the summer of 2026, three critical WordPress updates were released over the course of a month and a half.
7. Don't just show pictures
A portfolio with screenshots doesn't tell you anything: a screenshot doesn't show the site's speed, whether it has a mobile version, or even if the site is still up and running. Ask for links to live projects and open them on your phone.
See for yourself—it only takes a minute: Checking meta tags It will show whether their work includes a title, description, and H1. If the agency’s own case studies have empty headings, that means they haven’t given SEO any thought.
8. How are time limits calculated?
A standard response includes the following breakdown: this much for the prototype, this much for the design, and this much for development. A poor response is a single figure—“one month”—with no details. And be sure to ask separately what will happen if you delay the content: in most projects, deadlines are missed precisely because of this.
9. What will be included in the contract?
Technical specifications as an attachment, payment milestones, deadlines, warranty, and transfer of rights. Working without a contract is cheaper—as long as everything goes smoothly.
Warning Signs to Watch Out For
- The price is listed as is. If a price is quoted without first clarifying the scope of work, it’s just a list price—not an estimate for your project.
- The promise of “first place on Google.” No one guarantees rankings: the algorithms do not belong to the contractor.
- Prepayment only: 100%. The standard approach is to break it down into stages.
- There are no questions about your business. Anyone who doesn't ask how you make money will create a pretty picture, not a sales tool.
- Portfolio without links. Screenshots are generated in five minutes.
Freelancer, studio, or agency
| Pros | Risks | |
|---|---|---|
| Freelancer | cheaper, direct communication | One artist: illness or a new project—and you're waiting |
| Studio | team, contract, replacement of a contractor within the organization | more expensive than a freelancer |
| A large agency | processes, scale | Most of all, you're just a little customer in line |
In Brief
Don't compare the final figures; compare the details of the proposals. If there's a twofold difference between two estimates, it almost never comes down to "expensive versus cheap"—it's almost always due to a difference in the scope of work.
We We create turnkey websites and we provide all the access rights and source files. You can view the projects with task descriptions at portfolio, and the estimated cost is — Calculate in three steps, no calls.
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