Questions to Ask a Website Agency Before Hiring
How to Ensure You’re Choosing the Right Partner
26th September 2025
What Are the Project's Expected Costs, Including Maintenance?
Budget transparency is essential before signing any agreement. Start by asking for a detailed breakdown of costs beyond the initial design and development, including ongoing maintenance, hosting, domain registration, and potential future upgrades. Some agencies may offer appealing upfront prices but impose costly maintenance fees or upsell essential features later. Clarifying these costs in advance prevents unpleasant surprises and helps in planning a sustainable budget that includes all essential services. If the agency provides maintenance packages, inquire about the scope and frequency of those services to ensure they align with your business's long-term needs.
How Will You Approach My Business Goals?
A website should be more than visually appealing; it needs to align with and support your specific business goals. Ask the agency how they would approach understanding your business, target audience, and goals for the site. A reputable agency will ask insightful questions and may even propose preliminary strategies to help convert visitors, support brand messaging, or enable e-commerce. Their response will give you insight into how invested they are in tailoring their approach to meet your objectives, rather than just delivering a generic design. Look for agencies that offer solutions directly related to growth and ROI, as these are key indicators of a results-focused partner.
What Is Your Timeline for Project Delivery, and How Do You Handle Delays?
Timelines are critical in business planning, so asking about the estimated project length and key milestones is essential. Request a proposed schedule for each phase—such as design, development, testing, and launch—to gain an idea of the time commitment involved. Additionally, ask about their contingency plans if unexpected delays occur. Professional agencies will have a structured approach to project management and clear communication policies for addressing potential setbacks. Knowing how they handle time-sensitive issues and communicate progress can help ensure the project stays on track and meets your desired launch date.
What Is Your Approach to SEO and Website Performance?
Even the most visually impressive website needs strong performance and search engine visibility to reach its full potential. Ask about their SEO practices, particularly for on-page SEO (like keyword placement, meta tags, and image optimisation) and performance optimisation (such as page speed and mobile responsiveness). Also, inquire about analytics and tracking, which are vital for measuring and improving site performance post-launch. Agencies with experience in SEO and analytics will ensure that your site is both optimized for search engines and capable of providing valuable insights into user behavior, leading to data-driven improvements over time.
How Do You Ensure the Website Stays Secure?
Security is a priority for any business with a digital presence. Inquire about the agency’s security practices, including SSL certificates, encryption, regular updates, and protocols for protecting sensitive user data. An experienced agency will implement robust security measures from the start and advise on best practices to mitigate potential risks, particularly if your website will handle customer data or online transactions. If the agency provides ongoing security monitoring, ask what that entails and what support they offer in the event of a security breach. A trustworthy agency prioritizes security as a foundational part of web development, protecting both your business and your customers.