Most agency websites look good, say they are fast, and promise results. That makes them hard to tell apart. The difference shows up in how an agency works, what it charges, and what you actually receive. These seven questions help you see it before you sign anything.
1. Can I see work for businesses like mine?
Look at their portfolio, but look for fit, not just polish. Does the agency build for businesses of your size and type? A good portfolio shows varied industries done well. Branded Webs, for example, lists real client sites on its clients page, from manufacturing and skincare to software and nonprofit marketing. Open the live sites, not just screenshots. Check that they load quickly and read clearly on a phone.
2. Will I see the design before I commit?
This is the biggest risk reduction you can ask for. Hiring a designer on the strength of a portfolio means paying before you know whether they understand your business. Some agencies will show you a sample of your own site first. At Branded Webs, every project starts with a free hero-section redesign, so you see the new top of your homepage before deciding to go ahead. Whoever you hire, ask what you will see and when.
3. What exactly is included in the price?
"Starting from" prices are common, so ask what moves the number. Find out:
- How many pages are included
- Whether copywriting is part of the price or your job
- How many rounds of revisions you get
- What happens if you need extra pages or changes later
As a reference point, Branded Webs offers a Launch package (a landing page, design and copy, 3 revisions, live in under a week, from $1,500) and a Flagship package (a full website up to 10 pages, design and copy, 5 revisions, live in 2+ weeks, from $2,999). You do not have to choose them, but you should expect any agency to answer the same questions as clearly.
4. How does payment work?
Ask for the payment schedule in writing. A common and fair structure is part upfront and the rest at a defined milestone. Ours is 50% upfront and 50% after the design. Be wary of any arrangement that asks for full payment before you have seen anything, or that is vague about when the final payment is due.
5. How will we communicate during the project?
Many web projects go wrong through silence, not bad design. Ask how often you will get updates and who your contact is. Branded Webs sends updates every 48 hours during design. Whatever the answer, you want a rhythm you can count on, not a promise to "keep you in the loop."
6. How long will it really take?
Get a timeline with stages, not just a launch date. A landing page can reasonably go live in under a week when the brief is clear. A full website of several pages takes longer, often two weeks or more, and a lot of that time depends on how fast you send feedback and content. If an agency promises a full site in a few days, ask what is being left out.
7. What do I own, and what can I change myself?
Ask who owns the finished site, the domain and the design files. Also ask what platform it is built on and whether you can edit text and images without calling the agency. We build on Framer, which lets many owners make simple edits themselves. Some platforms lock you into the agency's hosting or require a developer for every change. Know which one you are getting.
Red flags worth noting
- Guaranteed rankings or traffic numbers. Nobody controls Google.
- No contract or written scope.
- Testimonials with no names or links you can check.
- Pressure to decide quickly.
What to do next
Pick two or three agencies and send each the same short brief: what your business does, who the site is for, what action you want visitors to take, and your budget range. Compare not only price, but how clearly and quickly each one replies. That reply is a preview of the working relationship.
If you would like to see how we handle it, book a free 15-minute call at the link on our homepage. We will talk through your goals and, if it makes sense, begin with the free hero-section redesign.
FAQ
How much should a small business pay for a website?
It depends on scope. A single landing page costs less than a multi-page site. Branded Webs packages start from $1,500 for a landing page and $2,999 for a site of up to 10 pages. Always confirm what is included before comparing quotes.
Is a freelancer better than an agency?
Not necessarily. A freelancer can be a good fit for a small, clear project. An agency can offer a team across design and copy and a defined process. The same questions above apply to both.
How many agencies should I talk to?
Two or three is enough. More than that usually creates confusion rather than clarity. Use the same brief for each so the answers are easy to compare.