Most website regrets come from things nobody asked at the start. Who owns the domain? What happens when you want to change something? What will it cost next year? A few straight questions before you sign anything can save a lot of hassle later.
Who owns what
Will the domain be registered in my name?
Your web address should belong to you, not your designer. If they register it for you, make sure it's in your name and that you can get into it.
If I leave, can I take my site with me?
Some sites are built on systems that can't be moved. Find out what you'd keep if you ever parted ways.
What it really costs
What's the total price, including everything?
Ask for one figure for the build, and a clear list of anything not included, like writing, photos or extra pages.
What are the ongoing costs?
Hosting, the domain, security certificates and maintenance can add up. Ask what you'll pay each month or year after launch.
What will small changes cost?
This is the one people forget. If a new photo or price means an hourly charge, the costs mount up over the life of the site.
The cheapest quote and the cheapest website are rarely the same thing.
How the work happens
How long will it take?
Get a rough timeline, and ask what they'll need from you along the way. Delays often come from waiting on content.
Who writes the words?
Many quotes assume you'll write every page yourself. If you'd rather not, ask whether writing is included.
Will it work properly on phones?
Most of your visitors will be on a phone. Ask to see their work on a phone, not just on a big screen.
After launch
Can I make changes myself?
Ask to see exactly how you'd update the site. If it looks complicated in the demonstration, it won't feel easier on your own.
What happens if something breaks?
Find out who fixes problems, how quickly, and whether it costs extra.
Here's how we'd answer them. See our pricing and what's included