Ask what you actually receive
Get the page list, forms, gallery features, copy responsibilities, revision allowance and launch process in writing. “Website package” can mean very different things between providers.
Confirm domain and website ownership
Your business should know who controls the domain registration and what access you receive to website files or platform accounts. Ownership becomes critical if you ever change provider.
Ask what “SEO included” means
Basic SEO may mean titles, descriptions, headings and crawlable structure. It usually does not mean ongoing link building, content publishing or guaranteed rankings. The provider should explain the scope clearly.
Look for relevant live work
Screenshots are useful, but live websites show mobile behaviour, speed, forms and real-world implementation. Relevant examples are more informative than a large portfolio of unrelated designs.
Understand support after launch
Find out how changes are handled, whether there is a support period, what updates cost, and whether the website depends on subscriptions or proprietary tools.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious with guaranteed rankings, unclear ownership, long contracts that are difficult to exit, vague pricing, duplicated content across clients, or pressure to pay before the scope is understood.
| Question | Why ask it? |
|---|---|
| Who owns the domain? | Protects control of your business identity |
| What pages are included? | Prevents scope surprises |
| How many revisions? | Sets expectations before launch |
| What SEO is included? | Separates setup from ongoing SEO |
| Are there monthly fees? | Shows the true long-term cost |
| Can I move the site? | Confirms portability and control |
Common questions
Should I choose a local website designer?
Local can be useful, but process, communication, evidence and ownership matter more than postcode alone.
Are website contracts normal?
They can be, especially for ongoing services. Read the term, cancellation conditions and what happens to the website when the contract ends.
Should a designer guarantee Google rankings?
Treat ranking guarantees carefully. Search rankings depend on many factors outside a designer’s direct control.