What Determines Corporate Website Prices? 10 Key Factors
Why can two corporate website quotes differ so much? We explain the 10 factors that determine the price and how to compare quotes properly.
Read moreGetting a corporate website built may look like a project of a few weeks, but you often work with the agency you choose for years. Maintenance, updates, new features and support all come from the same team. That is why choosing the agency matters as much as the site itself. Here are 12 questions to ask before getting a quote.
1. What work have you done in similar industries?
Look at their references and visit the live sites — working sites, not screenshots. Having done a similar project in your industry helps them understand your needs faster.
2. Can I talk to one of your references?
Satisfied clients rarely mind being a reference. A short call with one gives you the most realistic picture of meeting deadlines, quality of communication and support after launch.
3. Do you use ready-made themes or create custom designs?
Both approaches have their place, but you should know which one is being offered. We explain the differences in detail in this comparison.
4. How will I update the site myself?
Ask to see the admin panel you will receive. Will you be able to manage projects, products, references, blog posts and form entries yourself? Is panel training provided?
5. What exactly is included in the quote?
The page list, design revision rounds, admin panel scope, number of languages, forms, integrations, SEO work and timeline should be in writing. One-line quotes like “Corporate website: X” lead to disputes later. We explain what determines the price in this article.
6. What do you do for SEO?
The technical SEO foundations (heading structure, meta tags, sitemap, schema, speed, mobile usability) should be built in when the site is created. Be wary of agencies promising “first page on Google”; no agency can guarantee search rankings.
7. In whose name will the domain, hosting and site be?
The domain and hosting should be registered in your business’s name. The contract should state that the site files and administrator access will be handed over to you. Otherwise you may lose access to your site if you part ways with the agency.
8. How long will the project take, and how will the timeline work?
Ask for estimated dates for design approval, development, testing and launch. Including what is expected from you, such as content delivery, in the timeline prevents delays.
9. How do you test mobile, speed and security?
Confirm that the site will be tested on phone, tablet and computer, that speed will be measured and that basic security measures (SSL, login protection, backups) will be in place.
10. Do you provide support after launch?
Ask whether there is a maintenance plan for updates, backups, security scans and small changes, and how quickly support requests are answered.
11. Can I grow my site later?
Can a quote system, dealer login, more languages or integrations be added later? A foundation that is open to growth removes the need to rebuild the site from scratch down the line.
12. Will what my current site has built up be preserved?
If your site is being relaunched, confirm that old addresses will be redirected to new ones with 301 redirects and that content will be migrated. Otherwise your search visibility can drop overnight.
Warning signs
- A ranking guarantee or a promise of “first page in 1 week”
- A one-line quote with an unclear scope
- The agency registering the domain in its own name
- Being unable to show live references
- Being unable to give clear information about support after launch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important criterion when choosing a web design agency?
There is no single criterion, but three factors matter most: the agency has successfully delivered similar work in your industry, the quote is itemised and in writing, and support is provided after launch.
Who should own the site and the domain?
The domain and hosting account should be registered in your business’s name; the site files, content and administrator access should be handed over to you. This should be clearly stated in the contract.
You can ask us all of these questions too. Browse our references, take a look at our working process or request a free quote.
