Choosing a web development agency is a significant decision. The wrong choice can mean months of delays, budget overruns, and a website that doesn't serve your business. The right choice can transform your online presence.
Before signing any contract, ask these seven questions.
1. Can I See Examples of Similar Work?
Don't just look at their portfolio—ask for examples relevant to your industry or requirements.
Red flag: They can't show you anything similar to what you need.
Good sign: They have relevant examples and can explain the strategy behind each project.
2. Who Will Actually Work on My Project?
At larger agencies, the person you meet might not be who builds your site. Ask who specifically will design and develop your project.
Red flag: Vague answers like "our team" without specifics.
Good sign: They introduce you to the actual designers and developers who will work on your project.
3. What's Your Process, and How Will We Communicate?
Understanding the workflow helps set expectations. How often will you meet? How do you provide feedback? Who's your point of contact?
Red flag: No clear process described.
Good sign: A defined process with regular check-ins and clear communication channels.
4. What's Included in the Price—and What's Not?
Get specifics in writing. Ask about:
- Number of design revisions
- Content creation (who writes the text?)
- Stock images or photography
- SEO setup
- Post-launch support
- Training on how to use the site
Red flag: Vague pricing that "depends" on everything.
Good sign: Itemized quote clearly stating what's included.
5. What Happens If Something Goes Wrong After Launch?
Websites need ongoing maintenance. Bugs happen. Things break. What's the plan?
Red flag: "That shouldn't happen" or no support mentioned.
Good sign: Clear support terms, response time expectations, and maintenance options.
6. Who Owns the Website and Code?
This is crucial. Some agencies retain ownership of the code, locking you into them forever. Ensure you own everything upon payment.
Red flag: Complicated ownership clauses or ongoing fees to keep your site running.
Good sign: Full ownership transfers to you upon final payment.
7. Can You Provide Client References?
Talk to actual clients. Ask them:
- Did the project stay on budget?
- Was communication good?
- Would you work with them again?
- How did they handle problems?
Red flag: Unwilling to provide references.
Good sign: Happy clients willing to vouch for them.
Bonus: Trust Your Gut
If something feels off during the sales process, it'll probably be worse during the project. You'll be working closely with this team for weeks or months—make sure it feels right.
What to Watch Out For
- Pressure to sign quickly
- Promises that seem too good to be true
- No contract or vague contracts
- Poor communication from the start
- No clear point of contact
The Right Partner
A good agency will welcome these questions. They know that informed clients make better partners.
At GMT, we're happy to answer all these questions and more. We believe in transparency from the first conversation through project completion. If you're evaluating agencies, give us a call—even if you don't choose us, we're happy to help you ask the right questions.