How to Choose a Website Development Company

Start with what the website must do

Before comparing developers, write down what the site is for: more enquiries, online sales, credibility for tenders, or answering the same customer questions so you don't have to. A clear goal makes quotes comparable and stops you paying for features you don't need.

Ask for a written price

A verbal figure is not a quote. A good developer puts the scope, the price and the timeline in writing before work starts, and tells you what is not included. Be wary of quotes that only become clear after a "discovery phase" you have to pay for.

Check who will own the domain and website

This is the most common problem we are asked to fix. If the developer registers your domain in their own name, they control your website and email. Ask directly: will the domain be registered in my name, and will I own the site once it is paid for?

Look at real, named work

Ask for links to live websites, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone. Are they fast? Is it obvious what the business does and how to contact them? Named clients you can check are worth more than a gallery of anonymous designs.

Ask how the site will be found on Google

• Will each page have its own title and meta description?
• Will they set up Google Search Console and submit a sitemap?
• Will the site be fast on mobile data?

Nobody can honestly guarantee a ranking. Be cautious of anyone who promises "page one".

Understand what happens after launch

Hosting, SSL renewals, updates, backups and small content changes all continue after the site goes live. Ask what that costs per month, what is included, and whether you can cancel. Month-to-month arrangements are easier to walk away from if the service isn't working.

Talk to the person who will answer

You will need to reach someone when something breaks or a price changes. Ask who your point of contact is and how quickly they usually reply.

Compare like with like

Line the quotes up against the same scope: number of pages, forms, e-commerce, hosting, email and care after launch. The cheapest quote often leaves out the parts you'll pay for later.

How Digitalx approaches it

We publish our starting prices, put every quote in writing, register domains in your name and offer month-to-month care plans. See website development or our pricing.