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How to Choose the Right Web Development Agency: 10 Questions to Ask

December 12, 20244 MIN_READ
How to Choose the Right Web Development Agency: 10 Questions to Ask

How to Choose the Right Web Development Agency: 10 Questions to Ask

Choosing the wrong web development partner can cost you months of time, thousands of rupees, and countless headaches. Here's how to avoid common pitfalls and find an agency that delivers results.

Why This Matters

Consider these statistics:

  • 75% of website projects exceed their initial budget
  • 60% of projects are delivered late
  • 42% of businesses are dissatisfied with their web development partner

The good news? Most of these issues are avoidable with proper vetting.

10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1. "Can I see your portfolio and case studies?"

Actions speak louder than words. Look for:

  • Projects similar to yours in scope
  • Variety of industries (shows adaptability)
  • Case studies with measurable results (not just pretty designs)

Red flag: Agencies that only show "lorem ipsum" or template-looking work.

2. "What is your development process?"

A professional agency should have a clear, documented process:

  1. Discovery & Planning
  2. Design & Prototyping
  3. Development
  4. Testing & QA
  5. Launch & Support

Red flag: "We'll figure it out as we go."

3. "Who will actually be working on my project?"

Know your team:

  • Will you have a dedicated project manager?
  • Are developers in-house or outsourced?
  • Can you meet the actual team members?

Red flag: Agencies that won't introduce you to the team.

4. "How do you handle revisions and scope changes?"

Changes are inevitable. Understand:

  • How many revision rounds are included?
  • What's the process for scope changes?
  • How are additional costs calculated?

Red flag: "Unlimited revisions" (nothing is truly unlimited).

5. "What happens after the website launches?"

The launch is just the beginning. Ask about:

  • Training on the CMS
  • Post-launch support period
  • Ongoing maintenance options
  • Hosting recommendations

Red flag: Agencies that disappear after launch.

6. "How will my website perform on search engines?"

SEO should be built-in, not an afterthought:

  • Is the site structure SEO-friendly?
  • Will pages load quickly?
  • Is the code clean and semantic?
  • Will it be mobile-responsive?

Red flag: "SEO is a separate service."

7. "Who owns the code and content?"

Clarify ownership from the start:

  • Will I own the source code?
  • Can I move to a different host later?
  • Are there any proprietary systems I'll be locked into?

Red flag: Agencies that hold your website hostage.

8. "What's included in the quote—and what's not?"

Get detailed, itemized quotes:

Typically IncludedOften Extra
Design & DevelopmentStock images
Basic SEO setupCopywriting
Contact formsAdvanced integrations
Responsive designE-commerce features
Browser testingOngoing maintenance

Red flag: Vague quotes like "Website - ₹50,000."

9. "Can I speak with past clients?"

References reveal the truth:

  • How was communication throughout the project?
  • Were deadlines met?
  • How was post-launch support?
  • Would they hire the agency again?

Red flag: "We don't share client information."

10. "What makes you different from other agencies?"

This reveals their self-awareness and values:

  • What do they prioritize? (Speed? Quality? Innovation?)
  • What type of clients do they work best with?
  • What projects are they most proud of?

Red flag: Generic answers that could apply to anyone.

Green Flags: Signs of a Great Agency

✅ Clear, proactive communication ✅ Transparent pricing ✅ Focus on your business goals, not just technology ✅ Portfolio with proven results ✅ Willingness to say "no" to requests that won't serve you ✅ Long-term client relationships

How We Work at CodeAndCount

We believe in:

  1. Results over aesthetics - Beautiful websites that actually convert
  2. Transparency - No hidden costs, clear timelines
  3. Partnership - We succeed when you succeed
  4. Quality - We'd rather do it right than do it fast

Ready to start your project the right way? Let's have a conversation.