Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a web design company?
Focus on portfolio quality, client reviews, and technical expertise. Check their previous work to see if their design style matches your vision. Make sure they build responsive websites that work on all devices.
Key factors to evaluate:
- Portfolio diversity - Can they handle different industries and styles?
- Client testimonials - Look for specific results, not generic praise
- Communication style - Do they respond quickly and explain things clearly?
- Technical capabilities - Can they handle e-commerce, custom features, or integrations you need?
- Post-launch support - Will they help after your site goes live?
How much does hiring a web design company typically cost?
Website design costs range from $2,000 to $100,000+ depending on complexity. A basic business site typically costs $3,000-$10,000, while custom e-commerce platforms start around $15,000.
| Project Type | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Site (5-10 pages) | $2,000 - $5,000 | Template design, basic SEO, mobile responsive |
| Small Business Site | $5,000 - $15,000 | Custom design, CMS, contact forms, basic features |
| E-commerce Site | $15,000 - $50,000 | Product catalog, payment processing, inventory management |
| Enterprise Platform | $50,000+ | Custom development, integrations, advanced features |
What's the difference between web design agencies and freelancers?
Agencies offer full teams and broader expertise but cost more. Freelancers provide personalized service and lower prices but may have limited availability.
Agencies typically deliver:
- Multiple specialists (designers, developers, copywriters)
- Faster turnaround times
- Backup support if someone's unavailable
- Higher prices (30-50% more than freelancers)
Freelancers often provide:
- Direct communication with the person doing the work
- More flexible pricing and payment terms
- Personalized attention to your project
- Potential delays if they get sick or overbooked
How long does it take to build a professional website?
Most professional websites take 6-12 weeks from start to launch. Simple sites might be done in 3-4 weeks, while complex platforms can take 3-6 months.
The timeline depends on:
- Content readiness - Having your text and images ready saves weeks
- Revision rounds - Each feedback cycle adds 3-5 days
- Feature complexity - Custom functionality extends development time
- Testing requirements - E-commerce sites need extensive testing
What questions should I ask potential web design companies?
Ask about their process, pricing structure, and what happens after launch. Get specifics about timelines, revision policies, and ongoing maintenance costs.
Essential questions to ask:
- What's included in your quoted price?
- How many revision rounds do I get?
- Who owns the website and code after completion?
- What platforms or technologies do you use?
- How do you handle project delays?
- What are your payment terms?
- Do you provide hosting and maintenance?
- Can you share references from similar projects?
What are red flags when choosing a web design company?
Watch for unrealistic promises, lack of contracts, and poor communication. Legitimate companies provide clear proposals and realistic timelines.
Major warning signs:
- No portfolio or outdated examples
- Extremely low prices (under $1,000 for custom work)
- 100% upfront payment requirements
- No written contract or scope of work
- Poor communication during the sales process
- Guaranteed #1 Google rankings or other impossible promises
- Template-only solutions presented as custom design
Should I choose a local web design company or work remotely?
Remote companies often offer better value and wider expertise. Local companies provide face-to-face meetings but typically charge 20-30% more.
Benefits of local companies:
- In-person meetings and consultations
- Better understanding of local market
- Same time zone communication
- Easier dispute resolution
Benefits of remote companies:
- Access to specialized talent
- Often more competitive pricing
- Broader industry experience
- Digital-first communication processes
What's included in web design services?
Standard web design services include visual design, responsive development, and basic SEO setup. Content creation, hosting, and ongoing maintenance usually cost extra.
| Service Component | Usually Included | Often Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Design | ✓ | Custom illustrations |
| Mobile Responsiveness | ✓ | App development |
| Basic SEO | ✓ | Ongoing SEO services |
| Contact Forms | ✓ | Advanced forms/calculators |
| CMS Setup | ✓ | Content creation |
| Testing | ✓ | User testing sessions |
| Training | ✓ | Extended training |
| Domain/Hosting | ✗ | ✓ |
| Maintenance | ✗ | ✓ |
How do I compare web design company proposals?
Create a comparison spreadsheet listing all services, costs, and timelines. Look beyond price to evaluate value, experience, and communication quality.
Key comparison factors:
- Itemized pricing - What exactly does each quote include?
- Timeline details - When are milestones and payments due?
- Revision policy - How many changes are included?
- Technical specifications - What platform and features are proposed?
- Post-launch support - What help is available after going live?
- Performance guarantees - Site speed, uptime, or satisfaction promises
What happens after my website launches?
Most companies offer 30-day warranty periods for bug fixes. Ongoing maintenance, updates, and hosting typically require separate monthly agreements ranging from $50-500.
Post-launch considerations:
- Training on how to update content
- Maintenance plans for security updates and backups
- Growth support for adding features later
- Performance monitoring to track site speed and uptime
- Marketing services to drive traffic to your new site