Web development

How to choose a web development agency — 9 questions before you sign.

Published April 24, 2026 · 7 minutes read · Happy Media

Choosing the wrong agency costs double — first you pay them, then you pay another to fix what they broke. These 9 questions save you money and time.

And one note: we're one of the agencies, so some of what follows is also our own self-criticism, as much as critique of others' practices.

1. What's specifically included in the price

"Website for €500" can mean 8 different things. Request a written specification:

• Number of pages.
• Who writes the copy — you or them.
• Whether photos are included (stock? custom?).
• Which integrations (form, Calendly, newsletter, payment...).
• SEO foundation — what's included.
• Domain and hosting — included or you buy separately.
• Training — how many hours, what's covered.

If the specification fits in three sentences — ask for detail or get another quote.

2. Who exactly will work on my project

In large agencies, one person sells, another works, a third communicates. Ask:

• Who's the project manager — do you have direct contact?
• Is the designer internal or outsourced?
• Is the code written there or ordered from a freelancer?

It's not bad if parts are outsourced — but you want to know who's accountable when things go wrong.

3. Do I get access to everything

Critical question. You must receive:

• Admin access to the site (WordPress, Shopify, anything).
• Domain access — in your name, not the agency's.
• Hosting account access — or a separate account for you.
• Access to Google Analytics, Search Console, Meta Business Manager.

If an agency refuses or "complicates" access transfer — that's a catastrophic red flag. You're the owner, not their hostage.

4. What happens after launch

A website isn't "fire and forget". Ask:

• How many days/weeks of free changes after launch?
• How much does a small change cost outside the warranty period (text change, adding a page)?
• Is there a maintenance package? How much, what's covered?
• What's support like when the site "goes down" outside business hours?

5. How long exactly does development take

Realistic timelines in 2026:

• Presentation website — 2 to 4 weeks.
• Business website — 4 to 8 weeks.
• Online store — 6 to 12 weeks.

If they promise "in a week" — it's either a template with text replacement, or they're lying.

6. What if I cancel mid-project

Uncomfortable question but mandatory. Ask clearly:

• How much is the deposit?
• Is the deposit refundable? Under what conditions?
• If you cancel, do you receive the work completed?
• How are disputes resolved?

7. What's the communication process

One of the biggest sources of client frustration is "agency doesn't respond for weeks". Ask:

• Which channel handles communication (email, WhatsApp, project tool)?
• How fast are responses? Same day? Within 24h?
• Who's the main contact?
• What's the revision process — how many rounds are included?

8. Can I speak with a former client

One question that immediately reveals seriousness. If the agency refuses or avoids — there's a reason. Good agencies gladly share client contacts.

When you call a former client, ask:

• Was the deadline respected?
• Did the price stay as in the quote, or did "hidden costs" appear?
• How does the agency react when something goes wrong?
• Would they hire them again?

9. What's NOT included in the price

Most important question for budget. Most common things not included:

• Domain and hosting (or only first year).
• Professional copywriting or translations.
• Professional photos or video.
• Premium plugin licenses.
• CRM, ERP, POS integrations.
• SEO work after launch.
• Ad campaigns.

Red flags — walk away immediately

• "We guarantee first place on Google in a month." Lie. Anyone promising this either doesn't know or is lying.
• No written contract. For everything you're building, get paperwork.
• Refuses to hand over admin access. Red alert.
• Pressure "today's price, tomorrow it goes up". Agencies doing quality work don't use scarcity tricks.
• No portfolio or only generic templates. Ask to see their clients.
• Too cheap. Below €300 for a serious site — means something's missing.

Quick summary

• Get 3 quotes and compare WHAT's included, not just the PRICE.
• Always get all access — admin, domain, hosting, Analytics.
• Ask what's NOT included — that's where "hidden" cost usually sits.
• Talk to a former client — 15 minutes of a call prevents 3 months of problems.
• Run from "guaranteed results" and scarcity pressure.

If you want a realistic quote for website development with no hidden items — book a consultation.