Guide for clients
10 questions for any web agency.
A website is a matter of trust – and expensive if you end up with the wrong people. These ten questions help you tell good providers from dubious ones. Feel free to ask me them too.
Why this list?
Many businesses have been let down by their website before: opaque pricing, no one reachable, and in the end they don't even own the site. That's rarely malice – usually the right questions just weren't asked up front. Those are exactly the ones you'll find here. A good agency answers every one without hesitation.
The 10 questions
For each question you'll see how to recognise a good answer – and the warning sign that should make you pay attention.
- 01
Who owns the website in the end – me or you?
You should own the domain, content and code. Otherwise you're dependent.
Good sign
Domain, content and code are in your name – confirmed in writing.
Warning sign
Evasive answers or „it all runs through us“.
- 02
Can I access my data and domain at any time?
Domain, logins and content must be available to you – even if you switch.
Good sign
You get all logins and can switch provider at any time.
Warning sign
Logins are never handed over on principle.
- 03
What does it cost exactly – and what comes later?
You need clarity on one-off costs and ongoing fees.
Good sign
One-off and ongoing costs are broken down clearly and in writing up front.
Warning sign
A teaser price with no clear answer on follow-up costs.
- 04
Who is my fixed point of contact?
You should know who you're talking to – not end up in a hotline.
Good sign
A fixed contact with a name, whom you can reach directly.
Warning sign
Shifting responsibilities, no one feels accountable.
- 05
Can I maintain content myself later?
You should be able to make small changes without an expensive request.
Good sign
You make small changes yourself – or they're included in the support.
Warning sign
Every text change costs extra and takes ages.
- 06
Will the site be built fast and for mobile?
Loading speed and mobile readiness decide customers and Google ranking.
Good sign
Loading speed and the mobile view are planned in from the start.
Warning sign
The topic is brushed off as unimportant.
- 07
What do you do so I get found?
A pretty site no one finds is useless. SEO is part of it.
Good sign
An honest explanation of how visibility is built step by step.
Warning sign
A guarantee of „number one on Google“ – that's not credible.
- 08
Is the site legally sound (privacy, imprint, cookies)?
Mistakes here can cost you warning notices. The essentials must be clean.
Good sign
Imprint, privacy and cookies are implemented cleanly and GDPR-compliant.
Warning sign
Data protection is waved off as „you don't need that“.
- 09
What happens if something breaks or I need help?
You should know how support works and what it costs.
Good sign
A clear agreement on how support works, how fast and at what price.
Warning sign
After launch, no one is reachable anymore.
- 10
Can you show me real examples or references?
Past work shows whether style and quality suit you.
Good sign
Real examples and contacts are shown openly.
Warning sign
There are no presentable results or contacts.
And with me?
I answer every one of these ten questions without hesitation – and honestly. The website is yours, you have a fixed point of contact (me), and I don't promise miracles no one can keep. Want to try it? Just ask me these questions directly.