When comparing web design companies, look at what happens after the screenshots: content, SEO, mobile testing, training and support.
Start with the result you need — calls, bookings, enquiries or sales — and ask each company how the site will help deliver it.
Ask for the deliverables, responsibilities and next steps in writing.
1. Look at relevant work
A portfolio does not need to contain a business identical to yours, but it should demonstrate that the provider can build clear, responsive websites.
Check the live websites where possible. Look at:
- mobile layout
- page speed
- navigation
- contact process
- readability
- consistency
- whether pages feel generic or tailored
2. Ask who actually does the work
A local agency may outsource parts of the project. A freelancer may handle everything directly. Neither model is automatically better.
Ask who is responsible for:
- design
- development
- content
- SEO
- hosting
- post-launch support
You should know who you will contact when something breaks.
3. Compare scope, not just price
Two quotes can look similar while including very different work.
One may include five template pages. Another may include competitor research, content structure, technical SEO, performance optimisation, forms, analytics and post-launch support.
Ask for the quote to define:
- pages
- revisions
- functionality
- content responsibilities
- timeline
- hosting
- licences
- support period
4. Confirm website ownership
This is one of the most important questions.
Find out:
- whose name the domain is registered under
- whether you receive administrator access
- whether you own the website after final payment
- whether the site can be migrated
- what happens if you change provider
Your business should not become trapped because one supplier controls the domain or hosting account.
5. Ask how SEO is handled
"SEO included" can mean almost anything.
At minimum, a business website should have sensible:
- page titles
- heading structure
- URLs
- internal links
- image alt text
- sitemap configuration
- indexability
- mobile usability
For local businesses, Google Business Profile and location relevance also matter.
6. Ask about performance
A visually impressive website that takes too long to load can hurt the user experience.
Ask whether the provider tests:
- image sizes
- caching
- mobile performance
- unnecessary scripts
- Core Web Vitals
- server response
7. Understand hosting and maintenance
A website still needs care after launch.
Ask who handles:
- WordPress updates
- plugin updates
- backups
- security
- uptime
- restoration
- PHP/server updates
If these tasks are not included, make sure someone inside your business will own them.
8. Check communication
A small website does not require endless meetings, but you need a clear process.
Good signs include:
- clear requests for content
- defined milestones
- transparent revisions
- direct answers
- written scope
- clear launch process
9. Be cautious with guarantees
Be sceptical of guarantees such as "number one on Google" or promises of specific rankings.
No web designer controls Google's rankings.
A provider can build strong technical foundations and improve content, but search results depend on many external factors.
10. Choose the right scale of provider
A large agency can make sense for a complex corporate project with multiple teams and stakeholders.
A smaller Cork business may benefit from a smaller studio or freelancer where communication is direct and overheads are lower.
The correct provider is the one that fits the project.
Questions to ask before signing
- What exactly is included?
- Who owns the website?
- Who owns the domain?
- Can I move the website later?
- Is hosting included?
- What happens after launch?
- Is technical SEO included?
- Who provides the content?
- How many revisions are included?
- What ongoing fees should I expect?
Looking for web design in Cork?
SiteForge is based in Skibbereen, Co. Cork and builds WordPress websites for businesses that need a practical, fast and manageable website.
Request a website quote.
