How to choose a web design agency: 7 questions to ask first
Many agencies look the same in their portfolio. What matters is how they work, what the quote contains and what happens after launch. These questions show you before you commit.
In short
A good web design agency shows real references with results, gives a fixed price with a clear scope, explains its process and stays involved after launch. Ask about your point of contact, who owns the design and code, page speed, search engine basics and running costs. As a guide, a business website costs €499 to €1,500, and from €1,500 with features such as booking or a customer area (incl. VAT).
Seven questions to ask
- 1
Can I see real references?
Live websites rather than mockups. Check load time and mobile view yourself and ask what improved for the client.
- 2
Who will be my point of contact?
One fixed contact from first sketch to day-to-day operation saves misunderstandings and waiting time.
- 3
What exactly is included in the price?
Number of pages, copy, images, languages, SEO basics, rounds of revisions. Everything should be written in the quote.
- 4
Who owns the design and code?
You should own the domain, content and source code, and be able to host the site elsewhere at any time.
- 5
How fast and how findable will the site be?
Ask about mobile load time and technical SEO from day one, not as an expensive add-on later.
- 6
What does running it cost afterwards?
Hosting, maintenance, changes: monthly costs and hourly rates should be clear upfront.
- 7
What happens after launch?
Is there support, measurement and improvement, or does the project end at handover?
Red flags
- No price, only "on request", then a quote without a list of deliverables
- Only templates, yet the promise of a custom design
- No live references or no way to speak to clients
- Pressure to sign quickly without an intro call
- Unclear ownership of domain, design or code
Price ranges to compare
| Type | One-off (guide) |
|---|---|
| One-pager | from €499 |
| Business website (up to 5 pages) | €499 – 1,500 |
| Website with features (booking, multilingual, customer area) | from €1,500, often well above depending on scope |
| Online shop | from €2,000 |
Guide prices incl. VAT for Austria and Germany (2026). Instalments are possible.
What people usually ask
01Freelancer or agency?
A freelancer is often cheaper and direct, an agency covers design, engineering and visibility from one source. What matters is one fixed contact and a written scope.
02How long does a website take?
A one-pager often two to three weeks, a business website four to eight weeks, depending on how fast copy and images are ready.
03Can I hire an agency from abroad?
Yes. Work runs online with video calls, in German or English.
04Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, the cost can be split into instalments, agreed in the quote.
