Before you commission an agency, take a clear look at goals, content and responsibilities. These seven points will save you time, money and frustration later on.
1. The goal comes before the design
A website is not an end in itself. Do you want to generate enquiries, find staff, or simply be found and look credible? The goal determines structure, copy and calls to action.
2. Who owns the domain and hosting?
Agree in writing that the domain, hosting access and source code belong to you. This is the single most important point, and the one most often forgotten.
3. Who maintains the content?
If you want to update texts and images yourself, you need a content management system and a short introduction. If not, agree a maintenance contract with clear response times.
4. Content is the biggest time sink
Design comes together quickly, good copy does not. Plan time for photos, references and descriptions, or deliberately commission that work as well.
5. Mobile is the normal case
Most of your visitors arrive on a phone. Ask to see drafts on mobile first, not on a large screen.
6. Findability belongs in from the start
Clean page titles, readable addresses, fast loading times and a Google Business Profile entry. Search engine optimisation is not an add-on package, it is craftsmanship.
7. Do not forget the legal side
Imprint, privacy policy and, for visitors from the EU, proper consent for external services. When in doubt, have these texts reviewed professionally.
Conclusion
A good website emerges from dialogue. Clarifying these seven points in advance gives you a more precise quote, a faster project and a result that actually works.