Look at real, live work
Ask for live URLs, not just screenshots. Open them on your phone, check how quickly they load and whether the content is easy to read.
Ask about SEO from day one
Search visibility is designed in, not added later. A good team will talk about page structure, keywords per page, schema markup, sitemap, speed and mobile experience before design starts.
Confirm ownership and access
You should own your domain, hosting account and content. Ask who holds the logins and what the handover process is.
Check what happens after launch
Websites need updates, backups and security patches. Clarify support hours, response time and what is included in a maintenance plan.
Prefer phased, transparent pricing
Clear scope and deliverables beat vague packages. Beware of unusually low quotes that exclude content, SEO or forms.
Related service: Website Development