Illumi
+359 882 95 89 89office@illumi.bg Free consultation

Process3 min read

How to choose an agency

We're writing this knowing that some of the questions don't work in our favour — but a client who chooses on an informed basis is a better client. Below is what we'd ask if we had to hire someone else.

Questions
8 key ones
Warning signs
6
What decides
The scope of the quote
What doesn't decide
The price on its own

Ask us

Eight questions before you sign.

The answers to these eight tell you more than the whole portfolio.

In whose name will the domain be?The right answer is “yours”. If the domain or hosting is registered to the agency, you become a hostage.
Will I get the code?For custom work, the answer should be “yes, once it's paid for”. If not, ask why.
What exactly is included in the price?Number of pages, copy, photos, training. Anything that isn't listed will cost extra.
What isn't included?The more important question. A good agency has an answer ready, because it has thought about it.
What are the costs after the first year?Hosting, domain, paid plugins, maintenance. Ask for specific amounts.
Who will work on the project?An agency with a team is one thing; a person who subcontracts everything is another. Both are possible — what matters is that you know.
How are changes to the scope communicated?The answer should be “we quote before we do it”, not “we'll see at the end”.
What happens if we decide to stop?What you get if you part ways halfway through or after a year. Ask about it explicitly.

Warning

Six answers that should give you pause.

None of them is absolute proof, but each deserves further questions.

“We guarantee first place on Google”It can't be guaranteed. Either they don't know, or they're counting on you not knowing.
A price with no questionsIf someone gives a firm price without asking what the site needs to do, the price is either made up or for a template.
A discount for today onlyPressure for a quick decision on an order worth thousands is a sign in itself.
No written quoteAn agreement over the phone isn't a scope. Anything not written down will be disputed.
They don't give access“We manage the hosting and domain” sounds convenient, until you decide to change agencies.
A portfolio without linksIf they show pictures but not the addresses of live sites, find out why.

The quote

What a good quote looks like.

Six things that should be in it. If any one is missing, that's a reason to ask.

ScopeA list of what will be done, including the number of pages and which features are included.
What isn't includedListed explicitly. It protects both sides.
TimelineIn stages, not just a final date. And what depends on you for it to be met.
Price and paymentThe total, a breakdown by stage, and what is paid when.
Third-party costsHosting, domain, licences — with approximate amounts, so you know the full outlay.
After handoverThe warranty period, training and terms for maintenance, if you want it.

Questions

Short answers.

If your question isn't here, call us — we answer by phone too.

+359 882 95 89 89
How do I compare two quotes with different prices?

Not by the final sum, but by the scope. Put them side by side and look: how many pages, whether the copy is included, what happens after the first year.

Very often the more expensive quote turns out to be the cheaper one, because it includes things the other charges extra for.

An agency or a freelancer?

Both work. An agency is usually more resilient to absences; an individual is often cheaper and more direct.

What matters more is what you get at the end, and whether you'll be able to carry on without that person.

Should I check the company in the registers?

For an order worth thousands — yes, it takes two minutes. Check that the company exists and since when.

What should I ask for at handover?

Access to the hosting, the domain, the admin panel and the code. Plus a short document on what's where.

If any of this isn't handed over, ask why before you pay the last instalment.

Related services

What else comes into it.

It's rarely just one thing. Here are the services that go with this one, and why.

01 BlogThe other articles on the questions before you order. read 02 The contract, annotatedOur contract, clause by clause, explaining what each one means and whom it protects. template 03 Quote checkerEighteen checks for the quote you've received — from anyone. 4 minutes 04 Website briefFill in fourteen fields and download a ready brief for any agency. 10 minutes 05 Whose website is it?A five-minute check that the domain, hosting and accounts are in your name. in the open 06 How to leave usWhat you get when we part ways, and how quickly. Written down in advance. in the open 07 About usHow we work and what we don't do. see 08 What a website costsThe price tiers on the market. read 09 Website briefHow to prepare the task so you can compare quotes. read 10 Terms and conditionsThe terms on which we work. see

Next step

Have a question on the topic?

Call or write. A half-hour conversation is worth more than ten more articles.

+359 882 95 89 89 office@illumi.bg

Sofia, Bulgaria We reply within 24 hours In business since 2012

Three fields, thirty seconds

We don't send newsletters and we don't pass your details to anyone.

Got it.

We'll be in touch within 24 hours on working days. If it's urgent, call +359 882 95 89 89 — we react faster by phone.