Choosing a web development agency is a decision that shapes the next few years of your digital presence. These are the signs that separate a great agency from one that only builds pretty websites.
What to look at (in this order)
- A real portfolio: sites you can open and inspect. Take a look at our work.
- Performance: do their sites load fast? Ask for the Lighthouse score.
- SEO included: organic SEO shouldn't be an "add-on".
- Code ownership: that you end up the owner, with no strings attached.
- Process and transparency: clear pricing and timelines from the start. That's how we work.
- Support: what happens after launch.
Red flags
- They only show screenshots, not live sites.
- They promise "guaranteed first place on Google" (no one serious guarantees that).
- They don't mention speed or technical SEO.
- They lock you into a never-ending monthly fee just to keep the site online.
- They use generic templates that look like your competitors' sites.
- They can't explain what technology they use or why they chose it.
How to evaluate a real portfolio
When an agency shows you their portfolio, don't settle for screenshots. Open each site and ask yourself:
- Does it load fast on mobile? Open the site on your phone with mobile data. If it takes more than 3 seconds, that's a bad sign.
- What Lighthouse score does it get? Install Lighthouse in Chrome or use PageSpeed Insights. A good site should score 90+ on performance.
- Does it show up on Google? Search for the company name or a related term. If their own site doesn't rank, they're unlikely to rank yours.
Questions to ask before signing
- Who owns the code and domain when the project is done? The answer should be you.
- Is SEO included in the price or is it an add-on? If it's an add-on, ask how much.
- What technology do they use and why? They should be able to explain it in simple terms.
- What happens if I want to switch providers? You should be able to leave with your complete site.
- Is there post-launch support? How much does it cost? Launch isn't the finish line.
- Can I see a case study similar to my industry? You want to see how they solved a problem like yours.
Contract: what it must include
A clear contract should cover: a detailed scope (which pages, what features), a timeline with milestones and dates, a budget and payment terms, intellectual property (you own the site and code upon payment), post-launch support terms, and a cancellation policy.
Looking for an agency that builds fast, leaves you as the owner, and actually ranks? Let's talk or get to know KoreDesk.