Key Takeaways:
- Always review relevant portfolio examples from businesses similar to yours before committing
- Expect 6-12 weeks for a quality website build and clarify what causes delays upfront
- Ensure mobile responsiveness, fast loading speeds, and Core Web Vitals optimization are included
- Get clear commitments on post-launch support and maintenance packages in writing
- Verify the site will be optimized for both traditional SEO and AI-powered search engines
- Confirm ownership of your domain, hosting, website files, and all content before signing
- Understand the full cost breakdown including hidden fees for hosting, SSL, updates, and extras
- Ask for client references and speak to past customers about their actual experience
- Choose a platform (WordPress, Shopify, custom) that matches your technical comfort level
- Look for transparent communication and genuine interest in your business goals, not just sales pressure
Choosing the right Website Design Company can feel overwhelming, especially when your online presence is crucial to your business success. I’ve seen too many South African businesses rush into agreements with design agencies, only to end up with websites that don’t convert, miss deadlines, or disappear after launch with zero support. The good news? Asking the right questions upfront can save you thousands of rands and months of frustration.
Let me walk you through the essential questions you need to ask before signing any contracts. These aren’t just random queries – they’re the make-or-break questions that separate professional web design partners from fly-by-night operators.
Understanding Their Experience and Portfolio
Question 1: Can you show me relevant examples from your portfolio?
Don’t just accept any portfolio. Ask to see websites they’ve built for businesses similar to yours in size, industry, or target audience. A Website Design Company that’s created stunning sites for luxury hotels might not understand the needs of a local plumbing business. Look for diversity in their work, but also relevance to your specific needs.
Pay attention to how these websites function on mobile devices. In South Africa, where over 60% of internet traffic comes from mobile phones, a site that doesn’t work seamlessly on smartphones is essentially broken. Click through the examples they show you – do the websites load quickly? Is the navigation intuitive? Can you easily find what you’re looking for?
Question 2: What is your typical timeline from start to launch?
This question reveals so much about how a Website Design Company operates. If they promise you a custom, professional website in two weeks, run the other way. Quality web design takes time – typically 6 to 12 weeks for a standard business site, and longer for e-commerce or custom functionality.
More importantly, ask what might cause delays and how they handle them. The honest agencies will tell you that delays often come from waiting for content from clients (that’s usually you) or feedback rounds. Understanding this upfront helps you plan accordingly and sets realistic expectations.
Technical Capabilities and Support
Question 3: Will my website be mobile-responsive and optimized for speed?
In 2025, this shouldn’t even be a question – but you’d be surprised how many design companies still treat mobile optimization as an optional extra. Your website needs to be responsive across all devices and load quickly even on slower South African internet connections.
Ask specifically about Core Web Vitals optimization, image compression techniques, and their approach to performance. A good Website Design Company should get excited talking about these technical details, not glaze over them with vague promises.
Question 4: What happens after launch? Do you offer maintenance and support?
Here’s where many businesses get burned. They invest in a beautiful website, it launches successfully, and then… crickets. Months later when something breaks or they need a simple update, their design company is unreachable or charges exorbitant fees for minor changes.
Get crystal clear on post-launch support. Is there a monthly maintenance package? What does it include? How quickly do they respond to urgent issues? Some companies offer 24/7 support, others only work during business hours. Know what you’re getting before you need it.
SEO and Digital Marketing Integration
Question 5: How do you approach SEO and will my site be optimized for search engines?
A gorgeous website that nobody can find on Google is just an expensive digital brochure. Your Website Design Company should build SEO considerations into every aspect of the design process – from site structure and URL formatting to metadata and schema markup.
In 2025, AI-powered search engines like Google’s Search Generative Experience are changing how people find businesses online. Ask how they optimize for both traditional and AI search results. Do they understand semantic SEO? Can they structure content to appear in AI-generated summaries? This is the frontier of online visibility.
Question 6: Can the website integrate with my existing marketing tools?
Your website shouldn’t exist in isolation. It needs to work with your email marketing platform, CRM system, social media accounts, and analytics tools. A professional Website Design Company will ask about your existing tech stack and ensure seamless integration.
Whether you’re using tools like Mailchimp, HubSpot, or local South African platforms, compatibility matters. The last thing you want is to manually transfer leads from your website to your CRM every day because nobody planned for integration.
Ownership and Control
Question 7: Who will own the website and its content?
This is crucial. Some design companies retain ownership of the website code, holding you hostage if you ever want to leave. Others charge ongoing fees for hosting that include your domain name, making it complicated to move elsewhere.
Get everything in writing: you should own your domain name, hosting account, website files, and all content. A reputable Website Design Company has no problem with this because they know their ongoing value comes from quality service, not legal lock-ins.
Question 8: What platform will you build my site on, and can I make updates myself?
Different platforms serve different needs. WordPress powers over 40% of the internet and offers incredible flexibility. Shopify is excellent for e-commerce. Custom-coded sites offer maximum control but require developer expertise for any changes.
Ask whether you’ll be able to make simple content updates yourself or if you’ll need to pay the agency for every tiny change. Good design companies build sites that empower clients while remaining available for more complex updates.
Investment and Value
Question 9: What’s included in your pricing, and are there any hidden costs?
Web design pricing in South Africa varies wildly, from R5,000 for template sites to R100,000+ for custom builds. But the initial price tag doesn’t tell the whole story. Does that price include copywriting? Stock photos? SSL certificates? Domain registration? Annual hosting fees?
A transparent Website Design Company will provide a detailed breakdown of all costs, both upfront and ongoing. Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true – they usually are. You might save money initially only to discover you need to pay extra for essential features.
Question 10: Can you provide references from past clients?
Finally, talk to people who’ve worked with them. A confident design company will happily connect you with past clients. Ask those clients about communication, deadline adherence, problem-solving, and post-launch support.
Were there any surprises during the project? How did the company handle challenges? Would they hire them again? These conversations give you insights that no sales pitch ever will.
Making Your Decision
Choosing a Website Design Company is about more than comparing prices or portfolios. It’s about finding a partner who understands your business goals, communicates clearly, and delivers lasting value.
Take your time with this decision. Meet with multiple companies, ask these questions, and trust your instincts. The right partner will make you feel confident and excited about your online presence, not confused or pressured.
Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your business. By asking these ten questions, you’re taking the crucial first step toward creating an online presence that not only looks professional but actually drives results for your South African business.
Remember: the cheapest option rarely delivers the best value, but the most expensive doesn’t guarantee quality either. Focus on finding a Website Design Company that demonstrates expertise, transparency, and genuine interest in your success. That’s the partnership that will serve your business well for years to come.
Author: Gianluigi Nicolosi, Founder of Nicolosi networking Solutions, a Website Design Company
