Why does the agency you pick matter?
Bad choice = bad website = customers go to your competitor. Here are the questions that help you separate professionals from amateurs.
1. Can I see 3-5 of your most recent projects?
A professional agency has a visible portfolio. Pay attention to concrete results (not just screenshots): how many visitors, how many conversions, how much saved.
2. What technologies do you use?
Modern in 2026: React, Next.js, Astro, Tailwind CSS, TypeScript. If you hear "PHP + jQuery" in 2026, walk away.
3. Will my website be SEO optimized?
Everyone says "yes." Ask something specific instead: "What exactly does SEO optimization include in your base package?" A real answer covers: schema markup, semantic HTML, sitemap.xml, robots.txt, mobile-first, page speed, meta tags for every page.
4. Who owns the code after the build?
The right answer: you, 100%. No vendor lock-in. You get the GitHub repo, hosting access, domain ownership, CMS admin.
5. What does your process look like?
Expect: free consultation, proposal, wireframe, design (Figma), development, testing, launch, support. All in clear phases with deadlines.
6. How long does the build take?
A realistic answer: a basic website takes 2-4 weeks, a complex one 6-12 weeks. "Your website in 3 days" is a red flag.
7. What is included in the price?
A real package covers: design, development, mobile responsive, SEO basics, hosting setup, cookie consent banner, Google Analytics, 30 days of support. No hidden costs.
8. What is your policy on changes after launch?
Ask something specific: "How much does a text change on a page cost after launch?" "Free for 30 days, then about $75/hour" is reasonable. "Just call us and we'll see" is not.
9. Where is your team based and when are you available?
A clear answer beats a vague one: you want to know who you talk to, in which time zone, and how fast they respond. Our team keeps US business hours for US clients and is always available for a video call.
10. Will my website meet privacy requirements?
Any site that collects visitor data needs a cookie consent banner, privacy policy, terms of service, and secure data storage. If you have visitors from California or the EU, privacy laws like CCPA and GDPR apply to you. That is law, not an option.
11. What do your Google reviews look like?
Ideal: 4.5+ rating, 20+ reviews. Check them on the Google Business Profile. No reviews = no references = risk.
12. Can we meet (video or in person)?
An agency that will not do a video call before the project is not serious. Our free 30-minute consultation is mandatory, for us and for you.
Bonus: Red flags
- "No contract, we work on trust"
- "Pay 100% up front"
- They have no website of their own (seriously)
- Prices "starting at $199" with no specifics
- They are not a registered business (LLC, S-corp, or sole proprietorship)
- They do not answer emails within 24 hours
Our approach
At NovusAgency:
- 40+ projects in the portfolio
- 4.9 Google rating (40+ reviews)
- Registered business
- Free 30-minute consultation
- Clear quote and contract
- 30 days of free support
[Book a free consultation](https://novusagency.co/en/contact) and we will go through what you need and show you whether we are the right fit.