Choosing an agency is a high-stakes decision — you're trusting an outside team with your brand's front door. Here's a practical checklist we think any business should use, including when evaluating us.

1. Do They Have a Documented Process?

Ask what happens between "signing the contract" and "site goes live." An agency that can clearly explain a discovery → architecture → design → development → QA/launch process is far less likely to blow past your timeline or budget than one that answers vaguely.

2. Are Their Case Studies Specific?

Be skeptical of case studies that only show a screenshot and a paragraph of marketing language. Look for real numbers — users reached, conversion improvements, revenue represented — tied to named clients wherever possible. Specificity is a signal of a results-oriented team.

3. Who Owns the Code and Hosting After Launch?

This is the question that matters most and gets asked least. Some agencies build on proprietary platforms or keep hosting under their own account, which quietly creates long-term dependency. Ask directly: "If we stopped working together tomorrow, could we take our website and host it anywhere else?" The answer should be an unambiguous yes.

4. Is SEO Baked In, or Bolted On?

SEO fundamentals — site speed, structured data, clean URLs, proper heading hierarchy — are far cheaper to build in from day one than to retrofit after launch. Ask how SEO is handled during the build itself, not just as a separate add-on service.

5. What Happens After Launch?

A website is a living asset, not a one-time deliverable. Ask about post-launch support: security monitoring, content updates, and how quickly they respond if something breaks.

Red Flags to Watch For

A good agency relationship should feel like gaining a technical partner, not handing over control. If any of the answers above feel evasive, treat that as useful information.