Key Takeaways
- Judge agencies by relevant portfolio, process clarity and post-launch support, not only price.
- Ensure you own the domain, hosting accounts, code and content.
- Get scope, timelines, revisions and SEO deliverables in writing.
India has thousands of web development agencies and freelancers. Quality ranges from world-class to unreliable. These questions help you separate them.
The 12 questions
1. Can you show similar projects?
Look for websites in your industry or with similar complexity, and check that they are live and fast.
2. Can I speak to past clients?
References reveal communication quality and reliability.
3. What is your process?
A good agency follows discovery, wireframes, design, development, testing, launch and support.
4. Who will work on my project?
Know the team: project manager, designer, developer and SEO specialist.
5. Which platform do you recommend and why?
The recommendation should fit your needs, not just the agency's habit. See WordPress vs custom vs builders.
6. What SEO work is included?
Titles, meta tags, schema, speed, sitemap, redirects and analytics setup.
7. Will the site be fast and mobile-friendly?
Ask for Core Web Vitals targets. See Core Web Vitals guide.
8. Who owns the domain, hosting, code and content?
Everything should be in your name or transferred to you.
9. How many revisions are included?
Clarify design and content revision rounds.
10. What are the timelines and payment milestones?
Tie payments to deliverables.
11. What support do you provide after launch?
Bug fixes, updates, backups, security and response times.
12. What is not included in the quote?
Content writing, images, premium plugins, hosting, email and marketing are common exclusions.
Red flags
- Very low prices with vague scope
- No contract or written proposal
- Domain or hosting registered in the agency's name
- No portfolio of live sites
- Pressure to pay 100% upfront
Agency vs freelancer
| Factor | Freelancer | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Skills | Usually one person | Design, development, SEO, content team |
| Continuity | Risk if unavailable | More stable |
| Best for | Small, simple sites | Business-critical and complex projects |
Light Animation provides website development and custom software for Indian businesses. See also website development cost.
Planning a website project?
Light Animation has designed and built software and websites for brands like Godrej, Saras Jaipur Dairy and Jaipur Traffic Police. Share your requirement and get a free consultation and estimate.
Explore Website DevelopmentGet a Free QuoteRelated reading: Website Development Cost in India · How to Choose a Custom Software Company
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a good website development company?
Review relevant portfolio, speak to references, understand their process, confirm SEO and support deliverables, and make sure you own all assets.
Should I hire a freelancer or an agency?
Freelancers suit small, simple sites; agencies are better for business-critical websites needing design, development, SEO and ongoing support.
What should a website development contract include?
Scope, pages, features, timelines, payment milestones, revisions, ownership, hosting, SEO deliverables and support terms.
How much advance payment is normal?
Many agencies take 30–50% upfront with the rest tied to milestones and launch.
