How to choose a web agency: a checklist for business owners

Commissioning a website is an important decision and expense. To pick an agency that delivers real value, ask a few concrete questions.

1. Portfolio and references: has the agency done projects like yours (industry, scale)? Can you speak to a client? 2. Price and scope: what exactly is included (hosting, SEO, copy, training)? Is it a fixed quote or a “from-to” range? 3. Timeline: when will the site be ready and what happens if there are delays?

4. Technology and support: will the site be easy to update? Do you get a panel or training? 5. SEO and visibility: does the agency account for search engines and AI optimisation (for example ChatGPT)? 6. Ownership and portability: do you own the domain, content and code, and can you switch supplier? 7. GDPR and security: who is responsible for cookies, forms, backups and updates after launch?

Watch for red flags: no contract defining scope, unclear cost split after launch, a template presented as bespoke work, and promises of “number one on Google” that nobody can honestly guarantee.

At Nettivo we answer these questions in the very first conversation. We give a clear quote, a concrete schedule and show how your site will be visible to customers. Get in touch: nettivo.no/kontakt.