BITLINKS TECH UK
A new website is one of the most visible investments a business makes. Choose the right partner and you get a site that brings in work for years. Choose the wrong one and you can end up with something slow, hard to update or invisible on Google. Here is how to tell the difference.
Look at recent, relevant work
Ask to see websites the company has built in the last year or two, ideally for businesses similar to yours. Open them on your phone. Do they load quickly? Is it obvious what each business does? Can you find the contact details easily?
Ask how they handle SEO
A good developer builds search engine foundations into every site: clean page structure, proper headings, fast loading, mobile usability, schema markup and an XML sitemap. If you are replacing an existing site, they should also plan redirects so you do not lose the rankings you already have.
Understand what the quote includes
A clear quote should list:
- The number of pages and any special features
- Who writes the content and sources the images
- How many rounds of design changes are included
- Hosting, domain and email arrangements
- What support is available after launch
If a quote is a single line with a price, ask for more detail before you agree.
Check who owns the website
You should own your domain, your content and, once paid for, the website itself. Be cautious of arrangements where the agency keeps control of the domain or hosting and you cannot move without their help.
Ask about timescales and communication
Most brochure websites take three to six weeks once the scope is agreed. Ask who your main contact will be, how often you will receive updates and how feedback is handled. Clear communication is often what separates a smooth project from a frustrating one.
Read independent reviews
Reviews on platforms such as Clutch, Trustpilot and GoodFirms give you an honest view of how a company treats its clients. Look for comments about communication, deadlines and support after launch, not just the finished design.
Warning signs
- Guaranteed first-page rankings
- No examples of recent work
- Pressure to sign immediately
- No mention of mobile performance or SEO
- Unclear ownership of the finished site
Working with Bitlinks Tech UK
We build bespoke websites for UK businesses, with fixed quotes, named contacts and SEO foundations as standard. You can read what our clients say on Clutch, or get in touch to talk through your project.
