Hiring a custom website agency should feel controlled, not risky. Ask for proof, a clear scope, and a way to see the work before you commit big money. Use this checklist before you sign anything.
Start with the outcome, not the page count
Agencies love selling "10 pages." You need one outcome:
- More phone calls
- More quote requests
- More booked consultations
If the agency cannot explain how the site drives that outcome, keep looking.
7 questions that separate good agencies from expensive ones
1. Can I see live sites you built?
Ask for URLs, not PDFs. Click them on your phone. Check load speed and clarity of the offer.
2. What stack do you use?
WordPress can work. So can Webflow. At North Star Global we build with Next.js because it stays fast and secure with less plugin maintenance. Compare Next.js and WordPress →
3. Do I see a working preview before full payment?
Mood boards are not websites. A live preview on a private URL lets you judge layout, copy direction, and mobile feel before you pay to launch.
4. What SEO is included on day one?
Titles, metadata, clean structure, mobile performance, and indexing basics should not be a surprise upsell six months later.
5. How do leads reach me?
Form to inbox is minimum. Bonus if they can route to SMS, CRM, or a dedicated line.
6. What is in scope vs out of scope?
Get it in writing: pages, revisions, hosting, domain, timeline, and who writes content.
7. What happens after launch?
Who fixes bugs? Who updates copy? What does hosting cost?
Red flags
- Big deposit before you see anything real
- "Guaranteed #1 on Google" language
- Recycled templates sold as custom
- No mobile examples in the portfolio
- Vague timelines ("a few months") with no milestones
A simple scorecard
How North Star Global handles this
We offer a free custom preview in about 48 hours. You approve before paying $299 for the $299 Landing Page. Larger builds start with a discovery call and written scope.