When people look for a solicitor, accountant, consultant or clinic, trust matters. Your website is often where a potential client gets their first impression, so it’s worth choosing carefully who builds it. Here’s a practical guide to comparing web design agencies.
A long list of awards or an impressive portfolio doesn’t tell you everything. What matters is whether the agency understands your business and can build a site that works for your clients. Here are a few useful things to look for, along with questions to ask before you decide.
What to look for
Local search visibility
People often search for a service near them, such as “accountant near me”. Ask how the agency will help your business appear in local search, keep your Google Business Profile up to date and make sure your contact details are consistent. Look for a clear answer, not just “we do SEO”.
More enquiries
A good-looking site is no use if visitors can’t see how to get in touch. Look for clear next steps, short enquiry forms, phone links that work on mobile and, where useful, online booking. Ask how the agency will track enquiries after launch.
Credibility and branding
People choosing a professional service want to know who they’ll be dealing with. Useful details include qualifications, relevant regulatory information, real team photos and client reviews. The design should feel trustworthy and fit your existing brand.
Speed on phones
Many people will first visit your site on a phone. Ask for a Google PageSpeed result from a recent project and check it yourself. A slow site can lose visitors before they’ve read a word.
Accessibility
Your site should work for people with visual impairments, older visitors and anyone using a small screen. Ask which accessibility guidelines (WCAG) the agency follows and how it checks the site.
Bilingual websites
If you serve clients in two languages, each language needs its own properly translated pages that search engines can find. An automatic translation widget is not the same thing.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Is the price fixed and in writing? You should know exactly what's included before any work starts, and how extra requests are priced.
- Who owns the domain, the files and the content? The answer should be "you".
- Can I update the text myself? If not, what does it cost to have changes made?
- What happens after launch? Hosting, security updates, backups and support: what's included, and what's extra.
- How will the site handle privacy? Ask how enquiry data, cookies and privacy information will be handled, and what you’ll need to provide to meet the rules that apply to your business.
- Can I see a recent site for a similar business? And ideally speak to that client.
Freelancer, small studio or large agency?
| Freelancer | Small studio | Large agency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who you work with | The person who builds your site | A small, consistent team | An account manager, with specialists behind them |
| Typical cost | Lowest | Mid-range | Highest |
| Best for | Small firms needing a clear, fast site | Firms wanting design and marketing together | Large firms with complex integrations and big content teams |
| Watch out for | Availability during holidays or illness | Capacity at busy times | Higher fees and slower changes |
None of these is "best", the right fit depends on your size, budget and how much ongoing help you need.
Why choose Amethyst Nexalune?
At Amethyst Nexalune, you work directly with me, from the first call to launch day. There’s no account manager in between, so your questions are answered by the person building your site.
- Fixed price, in writing: you know what you’re getting and what it costs before any work starts, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
- Fast and accessible: hand-coded sites without heavy templates or unnecessary plugins, ready for local search.
- English and Hungarian: I work in both languages, so a bilingual site is simple.
- Proven quality: 5.0-star Google reviews and a Web Design Awards nomination.
If you’d like a quick review of your current website, try the free website check or book a free consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a professional services website cost?
It depends on the number of pages and features. A straightforward site from a freelancer or small studio will usually cost less than a larger agency project with content strategy, photography and integrations. Whatever your budget, ask for a written quote that clearly sets out what’s included.
Should I choose a local web design agency?
Not necessarily. Most projects can be handled over video calls. It’s more important to find an agency that understands local search and is easy to contact when you need them.
Do I own my website if an agency builds it?
You should. Check before signing that the domain is registered in your name, that you receive all the files and content, and that you can move to another provider without extra fees.
Do I need a bilingual website?
Only if you serve clients in more than one language. If you do, each language needs its own properly translated pages (not just an automatic translation widget) so both versions can appear in search results.