The short answer
Ask seven questions before you sign: who will do the work, whether the price is fixed, what the timeline looks like week by week, what you will own, how success will be measured, what happens after launch and whether you can see live work with the numbers behind it. A studio that answers all seven clearly, in writing, is usually one that delivers.
Which questions should you ask a studio?
These are the questions we would want answered if we were the ones hiring. Ask every studio on your list the same seven and put the answers side by side.
- Who will design and build my project?
- Is the quote fixed, and what does it cover?
- What is the week by week timeline?
- Will I own the design files and the code?
- How will we know whether it worked?
- What support do I get after launch?
- Can I see live work and the numbers behind it?
What are the warning signs?
A quote with no written scope. A portfolio made only of templates. A studio that cannot tell you who will work on your project, or where the person you meet before signing disappears after it. A low price is fine when the quote says exactly what is included. A low price with a vague scope is the one to walk away from.
Should you choose a freelancer or a studio?
A good freelancer is a great fit for a small, clear job, such as a landing page or a logo refresh. A studio makes more sense when the work needs several skills at once, such as strategy, design and development, or when you want someone who will still be around a year after launch.
What should the first conversation feel like?
Useful, even if you never hire them. A good studio asks about your business before it talks about itself, tells you when something is not worth building and is open about what it would cost. If you leave the first conversation more confused than you came in, keep looking.
Planning one?
Websites at Enthros start from $350 and take 2 to 7 weeks.
