Hiring a web design company in Brisbane can be a game-changer for your business, but only if you ask the right questions up front. Whether you’re building a new website from scratch or redesigning your existing one, the agency you choose will shape not just how your brand looks online, but how it performs.
To avoid misunderstandings, missed deadlines, and underwhelming results, here are the essential questions to ask before signing any contracts.
1. What’s your experience with businesses like mine?
Web design isn’t one-size-fits-all. Ask whether the agency has worked with businesses in your industry or of your size. For example, a design team that primarily handles eCommerce websites may not be the best fit for a B2B service provider or a local trades business.
Follow-up with:
- Can I see examples of similar projects?
- What kinds of results did those sites achieve?
Bonus tip: Look for Brisbane-based examples. Local knowledge often makes a big difference in layout, language, and call-to-action strategies.
2. Who will be working on my project?
It’s not uncommon for agencies to assign projects to junior staff or outsource overseas. Clarify:
- Will I have a dedicated account manager?
- Who will handle design, development, and content?
- How do you manage quality control?
Knowing the actual team gives you confidence in the communication and output you can expect.
3. How do you approach SEO and mobile responsiveness?
A beautifully designed website is useless if no one sees it. Ask:
- Do you design with SEO in mind?
- Will my website be mobile-optimised from day one?
- Do you provide SEO copywriting or just technical implementation?
In Brisbane’s competitive digital market, an SEO-optimised site can mean the difference between ranking on page one, or not ranking at all.
4. What is included in your pricing, and what’s not?
Get clarity on the full scope of work. Some agencies quote only for design and charge extra for development, content, or revisions. Make sure you ask:
- Is this a fixed quote or hourly?
- How many rounds of revisions are included?
- Are things like stock images, custom fonts, or animations included?
Ask for a detailed proposal that outlines deliverables and timeline milestones. Transparency here prevents surprise invoices later.
5. Will I own the website and all its assets?
You’d be surprised how often businesses discover too late that they don’t actually own their site. Ask:
- Will I have full ownership of the website design and content?
- Will I have access to the backend (e.g., WordPress, Shopify)?
- Who owns the domain and hosting account?
A reputable web design company in Brisbane will ensure you maintain full control over your digital assets.
6. What CMS do you use, and can I update the site myself?
For most small and medium-sized businesses, having the ability to make quick updates, such as publishing blog posts or swapping out photos, is essential. Ask:
- What content management system will the site be built on?
- Will I receive training or documentation?
- Is ongoing maintenance included?
Ideally, they’ll use a user-friendly CMS like WordPress or Webflow and give you enough autonomy to make basic changes yourself.
7. What’s your project timeline?
Web projects can easily drag out without clear expectations. Ask:
- How long will the project take, start to finish?
- What are the key phases (e.g., design approval, development, launch)?
- What do you need from me to avoid delays?
Timelines are often impacted by how quickly you provide feedback, so understanding your role helps keep things on track.
8. How will we communicate during the project?
Smooth communication makes or breaks a project. Ask:
- How often will I receive updates?
- Will we use email, phone calls, or project management tools like Trello or Asana?
- What happens if there’s a delay or issue?
If you’re hiring a Brisbane-based agency, ask if you can meet face-to-face or do a video call early on, as it helps establish rapport and ensures expectations are aligned.
9. Do you offer ongoing support after launch?
Once your website is live, you may need help with updates, troubleshooting, or adding new features. Ask:
- Do you offer post-launch support or a maintenance plan?
- Is hosting included, or do you recommend a provider?
- What’s your response time for urgent issues?
Some agencies provide monthly care packages that include backups, security patches, and minor content edits.
10. Can I speak to past clients?
Don’t just take their word for it, request references. Ask:
- Can I talk to a recent client about their experience?
- Are there testimonials or case studies I can review?
A reliable Brisbane web design company should be happy to connect you with satisfied customers.
Final Thoughts
Your website is often your first impression, and a major driver of leads and conversions. Choosing the right web design company in Brisbane requires more than just browsing a portfolio. By asking the right questions, you’ll uncover whether the agency aligns with your goals, your brand, and your budget.
Treat the hiring process like a strategic partnership, not just a transaction. The more aligned you are at the start, the more successful your project will be in the long run.
