The 10-point checklist
- Portfolio. Do their sites look premium on a phone, not just on a big screen?
- Results. Can they show what happened for real clients: more bookings, enquiries or sales?
- Recognition. Awards and well-known clients show others have checked their work.
- Clear pricing. Published prices or a written quote before any work starts.
- Payment terms. Fair splits, such as 75% on booking and 25% on delivery.
- Timeline. A realistic launch date in writing.
- SEO set-up included. Titles, descriptions, headings, sitemap, structured data and mobile speed.
- Ownership. You should own your domain and content.
- Aftercare. Clear monthly costs for hosting and maintenance, with no surprises.
- A real person. Someone you can talk to who leads your project.
Questions to ask a web designer
- What exactly is included in the price, and what costs extra?
- How many revision rounds do I get?
- Who writes the text and supplies the photos?
- Will my site be ready for Google on launch day?
- What happens if I want changes after launch?
Red flags
- No portfolio, or only desktop screenshots
- Full payment up front
- Vague prices or long contracts with hidden monthly fees
- They own your domain
- No mention of mobile design or SEO
How MONOS measures up
MONOS Technology is a multi-award winning agency in Manchester led by founder Aisha Ansari. We won Start-Up Business of the Year at the Islam Channel Business Awards 2025 and the Festival Friend Appreciation Award 2025, with three 2026 awards to be announced. Our team has worked with the BBC, Sky TV, Samsung and Deliveroo, our prices are published, and every package is paid 75% on booking and 25% on delivery. See our work or meet Aisha.
Ready to get on air?
Tell us about your business and we reply within one working day with next steps and a clear proposal.