Quick answerA first conversation is your chance to learn how the provider thinks—not just what the website might look like.
Signal 01
Ask about the result and the process
Ask: What pages and features are included? Who prepares and approves the words and images? How will you learn about my customers and services? What do you need from me, and when? How are feedback and changes handled? Who controls the domain, accounts, and website files? What costs continue after launch? What support is included, and what counts as a separate project?
Describe what you want visitors to understand and do, then ask how the proposed structure supports that. A designer should be able to connect choices such as navigation, content order, and calls to action to the customer journey. Ask how forms and contact paths will be checked before launch. If the project includes search setup or analytics support, clarify what that means rather than assuming it includes ongoing marketing or guaranteed rankings.
Finally, ask what could change the price or timeline. Pages, integrations, e-commerce, late content, and delayed feedback can affect a project, so it is better to discuss those factors early.
Signal 02
Get the answers in writing
A short written scope makes it easier to compare providers and avoid mismatched expectations. Hamilton-area businesses can review LOITTEB's custom website offer (https://loitteb.ca/website-package/) or request a free website review (https://loitteb.ca/free-website-review/) to talk through a current site without an obligation to proceed.