Quick answer: Before hiring a web design company in Chennai, ask for live portfolio links, a written proposal, domain ownership, delivery time, support after launch, mobile design, SEO basics, who writes the content, what is not included, how changes are handled, the project steps and access to all files at the end.

Why these questions matter

Most website problems are not about design. They are about unclear promises. One side thinks hosting is included. The other side thinks it is not. One side expects ten pages. The other side planned five. Ten minutes of good questions at the start can save months of arguments later.

Print this list. Take it to every meeting, whether you meet a freelancer, a small studio or a large agency. Write the answers down and compare them side by side. You will quickly see who is clear and who is vague.

The 12 questions, with good and bad answers

1. Can I see live websites you have built?

Good answer: Links you can open on your phone, for real businesses, preferably in your field. They also tell you what they did on each site.

Warning sign: Only pictures, or "we cannot share client names." A real company should be able to provide at least a few examples of its work, where client permissions allow.

2. Who will own the domain name and hosting?

Good answer: You do. They register the domain in your name and give you the login details.

Warning sign: "We keep it with us for you." If you ever leave, you may lose control of your web address or face a difficult transfer.

3. What exactly is included in the proposal?

Good answer: A written list covering the number of pages, design, mobile version, SSL, hosting, forms, WhatsApp button, training and support.

Warning sign: "Everything is included" with nothing written down. Ask for every important deliverable to be listed in the proposal.

4. How long will the project take?

Good answer: A clear date range and a list of what you must send them, such as your logo, text and photos, to keep the project on schedule.

Warning sign: "Tomorrow" or "any time you like" without understanding your requirements. Good work needs planning and realistic deadlines.

5. Will my website work well on mobile phones?

Good answer: Yes. They design for mobile users and test the website on real phones. They can show you an example.

Warning sign: They do not mention mobile design or cannot explain how they test different screen sizes.

6. Who writes the text and takes the photos?

Good answer: There is a clear division of responsibility. If you supply the content, they explain how to prepare it. If they write it, they specify how many pages are included.

Warning sign: Copy-paste text from other websites. Your website content should be relevant to your business and written for your customers.

7. Do you set up basic SEO?

Good answer: Page titles, meta descriptions, headings, descriptive image names, a sitemap and basic speed checks. They also explain that search rankings take time.

Warning sign: "We guarantee number one on Google." Nobody controls Google's search results, and rankings cannot be guaranteed.

For more background, read our guide to website design cost in Chennai.

8. What is not included in this proposal?

Good answer: A direct list of exclusions, such as extra pages, logo design, e-commerce features or content writing.

Warning sign: They cannot name anything that is not included. Understanding exclusions helps prevent unexpected costs later.

9. How do you handle changes during the project?

Good answer: A set number of revision rounds and a clear process for handling extra requests.

Warning sign: "Unlimited changes, no problem" without explaining how revisions work. This can lead to delays or disagreements.

10. What support do I get after launch?

Good answer: A fixed support period, a contact number and a plan for later help, such as website maintenance.

Warning sign: "Call us if you need anything" without details about response times, support limits or additional charges.

You can also read our guide to website maintenance plans and costs.

11. What are the project steps and approvals?

Good answer: A simple plan covering discussion, design approval, development, testing and launch, with your approval at each stage.

Warning sign: No clear steps, or being asked to commit before you see a plan or any relevant samples.

12. Will I get all files and logins at the end?

Good answer: Yes. You receive the administrator login, hosting details, domain login, relevant design files and details of any plugins or licences used.

Warning sign: Hesitation or "we will see." Confirm ownership and handover arrangements before the project begins.

How to use the answers

Give each answer a score from 1 to 5. Add the scores for each company. A company that answers clearly, without pressure, will usually be easier to work with later. If two companies score the same, choose the one that explained things in plain words and replied faster.

Also pay attention to how they behave. Do they listen? Do they ask you questions about your business? A good web design company asks as many questions as you do.

For a wider comparison, explore our guide to top web design companies in Chennai and our article on freelancer vs agency.

Extra questions for special projects

If you need more than a simple website, add these questions to your checklist.

• For an online store: Which platform and payment gateway do you suggest, and why? Can you set up GST invoices and shipping?
• For a web application: Which technology will you use? Who owns the source code at the end?
• For a clinic, school or factory: Have you built something similar? Can you show it?
• For Tamil and English websites: Can you set up both languages properly and make it easy for visitors to switch between them?

A short story

A Chennai business owner once asked only one question: "How soon can you finish?" He chose the fastest answer. Later, he found that the domain was registered in the developer's name and the developer asked for a fee to transfer it. Question 2 would have helped him identify this risk before signing up. Do not skip it.

Ask us too

We are happy to answer all twelve questions. Call Sanishsoft on +91 90801 46764 or send your questions on WhatsApp.

If you want a second opinion on a proposal from another company, send it to us and we will help you understand what looks good and what may be missing.

Read our guide to how to choose a web design company in Chennai and learn about web design mistakes to avoid.

For more answers, visit our frequently asked questions page or contact Sanishsoft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I ask a web design company before hiring?

Ask for live portfolio links, a written proposal, domain ownership, delivery time, support after launch, mobile design, SEO basics and access to all files and logins.

How do I know a web design company is trustworthy?

A trustworthy company shows live work, writes the proposal clearly, lets you own your domain and answers questions in simple words without pressure.

Who should own the domain and hosting account?

You should. Ask for the domain to be registered in your name and for the login details at handover.

Can any company guarantee first page on Google?

No. Nobody controls Google's results. Be careful with any company that promises a guaranteed first-page ranking.

Should I compare more than one company?

Yes. Send the same brief to three companies and compare their written answers. It helps you see who is clear and who is vague.