Updated 2026-10-14 · Web Studios Singapore
Short answer: Ask whether it is a template or a custom design, who owns the domain and the site, who writes the content and whether that costs extra, what a change costs after launch, what hosting and maintenance cost each month, whether the search basics are included, whether it works on a phone, what happens if you stop paying, and to see work for a business like yours.
Nine questions
- Template or custom design? Both can be fine. You should know which one you are paying for.
- Who owns the domain and the site? The domain should be registered to your business. Ask whether you can take the site with you if you leave.
- Who writes the content? Your services, prices and story. One published guide notes that most Singapore agencies charge an extra S$1,000 to S$3,000 for professional copywriting (Saftal Design). If it is you, budget the time.
- What does a change cost after launch? Or can you edit it yourself?
- What are the monthly costs? Hosting, maintenance, plugins, a platform fee. The same guide notes some agencies charge S$200 to S$500 a month for hosting and maintenance.
- Are the search basics included? Clear page titles, pages linked together, a sitemap submitted to Google and Bing: the basics in Google’s SEO starter guide.
- Does it work on a phone? Look at their past work on your own phone, not on their laptop.
- What happens if you stop paying? For hosting or a subscription: do you keep the site, the domain and the content?
- Can I see work for a business like mine? And can you call one of those clients?
Red flags
- A guaranteed Google ranking. Google says there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking (Google).
- The domain registered in the designer’s name.
- No written list of what is included.
Compare like with like
Ask two or three companies the same nine questions and get the answers in writing. A cheaper quote that leaves out the content, the domain or the monthly costs is often not cheaper.
Want a web designer to contact you?
Free. Tell us what you need and your budget; a web designer that fits contacts you.
Request received.
A web designer that fits will contact you on the number you gave. Ask what is included, who owns the domain, and what changes cost after launch.
More questions
Should the domain be in my name?
Yes. Register it to your business, so it stays yours whichever company builds or hosts the site.
Can a web designer guarantee first page on Google?
No. Google says there is no way to request or pay for a better local ranking, and that no one can guarantee a #1 ranking. A guarantee is a reason to ask more questions.