Best companies that design websites — how to choose, compare & hire (2025 guide)

Q: How long does it take to design and launch a website?

Brochure sites typically take 1–4 weeks with human teams, and complex builds can take months. AI-driven services can produce a preview in under 60 seconds and connect a domain shortly after.

Q: Will I be locked into a long contract?

Contract terms vary. Some providers require project deposits, while many subscription-based services (including Congero) offer no-lock-in monthly plans.

Q: How much should I pay for SEO-ready work?

Basic on-page SEO is often included in professional builds. For competitive organic growth, budget additional monthly SEO work; AI-managed platforms typically include base local SEO in subscription fees.

Q: Can I update the website myself later?

Yes. Many CMS solutions allow owner edits. Alternatively, AI-managed services accept simple text updates via WhatsApp and apply changes for you.

OVERVIEW

What we mean by "companies that design websites"

"Companies that design websites" covers a wide range of providers: full-service digital agencies, specialist web design firms, freelance designers, and now AI-driven web services like Congero that deliver complete, mobile-first websites instantly. Each offers different trade-offs in price, speed, customisation and ongoing support.

This guide helps you match your business goals to the right type of provider, understand typical deliverables, compare costs, and prepare the right questions so you hire with confidence.

What you'll get from this guide

Clear pros and cons of each provider type
A hiring checklist and 12 essential questions to ask
Realistic timelines and price ranges for 2025
Red flags and contract tips to avoid surprises

WHO THEY ARE

Types of companies that design websites (and when to use each)

Choose based on budget, time, scalability and how customised you need the final product to be.

Full-service agencies

Best for larger businesses needing brand strategy, custom development, marketing integrations and ongoing campaigns.

High customisation & design polish
Project managers and multi-disciplinary teams
Cost: $8k–$50k+ one-off, often with monthly retainers

Boutique studios

Great for design-focused projects and startups that want a very specific look or UX attention.

Strong visual design, moderate development
Usually faster than large agencies
Cost: $3k–$15k depending on features

Freelancers

Ideal for small projects, landing pages or when you have a tight budget and clear direction.

Flexible and often cost-effective
Varied reliability — check portfolios and reviews
Cost: $500–$5k depending on experience

AI-driven services (like Congero)

If speed, affordability and ongoing edits matter more than bespoke code, AI services deliver full sites instantly and include hosting, updates and SEO.

Live in seconds or minutes, not weeks
Flat monthly pricing, unlimited updates via text
Cost: $49/month typical for managed AI sites

E-commerce specialists

Use when selling online and you need payment gateways, inventory sync, or marketplaces integrated.

Shopify, WooCommerce, or custom builds
Complexity increases cost and timeline
Cost: $2k–$50k+ depending on scale

Maintenance & hosting providers

Sometimes you hire a designer and separately a reliable host or support service. Bundled options offer convenience.

Ongoing security, backups, and performance monitoring
Cost: $10–$300/month depending on service level

COMPARE

How to compare companies that design websites

Use objective criteria to shortlist providers. Don’t rely solely on price.

1. Portfolio & case studies

Look for relevant industry examples, measurable results (traffic, leads, revenue), and consistency in design quality.

2. Process & timelines

Ask for a detailed process: discovery, design, revisions, testing and launch. Confirm realistic milestones and delivery dates.

3. SEO & performance

A good company builds with speed, mobile-first design, schema, and on-page SEO in mind — not just pretty pages.

4. Ownership & portability

Confirm who owns the code, images and content. Can you export static HTML or migrate hosting later?

5. Support & updates

Understand support SLAs, unlimited edits vs hourly billing, and how quickly they make changes when you need them.

6. Pricing structure

Compare fixed-price projects, retainers, and subscription models. Flat monthly pricing (like Congero) often reduces surprises and gives predictable ROI.

DOWNLOAD HIRING CHECKLIST

Instant PDF checklist — use it when interviewing agencies or freelancers

COSTS & TIMELINES

Realistic price ranges and delivery timeframes for 2025

Expectations vary by provider type, complexity, and integrations.

Basic brochure site

What: 3–6 pages, contact form, basic SEO

Price: $500–$3,500

Timeline: 1–4 weeks (AI options: under 60 seconds preview)

Small business / service site

What: Services pages, testimonials, basic blog, local SEO

Price: $1,500–$10,000

Timeline: 2–8 weeks (AI subscription: immediate + ongoing edits)

E-commerce / custom build

What: Payment gateways, inventory, custom integrations

Price: $3,000–$100,000+

Timeline: 4–24+ weeks

Flat monthly options reduce risk

Services like Congero provide a full managed website, domain, hosting, SSL and unlimited updates for a predictable $49/month — ideal for trades and service businesses that need speed and low cost of ownership.

SEE THE $49 PLAN

CHECKLIST

Hiring checklist — 12 questions to ask every company

Use these during your first calls to quickly uncover fit and capability.

Can I see recent examples in my industry? Ask for links and measurable outcomes (traffic, conversions).
Who owns the code and content? Confirm export and migration options.
What’s included in the price? Hosting, domain, SSL, updates, analytics — get it in writing.
How do you handle revisions? Fixed rounds vs unlimited edits, and expected turnaround time.
Do you build with SEO and performance in mind? Verify mobile-first, schema and speed optimisation.
What integrations can you support? CRM, bookings, payments, analytics.
Can you show the live project timeline? Milestones, deliverables and sign-off points.
What happens after launch? Support SLAs, backups and security responsibilities.
Do you provide analytics and reporting? Frequency, metrics tracked and conversion setup.
What are your payment terms? Deposit, milestones and refund policy.
Do you offer training for my team? CMS access and documentation.
Any hidden or add-on costs? Plugins, stock images, third-party licences — ask for an itemised list.

Pro Tip

If a company can’t clearly explain their process or refuses to put deliverables in writing, treat that as a red flag.

TRY A LIVE DEMO NOW

RED FLAGS

Red flags when evaluating website companies (avoid these)

No contract or vague scope: Always get timelines, deliverables and acceptance criteria in writing.
Unclear ownership: If they claim ownership of your site content or brand assets, push back.
Excessive delays: Frequent missed deadlines without explanation usually indicate poor project management.
Large upfront payments with no milestones: Staggered payments tied to milestones are safer.
No references or live examples: Always verify claims with real links and client contacts when possible.

Contract tip

Include an exit or migration clause that guarantees you can export your content and static files without penalty if the relationship ends.

CASE STUDY

Example: How a local plumber picked the right provider

A single-operator plumber needed better local visibility and quicker lead capture. They compared a boutique studio, a freelancer and an AI-managed service. Results:

Time to launch: AI option — live preview in 60 seconds; studio — 6 weeks.
Cost: AI subscription at $49/month vs studio quote $7,500.
Outcome: AI-managed site plus local SEO increased enquiries by 38% in 6 weeks with predictable monthly cost and unlimited edits via text.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about hiring website design companies

How long does it take to design and launch a website?

Typical brochure sites take 1–4 weeks with human teams; complex builds take months. AI-driven solutions like Congero produce a preview in under 60 seconds and go live quickly with domain setup.

Will I be locked into a long contract?

Contract terms vary. Many agencies use fixed projects; some services offer no-lock-in monthly subscriptions. Congero offers a no-lock-in $49/month plan so you can cancel anytime without penalties.

How much should I pay for SEO-ready work?

Basic on-page SEO and local schema is often included in professional builds. For competitive SEO campaigns, expect additional monthly investment. AI-managed sites include automated local SEO setup as part of the subscription.

Can I update the website myself later?

Most CMS-based builds allow owner edits. Alternatively, AI services accept text updates via WhatsApp and handle changes for you — no technical skills required.

Ready to compare options in minutes?

Try a free demo to see a complete, SEO-ready website built for your business. No credit card — just text and go live.

START THE FREE DEMO

companies that design websites

How to find and hire the right website design company — compare services, prices, timeline and guarantees so your new website actually makes money.