What should you look for when choosing a web design agency in Istanbul?
Istanbul has hundreds of web design firms and they all say the same things on their websites. Here are the seven things to check to tell the right agency apart.
Type "Istanbul web design" into Google and you get page after page of firms. Every one of them says it is professional, affordable and SEO-friendly. You cannot tell them apart from the sentences on their websites. Ask the right questions, though, and you can tell in ten minutes.
1. Are the sites they built live?
Look at the sites themselves, not the logos on the portfolio page. Click through, open them on your phone, browse a few pages. Is the site still live, does it load quickly, does it look right on mobile? Showing a screenshot is easy; showing a working site proves the work was actually done. That is why we publish all of our work with clickable links.
2. In whose name will the domain be registered?
This is the one that hurts most. Some firms register the domain in their own name. The day you want to leave, you cannot get your domain back, or you are asked for a hefty transfer fee. The domain should be registered in your name, with your email address. Have it written into the contract.
3. Ready-made theme or custom design?
Both are legitimate options, but you should know which one you are getting. A ready-made theme is quick and cheap; a custom design is drawn for you. The problem is a ready-made theme sold at a custom design price. Ask for it to be stated clearly in the quote.
4. Will you be able to update the site yourself?
If you have to call the firm every time you want to change a price, add a new service or upload a photo, that site is not really yours. Ask whether there is an admin panel and what language it is in. If possible, ask them to show you the panel before handover.
5. Are the SEO foundations and Google setups included?
"SEO-friendly website" is a phrase everyone uses. Ask these specific questions instead:
- Will I be able to enter a separate title and description for each page?
- Is the sitemap generated automatically?
- Will Search Console and Analytics be set up?
- What does the site score on a speed test?
If the answers are not clear, the site goes live but does not show up on Google. We explained the reasons in our post on why your website is not showing on Google.
6. Are the delivery date and scope in writing?
How many pages will be built, how many rounds of revisions do you get, who prepares the copy and photos, when will the site be delivered? These should not be settled in passing on the phone. An itemised written quote protects both sides.
7. What will you pay in the second year?
A quote that looks attractive in year one can come with a surprise renewal fee in year two. Find out up front what you will pay each year for the domain, hosting, SSL and support. We explained what drives the price in detail in our post on website costs.
Does the agency need to be nearby?
A website can be built remotely; that is how we work with our clients outside Istanbul. Even so, being able to meet face to face makes things easier, especially when the job also involves product photography or a corporate identity. That is why our office in Gaziosmanpaşa is always open by appointment.
A short checklist
- Open their portfolio sites on your phone and browse them.
- Get it in writing that the domain will be registered in your name.
- See the admin panel.
- See the scope, delivery date and annual renewal fee in the quote.
- Ask whether the Google setups are included.
You can put these questions to us as well. Our corporate website page sets out what we include; getting a quote is free.
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