Chris Langeveldt
Founder, Christoffel
The quick answer: choose the web design company that shows you live client websites with real results, puts its prices in writing, tells you who owns the site and the domain, and explains exactly what happens after launch. These 12 questions separate the good ones from the expensive mistakes.
1. Can I see live websites you've built, with results?
Screenshots are easy to fake and templates are easy to buy. Ask for live links you can open on your phone, and ask what changed for that business: more calls, more enquiries, more traffic. A good answer sounds like "5x more organic traffic", not "the client loved it".
2. Who will actually build my website?
Some agencies sell the job and hand it to a junior or an overseas freelancer. Ask who designs it, who codes it and who you'll speak to when something breaks.
3. What does it cost, in writing, including VAT?
A custom small-business website in South Africa usually costs R15,000 to R50,000 if you pay for it all upfront, or from about R5,000 once-off plus a monthly fee on a build-and-care plan. Be wary of a once-off quote far below that (it's usually a stock template) and of anyone who won't give you a number before a sales call. Read our full website pricing guide.
4. Are there monthly fees, and what do they cover?
Hosting, updates and ongoing SEO cost money. Ask for the monthly amount, exactly what's included, and whether you can cancel.
5. Who owns the website and the domain?
Your domain (yourbusiness.co.za) should be registered in your name. Ask whether you can take the website with you if you leave, and what that costs.
6. Can I see what I'm getting before I pay?
Some studios, including us, build a free working preview first. At the very least you should approve a design before the full invoice arrives.
7. Will I be able to edit it myself?
Ask for a demo of the editor. Changing a price, a photo or your opening hours shouldn't need a developer.
8. How will it get found on Google?
A beautiful site nobody finds is an expensive business card. Ask what's included: page titles and descriptions, schema markup, fast load times, Google Search Console, Google Business Profile setup and local SEO for your town.
9. Is it ready for AI search?
More people now ask ChatGPT, Gemini or Google's AI Overviews for recommendations. The same foundations help your business show up there too: clear structure, real facts and prices on the page, schema markup and a consistent business listing everywhere.
10. How fast will it load on a phone?
Most South Africans browse on mobile data. Ask them to open one of their client sites on your phone, on mobile data, and count the seconds.
11. How long will it take?
Most small-business websites take 2 to 6 weeks. Ask for a timeline with dates and a list of what they need from you to hit it.
12. What happens after launch?
Ask who fixes things when they break, how quickly they reply and what support costs. "We'll be in touch" is not an answer.
The short checklist
Live client sites with real results
A named team you can talk to
Prices in writing, with VAT stated
You own your domain and your site
You can edit it yourself
SEO and Google Business Profile included
A clear plan for after launch
Want to see how we answer all 12? Ask for a free 5-day preview. We work with businesses in Kimberley and right across South Africa.
