How to Choose a Web Studio: 6 Questions Before You Pay

Short answer: before paying a deposit, ask for a portfolio with live links (not screenshots), who exactly will work on your project, what's included in the price and whether it's fixed, how many revisions are included, who owns the site after it's done, and what support looks like after launch. If the answer to any of these is vague or evasive, that's a reason to look elsewhere.

6 questions worth asking

• Show me a portfolio with live links. Not screenshots in a PDF — real sites you can visit right now. Check whether they actually load fast and work on mobile.
• Who exactly will work on my project? A large agency might hand you off to a junior with little experience — worth knowing upfront who's actually doing the work.
• Is the price fixed or "approximate"? An "approximate" price often ends up higher by the final invoice. Ask for a fixed amount tied to a clearly defined scope of work.
• How many revisions are included? Unlimited revisions is a red flag — the project risks dragging on for months. Normal is 2-3 rounds per stage.
• Who owns the site and domain after handoff? Make sure the domain, hosting and all the code transfer to you, not stay "rented" from the studio.
• What support is there after launch? If something breaks a month later, is that a separate paid request or is there a warranty period?

Red flags

• They want 100% upfront. Normal practice is 30-50% at the start, the rest after milestones or final delivery.
• No examples in your niche or similar complexity. Not a dealbreaker, but worth asking more about their approach.
• Price is way below market. Often means a template with no real customization, or a risk the project won't get finished.
• No written contract or even a brief. A verbal agreement is always a risk on both sides.

Freelancer, studio, or agency

A freelancer is usually cheaper and more flexible, but one person is also one point of failure — illness or a change of plans can stall the project. A mid-size studio (like ISKRA) combines a personal approach with a team — if one person is out, the project doesn't stop. A large agency fits big projects that need a full team of specialists, but on a simple website you're often paying for overhead you don't need.

Frequently asked questions

What's a normal deposit when ordering a website?

Normal practice is 30-50% upfront, with the rest due after milestones or final delivery. A studio asking for 100% upfront is a red flag.

How many revisions should be included in the price?

2-3 rounds of revisions per stage is normal. Unlimited revisions is also a warning sign — the project risks dragging on for months.

Who should you trust with your website — a freelancer, a studio, or an agency?

A freelancer is cheaper and more flexible, but one person is also one point of failure. A mid-size studio combines a personal approach with a team. A large agency fits big projects, but on a simple website you're often paying for overhead you don't need.