Montreal has hundreds of web agencies, freelancers and matchmaking platforms. Prices range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars for projects that look identical. These questions help you compare quotes on solid ground.
1. Will I own my website and my domain name?
This is the most important question. The domain name must be registered in your name, and you must receive admin access. Be wary of "free website + monthly subscription" offers where the agency owns the site: if you leave, you start from zero.
2. Is SEO actually included?
"SEO-optimized" means nothing on its own. Ask concretely: will there be keyword research? One page per service? Title and description tags written for every page? Structured data? Setup of Search Console and your Google Business Profile?
3. Who writes the content?
Content is the number one cause of delays. If the agency waits for your copy, expect several weeks of delay. An agency that includes copywriting delivers faster and usually produces pages that rank better.
4. Can I see projects similar to mine?
Ask for examples in your industry or of a similar size, and visit them on your phone. Are they fast? Easy to read? Does the form work?
5. What are the recurring costs?
Hosting, domain name, plugin licences, maintenance, platform subscriptions: ask for the total cost over three years, not just the starting price.
6. Will the site comply with Law 25?
Since September 2023, most Quebec business websites must have a clear privacy policy and ask for consent before using non-essential cookies. See our Law 25 checklist.
7. What happens after launch?
Is there an included period for fixes? Training? Who handles security updates? An unmaintained website becomes vulnerable within months.
8. What is the process and timeline?
A good agency can describe every step, who does what, and when you will need to give your approval. Be wary of a vague timeline.
9. Is the price fixed?
Insist on a detailed quote with the number of pages, the features and the number of revision rounds. Anything not listed may be billed as an extra.
In short
The best choice is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive, but the one that leaves you as the owner, includes a real SEO strategy and gives you a clear total price. To compare, see our published prices.