Page count alone does not determine a website's cost. A five-page booking system might involve more work than a ten-page company website. To compare proposals fairly, start by describing the same scope to each provider.
1. What job should the website do?
Write the goal in one sentence: collect inquiries, sell products, accept bookings or help customers complete a task. A clear primary action guides the page structure and feature list. A service business, for example, might need detailed service explanations, work samples and an inquiry form before it needs a product catalog.
2. How many distinct page layouts are needed?
Twenty service pages using one template are different from twenty individually designed layouts. List the homepage, service page, product page, blog and customer account separately. Confirm whether the proposal includes layouts for mobile screens as well as desktop.
3. Who provides design and content?
Custom design, photography, copywriting and illustrations each require time. Share any existing logo, brand guidelines, product photos and approved copy before requesting a quote. Agree on the number of feedback rounds and who will approve each stage.
4. Which languages will you support?
Azerbaijani, English and Russian versions require more than translated menus. Service copy, forms, error messages and search metadata need localization too. Decide who will translate, review and maintain the content when information changes.
5. Which systems must connect?
List payment, CRM, inventory, delivery and booking systems separately. An existing integration and a custom connection involve different work. Keep a third-party service's recurring subscription separate from the website development price.
6. How will you manage the website?
Who will edit products, prices and articles? Define whether you need an admin interface, staff roles or a simple content update process. The handover plan should identify who owns the domain, hosting and service accounts, and what access you receive.
7. What happens after launch?
Technical support, backups, security updates and new features are separate responsibilities. Initial technical SEO and an ongoing content program also have different scopes. Ask the proposal to distinguish one-time work, recurring charges and acceptance criteria.
What should your request for a quote include?
Send the same brief to each provider. Compare what is included, what costs extra and how delivery will be accepted.
- Your business, audience and the website's primary goal.
- Pages, languages and essential features.
- Available content and required integrations.
- Planned budget, timing and support needs.
