Most disappointing digital projects don't fail because of bad code. They fail because expectations were never made clear. These ten questions help you find out how a partner works before you sign.

The ten questions

  1. Can I see live projects similar to mine — and click through them?
  2. Which of those were real client projects, and which were concepts?
  3. What exactly is included in the scope, and what isn't?
  4. What is the timeline, and what could delay it?
  5. How many revision rounds are included?
  6. Who will actually design and build my project?
  7. How and how often will we communicate?
  8. Who owns the code, content and domain at the end?
  9. What support do you provide after launch, and what does it cost?
  10. How do you handle changes in scope during the project?

Signs of a good partner

  • They ask about your business goals before talking about technology.
  • They are honest about what they haven't done.
  • They put the important details in a written proposal.
  • They are clear about what's included — and what isn't.

Be wary of

Guaranteed rankings, unrealistic deadlines, refusal to put scope in writing, and portfolios that only show mockups.

The right partner should make the process feel clearer and calmer, not more confusing. If you finish the first conversation understanding your options better, that's a very good sign.