Compare scope before price. Ask suppliers to separate pages, content, technology, maintenance and ongoing costs, with a clear definition of completion.
1–3. Pages, content and design
Ask for the pages and page types. Five pages using one layout differ from five distinct designs. Include language versions, a knowledge hub and case studies where needed. An English version involves more than adding a language button.
Agree who supplies copy, photography and brand assets. Is existing copy simply added or also rewritten? How many feedback rounds are planned? Specify when you review the design and what counts as a change beyond the agreed direction.
4–5. Functionality and practical SEO foundations
Make functionality testable. For a form, specify fields, confirmation, delivery address and errors. Booking systems and integrations may rely on external services and fees. Ask what actually works at handover.
SEO foundations may include titles, headings, internal links, indexability and a sitemap. These differ from ongoing research, content development or earning relevant links. Ask for explicit items and read what shapes website cost.
6–7. Ownership, access and everyday management
Ask who holds domain and hosting accounts, which access you receive and how content or files can be transferred later. Arrangements depend on the platform and supplier, so record them rather than relying on a general ownership assumption.
Decide which updates you want to make yourself. Static sites, content management systems and site builders use different management methods. The right choice depends on functionality, independence and maintenance needs.
8. Ongoing costs and additional work
| Item | Question for the proposal |
|---|---|
| Initial build | Which pages, content and features are included? |
| Hosting and domain | Who supplies them, at what cost and renewal terms? |
| Maintenance | Required or optional, and what work is covered? |
| Additional work | When does it arise and how is it approved? |
| VAT | How is it stated in the final quote? |
Compare the total investment over a consistent period using actual proposal figures. A low initial price says little without recurring items.
9. Handover and checking
Define what you check together: agreed pages, mobile menu, readability, forms, links, metadata and any transition from an old site. Agree who approves delivery and what post-launch support includes.
Replacing an existing website also requires attention to URLs. Discuss preserving useful SEO pages during a redesign. Visual approval alone does not check the full customer journey.
Use the same short brief for every supplier
List your main audience, three services, required pages, functionality and intended contact action. Give each supplier the same information so their proposals become easier to compare.
Top Website Bouwer shows an indicative project price of €599–995 for a complete website. Scope, complexity, VAT and extras are established in the final proposal. Explore website design or the approach for independent service businesses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the cheapest quote unsuitable?
Price alone does not tell you that. Compare scope, quality, agreements and ongoing costs against your needs.
Are hosting and SEO always included?
No. Ask which items are included, which are optional and how they are priced.