Before you sign, clarify these points. Do I own the website, domain and all accounts afterwards? Is the price fixed or open-ended? Where is it hosted (EU)? Are GDPR and accessibility included? What happens after launch? The most important, often overlooked question is about ownership. If an agency can't clearly answer it with "yes, it's all yours", that's a red flag.

A website is an investment and a leap of trust. These 10 questions help you spot the right partner without being a tech expert yourself.

The 10 questions you should ask

1. Do I own the website, domain and all accounts afterwards?

This is the most important question. The answer must be a clear yes. Your domain, hosting access, Google and social media accounts should all be in your name. Otherwise you're tied to the agency for life.

2. Is the price fixed or open-ended (by the hour)?

"By the hour" means the bill can grow at any time. Insist on a fixed price with a clear scope, so you know where you stand.

3. Who hosts the site and where (EU)?

For GDPR, EU hosting matters. Ask whether there's a data-processing agreement (AV-Vertrag). That's the paperwork governing who processes your customer data and how, and it's mandatory in Germany.

4. Are GDPR and accessibility included?

Data protection is mandatory. Accessibility (to WCAG 2.1 / the German BFSG) means people with disabilities can use your site too, and the law increasingly requires it. Both should be included as standard.

5. What happens after launch?

Are you left on your own afterwards? Ask about support, updates and how changes work. A good agency won't leave you stuck with a site you can't maintain.

6. Who will I actually talk to?

Do you have a dedicated contact, or do you wander through a ticket system? As a small business especially, you want to know who's there for you.

7. Is there a clear timeline with milestones?

"It'll be ready soon" isn't an answer. Ask for concrete phases and dates. With us, for example: standard websites in 2 to 4 weeks, shops/AI in 4 to 8 weeks.

8. Do I pay markups on my ad budget?

Some agencies keep a percentage of your ad spend. You should know that. Ideally your budget goes 1:1 to the platform.

9. Can I edit content myself later?

Can you update text, prices or photos yourself, or does every little change cost extra? Ask for a simple editing area.

10. Can I speak to past clients or see examples?

Real examples and references show whether the agency delivers what it promises.

Red flags to watch out for

  • Markups on your ad budget. Your money should buy reach, not someone else's margin.
  • Platform lock-in. If you can't reach your own site without the agency, that's a red flag.
  • No clear timeline. No dates often means no plan.
  • Vague pricing. "We'll see" usually means it will be expensive.
  • Not a word about GDPR or EU hosting. In Germany that's an absolute must.

What does a GOOD free consultation look like?

You'll recognise a good call because the agency asks more than it talks. It wants to understand your business (your customers, your goals) instead of forcing a canned package on you.

  • It asks questions instead of selling right away.
  • It explains jargon in plain language.
  • It honestly tells you when you don't need something.
  • There's no pressure and no contract during the call.

And at AITURIA?

We answer all 10 of these the way you'd want: full ownership of the website, data and accounts; fixed prices and fixed timelines; EU hosting with a data-processing agreement (AV-Vertrag), GDPR-compliant and accessible to WCAG 2.1 / BFSG; no markup on your ad budget; a real contact person and a reply within 24 hours.

The best way to check is to test it yourself in the free, no-obligation 30-minute call. Feel free to ask us all 10 questions. Book your call or email info@aituria.de.