Decide what needs to be local
Compare discovery, delivery and post-launch support in the same written format. Website builds, SEO reviews and campaign management can often be delivered remotely; workshops, photography or detailed knowledge of a service area may benefit from local collaboration.
Send every shortlisted provider the same brief. Compare their proposed discovery work, number of review rounds and support after launch in a simple worksheet.
Describe where your own customers are, whether meetings are needed and who will provide the local business details. A provider should use real service-area information rather than creating pages for places you do not serve.
Three ways to compare a shortlist
- Ask for experience with your service or industry, including the work the provider personally completed.
- Compare the process for discovery, review, reporting and handover; agree how you will communicate.
- Confirm ownership of your domain, website, advertising accounts and business profiles.
Choose a service before requesting prices
A short description of the location alone is not enough for a useful quote. Add your goals, current website, desired services, budget range and timing to a brief.
Prepare your brief ↗