Discover top web development companies that create high-performing, scalable SaaS platforms, secure customer portals, and fast eCommerce sites to help your business grow. Compare providers by expertise and budget to find the right partner for your needs. 

List of the Best Custom Web Development Companies

21,597 Companies-Rankings updated: November 06, 2026
Expertise

Organic rankings are determined by five factors: top services, reviews, portfolio, awards/press, and team expertise. Sponsored listings pay for a placement that appears above organic positions. Sponsorship does not affect star ratings or review content - read more on our methodology page.

  • Every Pixel in Its Right Place

    We create beautiful and effective websites, brand identities, online advertising campaigns, mobile applications and digital video. We also have some serious copy writing, editing and proofreading chops...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Branding
    • Creative Services
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $180/hr
  • Devathon creates modern and affordable custom software solutions for startups...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Web Design
    • Digital Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Hyderabad, India
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $25/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
    Portfolios Count
    5 Projects Listed
  • A Digital Laboratory

    We expand brand positioning in the marketplace and build strategic online presence through innovative design, development, strategy and modern marketing practices...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • Started With a Spark, Now We Are on Fire.

    Spark Creative is a full service design agency located in Temecula California - close to San Diego and Los Angeles. We serve clients all over the US, and specialize in web and user interface design for medium to large businesses...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • Logo Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Murrieta, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Icon Design is a coffee, chocolate, and kimchee-powered graphic communications and marketing studio founded by Pamela Myhre in 1993...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Boise, Idaho
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
  • Charlotte Logo Design, Web Design, And Graphic Design Agency | VAVA Graphics

    VAVA Graphics is a professional logo, website & graphic design agency in Charlotte, NC., dedicated to building powerful brands, professional websites, and memorable visuals that make an impact in the community and bring consumers to businesses around Charlotte. Our award-winning design team provides a...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Charlotte, North Carolina
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Your trusted partner

    ITC Group is a trusted technology partner helping companies to meet custom innovative IT solutions and consulting...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Software Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • Creative WordPress Agency for Nonprofits in NYC

    Good Agency is a distinguished WordPress agency specializing in crafting bespoke solutions tailored for nonprofits, foundations, and socially-driven enterprises. With a focus on creativity and social impact, we empower organizations to amplify their message and achieve their goals through innovative digital...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • WordPress Website Design
    • UI/UX Design
    • Show more
    Location
    New York City, New York
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $225/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • We Build Beautifully Responsive Websites

    A web design studio focused on creating custom WordPress websites to help turn your visitors into customers. Let’s make a website that works for you...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Managed Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Santa Rosa, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Ignite your business online

    We're a Bristol-based digital agency that works with UK small businesses to design, build, optimise and promote high-performing websites that turn visitors into customers... without breaking the bank!...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • eCommerce Development
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Digital Strategy
    • Show more
    Location
    Bristol, United Kingdom
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $100/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • New Merkel Consulting Group is a Birmingham, Alabama technical consulting firm specializing in Website Design, Web Development, Search Engine Optimization, SEO, Web Marketing, Internet Marketing, Internet Advertising, and Full Scale Network Support...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • SEO
    • Web Design
    • IT Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Birmingham, Alabama
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Techigator is a leading digital marketing company

    Techigator is a full-service digital solutions agency based in Dubai specializing in branding designs, Software, Mobile Apps, Webs, & Marketing Solutions...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Branding
    • Mobile App Development
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $10/hr
    Minimal Budget
    Under $1,000
  • High performance websites and SEO

    We have a unique and effective approach to web design that is extremely effective. We create only high performance websites and develop budget-friendly SEO plans that really work. We're proud of our 100% 5-star reviews. Our success relies on our ability to build and maintain relationships, and our superior...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Wilmington, Delaware
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Innovation Starts With Us!

    Bluegrey Technologies is a one-stop web development and IT solutions and services company. With an experience of over 5 years in the IT industry and having worked with over 800+ clients, we have consistently established ourselves as the providers of the most innovative, eye catchy and comprehensive web...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • eCommerce Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Charlotte, North Carolina
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $10/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Creating the best a web presence for your business in a digital world.

    LAB Media specializes in web design and digital marketing. Focusing on specific client needs, branding and end-results...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Web Design
    • eCommerce Development
    • Design Services
    • Show more
    Location
    Los Angeles, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $85/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Cisneros Design offers services such as Web design, Brand, UX, Packaging, Social Media Marketing, Logo design, etc...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • eCommerce Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Santa Fe, New Mexico
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Your Top Notch Network and Business Consulting Firm

    Keilman Business Consulting, Inc. is a trusted network and business consulting firm based in South Bend, Indiana. With nearly 20 years of experience, we proudly serve the Mishawaka, Elkhart, and South Bend areas, offering comprehensive services in network management, computer forensics, custom programming...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • IT Services
    • Business Consulting
    • Show more
    Location
    South Bend, Indiana
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Arke is a full-service experience design and technology consultancy that delivers connected, optimized digital solutions that drive conversions and exponential growth...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • eCommerce Development
    • CRM Consulting
    • Show more
    Location
    Atlanta, Georgia
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
  • That Gets You Noticed

    Bell Advertising 209 is a full-service advertising agency that helps businesses amplify their brand through creative campaigns, media planning, and marketing strategy. With a focus on impactful messaging, it strives to deliver visibility and engagement for local to regional clients...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Digital Marketing
    • Public Relations
    • Show more
    Location
    Stockton, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Richard Hale is the founder of Hale Web Development, Richard Hale Media, and TeachingonlineBusiness.com all platforms that are dedicated to helping you grow your business...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Charleston, West Virginia
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Chula Vista SEO Services | Ileana Kane Marketing

    Ileana Kane Marketing is a multi-service internet marketing agency in Chula Vista that creates web marketing strategies for entrepreneurs and companies throughout California. We specialize in creating a powerful online presence for a wide range of businesses by developing powerful marketing campaigns and...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Social Media Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Chula Vista, California
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Wyant Simboli has 30+ years of experience partnering with companies to define their story, structure their brand, and inspire their audience...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • Video Production
    • Show more
    Location
    New Haven, Connecticut
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • IT Solutions. Redefined.

    Partnering with 100+ Fortune 500 companies and mid-sized firms across industries, experience the best in class, uniquely customized and scalable solutions...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • IT Services
    • IT Compliance Solution
    • Staff Augmentation
    • Show more
    Location
    Franklin Township, New Jersey
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
  • Real Value Through Information Technology.

    Marathon Consulting is a Virginia Beach based, locally-owned Information Technology services company serving businesses of all sizes across the country. Marathon offers a wide range of IT services, including custom application development, data solutions, CMS design and development, and many more...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Cybersecurity
    • IT Services
    • Accounting
    • Show more
    Location
    Virginia Beach, Virginia
    Number of Employees
    250 - 499
  • CarbonIsle is a team of web experts

    CarbonIsle focus on the total customer experience. As a team of web experts, we are proud to be able to deploy strategies that can make a difference in your business, no matter its size. Through high-quality creative work, optimization and digital marketing strategies implemented across multiple channels, we...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Topeka, Kansas
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Interactive Web Development Agency

    Grind Interactive helps businesses establish and maintain a strong online presence through professional website design and development, online marketing, and ongoing maintenance and support. Our team of experienced designers, developers, and digital marketers will work with you to create a website that...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • WordPress Website Design
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Varna, Bulgaria
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $50/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Websites & Branding to position businesses as their market's 1# choice.

    At Flare Web Development, we think that many businesses have excellent products and services that go unrecognized. Untapped income is being lost due to a lack of awareness and planning. Through our result-driven branding, website, and marketing, we help businesses to best represent themselves. As a...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Digital Marketing
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Lakewood, New Jersey
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $125/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • Let's Digitalize Businesses!

    Digital Ninja strives to push the boundaries of today's technology and business innovations. We believe in boldness and excellence in providing top-notch experiences for customers while maintaining integrity. Talk to us today!...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • CRO
    • PPC
    • Show more
    Location
    Bucharest, Romania
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Your Digital Marketing Destination

    Ready to catapult your South Florida business into the digital stratosphere? Our matchless and motley crew of web designers, SEO experts, marketers, and developers are here to ensure take-off! From developing dynamic WordPress sites that capture attention at first glance all the way through managing intricate...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • SEO
    • Web Design
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Hollywood, Florida
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
  • WordPress Development That Captivates the Audience

    At Flip Flop Freelance, we design and develop professional, personalized WordPress websites that are budget-friendly, adaptable, and distinct to your business or organization. Our expertise lies in serving small businesses and non-profit organizations, providing you with personalized attention that...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Digital Marketing
    • Show more
    Location
    Lynnwood, Washington
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Get noticed and grow your mission!

    Make your mission impossible to ignore with Sunday Roast! A full-service design agency that works alongside purposeful businesses and not-for-profits, we make sure you’re heard loud and clear. Whether it's a grassroots effort or an expansive campaign - let us help spread the word for real, lasting impact...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Kawartha Lakes, Canada
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • Top-Notch Web Dev, SEO, and Mobile Apps

    Let Graphix Development help your business reach its fullest potential! Our experienced team specializes in providing attractive website designs with reliable hosting, along with mobile app development for both iOS and Android. We also offer expert advice on Google Ads campaigns to ensure you get a high...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Lisbon, Portugal
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Building High-Converting Websites

    Small agency Nine Planets was founded in 2005, working with and promoting small businesses is something we enjoy. A well-designed website puts the focus on the content and enhances the effectiveness of your message...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Web Design
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Eugene, Oregon
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Ascend to Excellence: Where Innovation Meets Exceptional Service!

    Oxsome, a digital marketing agency, delivers websites that transcend visual aesthetics to provide tangible and impactful results. With a focus on creating online platforms that function as efficient conversion machines, Oxsome's commitment extends to continuous refinement for enhanced business success. Since...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Social Media Marketing
    • SEO
    • Web Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Bloomington, Minnesota
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
  • Real-world Web and Digital Marketing Solutions - CGain Web Design & SEO

    CGain Web Design & SEO is a web design and development agency based in Blackpool, UK. Their creative and technical expertise helps businesses improve their online presence and drive their business forward...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Content Marketing
    • SEO
    • Show more
    Location
    Blackpool, United Kingdom
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Web & Content Agency

    We began developing websites and experimenting with content as the web grew, pushing the envelope to produce work that was both sincere and entertaining...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Web Design
    • Branding
    • Show more
    Location
    Teneriffe, Australia
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Designing Unique Content

    We are a creative agency with roots in Singapore that was quickly won over by the digital world...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • SEO
    • AI Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Singapore, Singapore
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Think Big. Think Tree.

    Think Tree Studios, headquartered in Denver, is a frontrunner in innovative website and mobile app development. Its team of experts collaborates closely with clients to bring ideas to life through meticulously designed and highly functional digital solutions. With a commitment to excellence, Think Tree...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • IoT
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Denver, Colorado
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
  • Leading Digital Product Company

    Our knowledgeable teams aid innovators in making ideas a reality...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Software Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Budapest, Hungary
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • Android & iPhone Application Development

    We are developing specialized software and generating contented users...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Software Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $199/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • UK-Based Software Development Company

    We create software that is completely responsive and specially designed to work with your existing systems...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • Software Development
    • Show more
    Location
    London, United Kingdom
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $149/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • All-encompassing IT software services

    We offer all-encompassing IT software services. We have worked with a number of startups across the world to turn ideas into real businesses...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Web Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • Cloud Consulting
    • Show more
    Location
    Surrey, Canada
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • Akhter Studios - Custom solutions that fit your ideas and vision perfectly

    As Akhter Studios, we are an experienced end-to-end software development studio with a proven track record of delivering hundreds of products on time, on budget and with 100% customer satisfaction. Our stellar team of talented young and experienced professionals is obsessed with achieving the highest levels...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Software Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Show more
    Location
    Almaty, Kazakhstan
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $50,000 & Up
  • Ruby on Rails Experts

    We are the tech team responsible for the success of the best startups in Europe...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Software Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Cloud Consulting
    • Show more
    Location
    Lodz, Poland
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $1,000 - $10,000
  • Promising a next gen mobile experience

    Appolica is a leading mobile application software development company that has worked with many startups and established brands, such as KBC, Tide, PostBank, OnTheMarket, AT&T, and more. We take pride in our portfolio of successful projects and stand out by putting our hearts and souls into each product we...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Web Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Sofia, Bulgaria
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • MedTech oriented product and software development

    With over 14 years of experience, we design and develop software aligned with FDA, HIPAA, and ISO 13485 standards, focusing on digital health devices and services.We believe in our responsibility to support healthcare systems worldwide, and we help develop web and mobile apps for medical IoT devices that...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • Software Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Krakow, Poland
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $99/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $25,000 - $50,000
  • Leading Mobile & Web Development Experts

    Our area of expertise is developing mobile applications, and we have created more than 60 apps in 15 different nations across more than ten different industries...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • UI/UX Design
    • Web Design
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Alexandria, Egypt
    Number of Employees
    100 - 249
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000
  • High-Quality in Web & Mobile Dev

    Since 2003, we have worked with hundreds of businesses worldwide as a web and mobile development team, consistently winning awards for our ability to create ground-breaking solutions...

    Top Services:

    • Web Development
    • Software Development
    • eCommerce Development
    • Mobile App Development
    • Show more
    Location
    Santo Tomé, Argentina
    Number of Employees
    Under 49
    Average Hourly Rate
    $49/hr
    Minimal Budget
    $10,000 - $25,000

Why companies trust DesignRush

Every agency is independently vetted before it can be listed or ranked

1

Identity Check

We verify businesses and reviewer LinkedIn profiles for integrity.

Agencies vetted
131,380+
2

Portfolio Review

We review agency work, case studies, and results to confirm skill.

Applicants rejected
48%
3

Ongoing Audit

We monitor listings regularly; outdated agencies are removed.

Agencies verified
21,597

Some agencies pay for sponsored placement, clearly labeled and held to the same vetting standards.

See how rankings and monetization work.

Frequently Asked Questions About Website Development Companies

What tech stack do website development companies often use?

Website development companies use a wide range of languages, frameworks, tools, and technologies to design and engineer digital solutions. These include: 

  • Front-end development: HTL, CSS, JavaScript, Tailwind, React, Angular, Vue.js 
  • Back-end: Node.js, Python, PHP, Ruby, RESTful APIs, GraphQL 
  • Database: PostgreSQL, MySQL, Microsoft SQL, MongoDB 
  • Cloud: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform 
  • DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, Git, Jenkins 
  • CMS: WordPress, Drupal, Joomla, Webflow 
  • eCommerce: Shopify, Amazon, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Adobe Commerce

How are website development companies using AI?

Web application development companies are using AI to improve the software development process, provide better user experiences, and implement advanced features and functions.   

For instance, developer teams are using AI assistants to streamline routine coding tasks, generate documentation, and automate testing. In doing so, they experience up to 50% higher productivity.  

Additionally, custom website development companies may be leveraging AI-driven analytics to identify drop-off points and friction in user journeys. They may also be implementing AI-powered recommendation engines and smarter search features for a more personalized user experience. 

What is the difference between templates and custom website development?

Template websites use pre-built themes and components (e.g., designs, layouts, and features), making it more affordable and faster to build. While these allow some level of customization, it is often limited to the platform or chosen theme. 

Conversely, custom website development tailors the digital solution to client requirements to match brand standards, user journeys, integrations, and performance and security needs. 

Below is a cost-benefit analysis: 

 Website templateCustom website development
Benefits
  • Lower upfront costs and faster time-to-market 
  • Built-in functionality (e.g., contact forms and galleries), making it easier to launch with little technical skills 
  • More control over performance, scalability, and security architecture
  • Stronger brand differentiation 
  • Tailored user experience for your customers 
  • Advanced functionality and features  
Considerations
  • Limited flexibility and customization 
  • Higher chances of having look-alike websites 
  • Costs can increase over time due to paid plugins and themes 
  • Potential scalability and security concerns
  • Higher upfront costs 
  • Longer delivery time 
Best for
  • Landing pages and small marketing sites
  • Startups that want to quickly establish their online presence or validate demand 
  • Organizations operating in highly regulated landscapes 
  • Businesses where brand, conversion, or long-term scalability are strategic priorities

How do I evaluate a web development company if I don't have deep expertise in this field myself?

To evaluate a prospective web development company, focus on things you can verify without technical knowledge: visit 2-3 sites they've actually built and test them yourself on your phone for speed and broken links, then call one past client directly (not just read testimonials) to ask if deadlines were kept.

Before signing anything, ask who owns the code and domain when the project ends, and get a written quote listing exact deliverables.