By CloudMonkey editorial · Published · Updated
Editorial buyer guide; individual specialist review has not yet been recorded. Our evidence policy separates practical guidance from verified delivery results.
Compare the same brief
Give each supplier the same requirements: page types, content responsibilities, contact forms, integrations, accessibility expectations and launch deadline. Ask for once-off, monthly and usage-based charges separately, with VAT treatment stated. A website subscription and a custom application project should not be compared as if their scope were identical.
Write down what counts as an included update. Replacing a photograph, designing a new page and connecting an accounting system involve different work. Confirm revision limits, turnaround expectations and approval responsibilities.
Use a written comparison checklist
For each quote, record the supplier’s answer and the relevant contract clause. Treat a missing answer as unresolved, not as an included benefit.
- Who owns the domain registration, content, design files and source code?
- Can the site and its data move to another provider? In what format and at what cost?
- Who supplies copy, photography, privacy notices and product information?
- Are hosting, SSL, patching, backups and restore assistance included?
- What are the minimum term, annual increases, cancellation notice and final handover costs?
- What SEO deliverables are included, and how will they be measured without ranking guarantees?
Agree a launch acceptance test
Test the site on a small-screen device and with keyboard navigation. Submit a test enquiry and verify its delivery to the business, not only the success message in the browser. Check the main pages can be crawled and that redirects from an old site have been planned.
Use the current CloudMonkey pricing and website service pages for the commercial offer; this guide deliberately does not freeze prices or claim inclusions that may change. Ask for a written scope and identify who signs off launch.