A professional website quote should include the basics that make a site fast and readable by Google. That means sensible image sizes, clean page structure, editable titles and descriptions, a sitemap, redirects from old pages and a mobile check. Ongoing SEO work, such as keyword campaigns, new content, local search work and reporting, is usually separate.
The trouble starts when a quote says “SEO-ready” or “fast loading” without explaining what that means. You find out after launch, when the extra invoice arrives.
What should be included in a build price
Think of this as the foundation. It is part of building a site properly, not a premium marketing service.
Search foundations
- One clear H1 and logical headings on each page.
- Editable page titles and meta descriptions.
- Readable URLs and a sensible site structure.
- An XML sitemap and a robots.txt file that does not block important pages.
- Image alt text fields and internal links between related pages.
- Google Search Console connected or ready to connect, with access in your name.
Speed foundations
- Images resized and compressed before upload.
- Caching configured, where the platform and host require it.
- No unnecessary sliders, scripts or plugins added for decoration.
- A performance check on representative mobile pages before launch.
- An SSL certificate, so pages load securely.
Protecting existing rankings
If you are replacing a site, the quote should explain how old URLs will be mapped to new ones. Missing 301 redirects can strand pages that already attract visitors from Google. A redirect plan belongs in a redesign scope, especially if page addresses are changing.
What usually costs extra
Extra does not mean unreasonable. It means the work has a different job. A build makes the site capable of being found. SEO work makes it more competitive over time.
- Detailed keyword research across many services and locations.
- Writing new service, suburb or article pages.
- Google Business Profile management.
- Link building and digital PR.
- Monthly ranking, traffic and lead reporting.
- Technical audits of an existing large site.
- Specialist performance work for heavy ecommerce sites or complex integrations.
Those tasks can deliver real value, but they should be scoped and priced as their own work. If you want ongoing search growth, see our SEO Perth service.
How to read the quote
Look for named tasks, not adjectives
“SEO-friendly” does not tell you whether titles, redirects or Search Console are included. “Lightning fast” does not tell you what is tested or on which pages. Ask the provider to replace each label with tasks you can check.
Find out who supplies the words
A site can have tidy code and still rank poorly because its pages say too little. Clarify whether you supply the copy, the agency edits it, or the agency writes it from scratch. Search-focused copywriting is often a separate line item.
Ask what happens after launch
Speed can drift when new plugins, tracking codes and large images are added later. Ask whether any post-launch check is included, and what a later speed fix would cost.
Questions to ask before you sign
- Which SEO settings will be completed on every page before launch?
- Will you map redirects from my current URLs?
- Which pages will you test for mobile speed, and what result counts as acceptable?
- Who owns the Google Search Console and Analytics access?
- Which SEO tasks are excluded from this quote?
- What will an SEO plan cost if I want one after launch?
A clear provider will answer these without fuss. If the answers become vague, the “included” SEO may be a plugin installed with default settings.
Frequently asked questions
Does installing an SEO plugin mean SEO is done?
No. A plugin provides fields and settings, but someone still has to configure it and write useful titles and descriptions. It is a tool, not the work.
Can speed be guaranteed?
A designer can commit to tested build standards, but cannot fully control later content, third party scripts or hosting changes. Ask for acceptance checks on agreed pages at launch.
Should a website designer promise first page rankings?
No honest provider can promise a ranking position. Google decides rankings, and competitors keep changing their sites. Be wary of guarantees that sound certain.
Know what you are buying
Ask for the speed and search tasks in writing before the build starts. If you want ongoing visibility beyond those foundations, explore our SEO Perth service or book a discovery call.
