Start with the operating model

Many WordPress proposals focus on design. The safer question is how the site will operate after launch. A good partner explains hosting, plugin updates, content editing, analytics, security, backups, and urgent support without forcing you to guess.

Questions to ask

Area Question
Ownership Who owns hosting, plugin licenses, analytics, and the admin account?
Migration How are redirects, content cleanup, and tracking checks handled?
Support What response time is included and what costs extra?
Training How will editors update pages without developer help?

Red flags

Be careful when a proposal hides maintenance terms, keeps accounts under the provider, or cannot explain how performance and accessibility basics will be checked. A polished visual presentation does not compensate for weak ownership terms.