Start with the work, then compare the price
A number has little meaning without the scope behind it. Write down the business goal, the pages or campaigns required, who provides content and approvals, and what a useful result would look like. Ask each provider to explain assumptions and exclusions so proposals can be compared on the same basis.
Project fees
A defined project fee can suit a website, a brand system or a campaign launch with clear deliverables. Confirm page count, integrations, revisions, milestones, testing, handover and what happens when the scope changes. Hosting, software subscriptions and future edits may be separate costs.
Monthly retainers
A retainer can make sense when work continues each month, such as SEO, content or social management. Ask what activities and deliverables are included, who approves them, how performance is reviewed, what access you retain and what happens if you end the agreement. A retainer should have a useful rhythm, not merely a monthly invoice.
Hourly and flexible work
Hourly billing can fit uncertain discovery, troubleshooting or occasional support. Ask for an estimate or spending cap, the rate for each role, how time is recorded and when you will be notified that more work is needed. An inexpensive hourly rate does not always mean a lower total cost.
Performance-based arrangements
If fees depend on leads or outcomes, agree on definitions and attribution before signing. What counts as a qualified inquiry? Who owns the ad account and creative? How are duplicate or spam leads treated? No agency controls every factor behind a sale or a search ranking.
What ThynkUnicorn proposes
We prepare a project-specific scope after reviewing your business, existing site and priorities. The proposal should identify deliverables, responsibilities, revisions, ownership and any ongoing support. See our published starting prices for common scopes. We do not promise a search ranking. For a website-specific brief, read what affects website design cost in Guelph, then tell us about your project.