Startups ask for the cheapest option first. It is not a question about price.

Startup inquiries often follow a similar pattern, with a handful of requests that tend to appear in the same order during the initial ten minutes of contact. While these requests are reasonable, they don't always reflect the true needs of the founder. One recurring question, "What's your cheapest option?", frequently emerges before any details about the product have been shared.

This question is a signal of the founder's concern about risk rather than a simple price inquiry. Startups often operate with limited funds and need to find the smallest investment that could still be sufficient. The cheapest option that truly works is often a one-page document that accomplishes a single task. This page, rather than a costly website, helps the startup determine if there is demand for the product.

The second most common request is a deadline, such as a demo day, investor meeting, or trade fair. This date is usually fixed and immovable, making it challenging for agencies to deliver a fully developed site within the given timeframe. A finished, properly written page that has been tested with real users is more valuable than a nine-page site with placeholders.

This is because the earlier a functional product is delivered, the sooner the startup can gauge interest and determine whether to proceed. Asking about the cheapest option or a specific deadline does not necessarily indicate a desire for the lowest possible price or the fastest delivery. Instead, these questions reveal the founder's focus on managing risk and ensuring the project stays on schedule.

Budget constraints often push startups to opt for an assembled site on an existing platform rather than a custom-built solution. However, this choice comes with limitations, as it implies a ceiling on the product's potential. On the other hand, a custom-built product, though more expensive, offers more flexibility and freedom in terms of features and design.

The deadline is the only truly fixed constraint among the requests, and treating it as a preference can lead to subpar results. Most delays in project completion are attributed to the client's review cycles rather than the actual build process. When ranking on search engines becomes a priority, it is essential to understand that search engine optimization (SEO) is a gradual process that can take several months to show significant results.

A good build, which includes clean URLs, properly rendered content, fast page speed, and proper metadata, ensures that the website functions optimally and lays the foundation for future SEO efforts. Another common request is the development of a mobile app, often mentioned as a necessity for the startup's success. However, this request is typically made for prestige rather than functional reasons.

Many startups can achieve their goals with a well-designed website rather than an app. The cost associated with building a native app includes not just the development, but also maintaining two separate codebases for iOS and Android platforms.