React is a UI library — fast, flexible, and unopinionated. Next.js builds on top of React to add routing, SSR, SSG, API routes, and image optimization out of the box. Our rule of thumb: if you're building a standalone SPA or a component library, stick with React. If you're building a production web application that needs SEO, fast page loads, or a backend API layer, Next.js is almost always the better call. It's the framework we default to for 90% of our client projects.

Cost is driven by three factors: complexity, design fidelity, and ongoing maintenance. A basic landing page can be done in 2–3 days and costs ₹5,000–₹15,000. A multi-page business website with custom design runs ₹30,000–₹1,20,000. A full-stack web app or SaaS product starts at ₹2,50,000 and scales with features. Red flags: agencies quoting ₹5,000 for 'everything' are usually using templates with zero customisation. Always ask for a breakdown — design, development, content, and hosting are separate line items.

The seven signs: (1) Page load over 3 seconds — you're losing 40% of visitors before they see anything. (2) Not mobile-responsive — 70%+ of traffic is mobile in India. (3) No HTTPS — browsers warn users before they even land. (4) Unclear CTA — visitors don't know what to do next. (5) Stock photos everywhere — instant trust killer. (6) Outdated copyright year in the footer — signals neglect. (7) Broken contact forms — you're losing leads in silence. Each of these is fixable in under a sprint.

Our organic playbook has five moves: (1) Publish one high-intent SEO article per week — target problems your customers are already Googling. (2) Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile — free, often ignored. (3) Post case studies on LinkedIn, not just announcements — results get shares, product updates don't. (4) Partner with adjacent freelancers who serve your target customer — they refer, you refer back. (5) Build a 'Start Here' email sequence for new subscribers — it converts 3–5× better than a broadcast newsletter. Clients following this playbook consistently hit 100 customers inside 90 days.