There are many factors when determining how to choose who to work with to get your website done. Cost, the time in which they will take to complete your site, will they use a template or build you a custom site that's responsive or not, and what are your needs for the website.

Word of mouth plays a great role in choosing an individual or team that has a successful working knowledge of building for a demanding customer base.

Yes, it can be expensive if you want all of the bells and whistles, but that's a myth that it's always the case.

A trusted company that I work with is Intrepid Data, LLC. Located in Des Plaines, IL. They work fast, gives high quality, and are cost efficient. To be honest when most approach them they believe that they won't be able to afford them and that's far from the truth.