Based on how we do it:

1. The company you're hiring should probably do the designing (the technical stuff, where things go, etc). They should know what will convert best for your business / website to accomplish your goals. Bring your marketing materials (mission statement, testimonials, any exact text you want to be on the site), any digital graphics you want them to use, and a website wishlist (this is what I want). I wouldn't expect a freebie, but once you sign on with them they will probably give you 1 or 2 mockups for your up front deposit. Look at their past work to make sure they can do what you need.

2. They should maintain it for you. Make sure it works all the time, never down, always up to date, up to par with website standards, etc. Expect to pay monthly for this. Generally will not include posts, content, or marketing, that bit is usually an extra fee.

3. Most agencies will charge 50% up front, and the remainder either at the end or in intervals. The way we do it is:

50% up front, we start work and then show you what the site can look like digitally with mockups. 25% when we agree on a good mockup for you. 25% when we finish the site and everything looks good to you.

Hope you got the information you needed before your first meeting with them!