Tips for Choosing the Right Web Design Agency

So, it’s time to build a website for your business, or update your existing site? That’s great! Wait, don’t be afraid! It’s going to be ok! These types of projects are a large (and sometimes nerve-wracking) undertaking, but finding and choosing the right web design agency to partner with will go a long way toward making sure the project is a success.

And yes, finding the right partner is a process in and of itself. Before starting the search, ask yourself these questions to start out on the right track.

1. What does my project look like? Be able to discuss what your website will need to do to be successful for your business. Do you just need to set up a simple site so customers can find and contact you? Do you need an e-commerce experience or digital booking for appointments?
2. What is my budget? Have a number in mind, because your agency will need to know what they can accomplish for you within it.
3. What are my current and future needs? You may be just in the market for a new website, but what about next quarter, or next year? Selecting an agency with the skillsets you may need eventually will help you set up a long-term partnership, which saves time for future you!

Related Content: Do You Need a New Website? Here’s How to Tell

Research Methods: How to Find a Good Web Design Agency

Now that you’re prepped, let’s get started on the search! As you start finding agencies you’re potentially interested in, compare them using the following criteria.

• What is important to them?
• What are their capabilities?
• How do they talk about their past work?

What Is Important to Them?

This doesn’t mean their flexible schedules or dedication to a green office (but if their ethos aligns with yours, even better!). What words and themes are common in describing what they do? They should focus on the user experience for the entire audience. Look for words like responsive design and accessibility—things that should be common across web design and development but, sadly, are not always considered. Do they talk about what informs the decisions they make? Is it industry experience? Have they been around long enough, and do they have examples to prove it? How do they use data to inform the experiences they’re creating? What types of data and how are they collected? If they aren’t discussing data, user experience, or responsive design at all, that’s a red flag.

What Are Their Capabilities?

Some agencies will focus solely on design and development. Others may also offer services in SEO, social media, PPC, video and photography, and strategy. Therefore, it’s important to know what you need from your partner (for this project and future ones). How do they build websites? Do they offer lower-cost options, like creating from pre-existing templates, or are they exclusively a custom web design agency? Do they offer set packages or do they custom fit their services for your budget and project?

How Do They Talk About Their Past Work?

Many agencies have beautiful galleries of their work. And although they say a picture’s worth a thousand words, when it comes to what to look for in a web design agency, the actual words are pretty important too! Look for notes or full case studies about the process they went through to arrive at their final solution. Do they have quantifiable results to show, like an increase in site traffic, decrease of page load speeds, or an uptick of form submissions? How about testimonials from clients that you can cross-check? This sort of documentation helps establish their credibility to create successful AND beautiful websites.

Interviewing Your Top Options

You’re almost done! Now, after all this work, how to choose a web design agency? Time to talk to the agencies you’ve shortlisted! Your list you made about your project and needs will come in handy here. What do the reps from the agency do when you talk about that list? Are they listening and asking thoughtful questions? They should be. Choosing the right web design agency should be the formation of a collaborative partnership, not a one-sided project to fulfill. Are they helpful and eager to find a creative solution for you that you’re comfortable and happy with? Watch out for agencies who don’t truly listen and try to get you to agree to a scope of work that feels one-size-fits-all. Choosing the right web design agency really comes down to this: select the team that is excited, knowledgeable, helpful, and ready to create a proven solution for your business.

Now to Throw Our Hat in the Ring

As you’ve probably realized, we are a full-service digital agency, meaning we can help you with your website project as well as many other things. Video production or paid media campaigns? We’ve got you! We’re ready and excited to discuss the ins and outs of your next project, so get in touch with us or call (231) 922-9977 to get the ball rolling!