How to Evaluate a Reliable Web Design Agency for Your Business
Updated February 2024
Creating an Online Presence for Your Business
Looking to create an impactful online presence for your business? Finding a reliable web design agency is crucial. With the vast number of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. However, making the right decision is essential to ensure your website looks visually appealing and performs optimally.
This blog post will guide you in evaluating a reliable web design agency that can meet your business’s specific needs. By following these steps, you’ll be on your way to establishing a solid online presence that drives success.
Why Selecting a Reliable Web Design Agency is so Important!
OK, you have decided that your business needs a new or redesigned website. You likely already have specific ideas about what you want or need on your new website. Maybe you have even started working on the content for your website.
So, what exactly comes next? Unless you plan to build your business website, you must find someone to design it. For most businesses, the logical choice is to work with a web design agency.
And this is where things frequently go wrong. Many business owners tend to rush through this part and regret it later. Designing and building a mobile-first website is a complex undertaking. Therefore, the better aligned your web design agency is to your business requirements and personal style, the better the outcome will be.
Selecting a reliable web design agency is like choosing your business lawyer, accountant, or other professional. First, you need to feel comfortable working with them.
It’s a Bit Like Dating, You Know!
Looking for a reliable web design agency is like going out on a first date. Maybe you are looking for a simple landing page or a small site. This is usually a quick project, like a passionate summer romance. When the project is finished, you go your separate ways.
But what if you want a long-term relationship with a reliable web design agency? It becomes more like planning to start a family together.
Of course, the above scenarios are at the extreme ends of your engagement with your web design agency. You will most likely ease into the relationship by building a mobile-first business website and seeing how that goes. Here are a few things to help you find your perfect date or web design agency.
How to Start Looking for a Reliable Web Design Agency
One way to start looking for a reliable web design agency is by asking your friends or business associates for any recommendations. A recommendation is constructive if one of them recently got a new website. Also, ask them if they would be willing to refer their service provider.
Another way to look for a web design agency is by looking at websites you like and checking who designed them. Then, look for a design credit in the footer or contact page. You can always ask the business if there is no listed web design credit.
Googling WordPress web designers or web design agencies will likely result in millions of search results based on your search criteria. And pretty much every one of them will offer similar things: timely delivery, budget-friendly, search engine optimization, cross-browser compatibility, etc.
A Few Words of Caution!
We recommend you take some of these promises with a bit of caution. Not all WordPress web design agencies provide all listed services in-house. And others are not very good at what they do; look at all the crappy business websites out there!
Here is a word of advice on where to look for your web design agency. First, of course, many business owners head straight to Craigslist. However, please be aware that most professional WordPress web design agencies do not list their services on Craigslist. The lack of reliable web design agencies leaves you with questionable amateurs.
Suppose you want to find your project’s best web design agency. In that case, we recommend you check out professional service directories such as Spona, Clutch.co, Expertise, and UpCity. You will find service providers like us on all three!
How to Evaluate a Web Design Agency
Many business owners don’t know what to look for in a reliable web design agency, making it harder for them to evaluate. While you may need to consider many more factors for your specific project, there are always the basics. We grouped them into three basic categories for evaluating a web design agency to make it even easier for you.
Skills
Specializes in Mobile-First Design
In 2024, mobile-first web design is essential! No matter what type of business or service you provide, your website visitors will use mobile devices at least some of the time.
According to Google, more than half of all searches originate on a mobile device. For most people, their iPhone is the preferred way to access the Internet. This simple fact means your site must look and function great on mobile.
Mobile-first design enables your website to adapt or respond to the size of a screen without losing its look and feel by focusing on how it looks on a small screen first. It is much easier to build a website for larger screen sizes. Be sure your chosen service provider focuses on mobile-first design standards and practices.
It is a Full-Service Agency
Most likely, your project will require more than one service. Maybe you need help with content strategy, copywriting, and editing. Building a new website is ideal to refresh your logo and add new graphic design elements. To open an online store, you need a range of e-commerce solutions.
In today’s competitive online marketplace, many businesses expect search engine optimization to be part of their project. In addition, once your website or online store launches, you may require website hosting and support services.
WordPress web design agencies usually offer this type of service since it requires a team of developers, designers, and marketing experts. Unfortunately, while it is not impossible, it is doubtful that you will find an individual service provider who is good at all these skills.
However, be aware of potential outsourcing of services. Always ask your web design agency if they perform all services in-house.
Uses a Content Management System (CMS)
The most fantastic new mobile-first website will not do you much good if you cannot quickly update it. A Content Management System (or CMS) that allows the business owner to update the site easily will simplify life.
Building a static HTML site means you must go back to the designer for any updates. Be sure to ask your Web design agency if they use a CMS and if so, which one. We recommend WordPress, but there are other options.
Can Handle Technical Requirements
Perhaps your project has a unique feature or particular requirement. Your web design agency must be proficient with the web technologies your project will require. We believe engaging a professional service provider who can provide everything you need is better than a jack-of-all-trades. So, be sure to mention any technical requirements in your evaluation process.
Understands Conversion
Many business owners fall victim to envisioning their website based on their expectations instead of their audience. Unfortunately, misguided expectations can lead to instances where design far outweighs content considerations. And that doesn’t work! A “pretty” website is pointless unless it engages and converts visitors.
Conversions are actions you want your visitors to take, such as filling out a form, clicking a link, or calling your business. Conversion elements are essential to web design because they help visitors engage with the site. Make sure you hire a web design agency that understands how to optimize your conversion rate.
Has Relevant Case Studies
Before you select a reliable web design agency, check out any available web design case studies. It can be beneficial to find out how they worked with a similar business to yours and the results they were able to provide.
Has References
When you evaluate your web design agency, learn a little about their past projects from their existing clients. Ask the agency for client testimonials and references and check them.
Ask clients whether they are responsive, on time, and within budget. Remember that some references may only be willing to provide general info. In that case, case studies may provide additional information.
Keeps Up with Trends
OK, let’s go through this together. You have decided to get a new site to be relevant. That means your web design agency should at least be familiar with all the latest web design trends. Not only will that help your new site appear fresh and up-to-date, but it will also help you avoid common web design flaws.
Style
Has a Great Portfolio That You Like
You most likely have some vision for your mobile-first website. And that includes what type of web design style appeals to you! However, suppose you want to make that vision a reality. In that case, it helps if your potential web design agency has a similar design style. You need to look at their website and portfolio for sure.
Ensure your web design agency’s overall design style matches your vision and expectations. That includes their website. Designers set in their way may not be willing to adapt to new ideas.
Others who are just starting may not yet have a well-developed eye for design. We have encountered many websites offering web design services with hideous websites.
Test out previously launched websites to ensure they are user-friendly, error-free, and suitable for their target market. Any professional website should pass the Mobile-Friendly Test and get at least a passing page speed score on Pingdom or GTMetrix.
If a web design agency failed to meet Google guidelines in the past, they would not likely do better in your case.
Substance
Cost and Budget Expectations
Let’s get this right out at the beginning. Whether you are looking for a brand-new website, a simple redesign, or a complete update of your e-commerce platform, you have a budget figure in mind.
And so does any reliable web design agency. The trick is to make sure these two sets of expectations line up. Considering your required options, functionality, and anticipated cost or budget is essential.
Here at PixoLabo, we always get a kick when we get a call, and the first thing the caller asks is: “How much for a website?” We tell them, “A Million Dollars! If you provide some additional details, it becomes one hell of a lot cheaper!”
Websites come in various configurations, can have one or hundreds of pages, and be simple bits of information or advanced online communities. And all of that comes at different price points, of course.
The “Ouch” Moment
Hiring a reliable web design agency comes at a cost. And that cost may be pretty high, based on your requirements. And the more services your web design agency must provide, the more it will cost. So here are some primary website cost considerations to help you understand better.
Of course, we all want the best possible deal, but the old “you get what you pay for” saying applies to WordPress web design. Of course, there are several free web design builders. For a professional business website design, expect to pay around $4000 and up for a custom site.
When investing this type of money into a site, you can expect better design and functionality unavailable in a free or low-cost theme or template. Unfortunately, once again, the cheapest quote is rarely the best.
Process and Timeline
All web design or other creative projects have a deadline or at least some preferred time range in which you would like to complete your project. But be aware of impossible delivery times. Unfortunately, many inexperienced service providers promise unrealistic delivery deadlines to gain business.
It does not matter how simple your mobile-first website design or redesign is. It is almost impossible for the design process (from concept to completion) to take less than three to four weeks. There will always be revisions, waiting for content, and many other unforeseen things.
Knowing upfront what the timeline and process will be will save you stress, delays, and potential extra costs later. Ask your Web design agency what the timeline and expectations for your project are. Be sure you can hold up your end of the bargain; we have seen many projects take longer because the client was busy with other priorities.
Customer Service Expectations
As you select a reliable web design agency, ensure the level of customer service and communication style matches your expectations. Sometimes it is less critical to get a perfect product than great support from your service provider.
Make sure you understand how your web design agency works with clients. For example, can you meet with them in person, or will communication be online only? Do they communicate by phone or email? What kind of response time can you expect?
It does not matter how fantastic a web design agency is. They most likely cannot meet your deadline if they cannot promptly respond to your calls or emails during business hours. Missed deadlines can cause significant problems for your business if your project is time-critical due to something like a product launch.
Communication Style
How an agency communicates is an indication of its customer service. Therefore, communication skills are as critical as web design and coding skills. You may find the most incredible web design agency ever. Still, your project is headed for trouble if they don’t communicate well initially. You can quickly evaluate their communication skills through initial calls, emails, and project proposals.
Suppose your web design agency uses bad grammar or has spelling mistakes in their emails to you. In that case, your website will likely contain them as well. Do they articulate issues well? Can they translate complicated technical jargon into layman’s terms? Are they responsive to your needs and promptly respond to your messages?
Once again, communication is a two-way street. If you want your web design agency to communicate effectively, you must be willing to do the same. Many projects linger and fall behind schedule because the client did not respond promptly.
Therefore, it helps establish some communication guidelines and expectations at the beginning of a project.
Respect for The Client
As a business owner, you know your business better than anyone else. Sharing your insights is extremely valuable for the overall design and development process. When you interview designers, ensure they listen to your ideas and respect you as the client.
Sure, they are the “creatives,” but you are paying the bill! So, your voice needs to be heard. But remember, this doesn’t mean that you don’t need the input of your web design agency.
Willing to Provide Suggestions
On the other hand, any reliable web design agency should be able and willing to share its ideas. You are hiring them as professionals to design and build a critical part of your business success: your online presence!
You don’t want a “yes man/woman.” You want a creative partner to bring your company’s online presence alive. If your agency blindly agrees to everything you say, they are not interested in your business success but in your check.
Once again, these things tend to go both ways. Remember, you are engaging a web design agency for professional advice. At the very least, you should listen to their advice and recommendations.
Of course, you don’t have to follow every bit of it. None of us follow everything our doctor recommends either, do we? But if your standard response to any suggestion from your web design agency is “That won’t work for me!” why are you talking to one in the first place?
Social Media Presence
Make sure to check your web design agency’s social presence. We recommend you look at X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and Facebook. Suppose you are interested in more samples of an agency’s work. In that case, you may also want to check their Instagram and Pinterest profiles.
While this does not indicate design skills, social media profiles can reveal how trustworthy and authoritative a web design agency is. Check to make sure they update relevant content regularly, their profiles are complete with all info, and their followers or likes count seems reasonable.
Choosing a Reliable Web Design Agency
In conclusion, choosing a reliable web design agency is a critical decision that can greatly impact the success of your business. As you would carefully select a lawyer or accountant, you must feel comfortable and confident in your partnership with a web design agency.
By following these tips, you can effectively evaluate potential agencies and make an informed decision. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and take the first step towards creating a powerful online presence for your business.
Finding a Reliable Web Design Agency
Are you unsure how to create a successful business website for your company or product brand? Our award-winning team will happily help you launch your online presence and grow your business. But first, look at our portfolio and read our case studies.
Then, if you believe we are a good fit for your web design needs, reach out to us! We offer a full range of consulting and design solutions for businesses and product brands.
Why not get started by requesting your free estimate?
Contact us to learn more about our mobile-first business web design services. Our team can determine what type of website will best support your business objectives and build it for you.
Who Built Your Business Website?
Did you build your website? If so, how did that go for you? Or did you engage the services of a reliable web design agency to build your online presence? How did you evaluate your web design partner?
Please leave your comments below so our audience can benefit. And help other business owners get a better business website built by a reliable web design agency by sharing this post with them!
For more content relevant to your business or product brand – check out the range of articles on our web design blog. (This one, explaining why DIY web design is a bad idea, is an excellent place to start!)
Thank you! We appreciate your help to end bad business websites, one pixel at a time!
By PixoLabo
Not Your Average WordPress Web Design Agency
@PixoLabo