How To Choose A Web Design Agency (and how to make sure it's the right one for you!)

When you've found a web design agency, your first question should be 'Are they the right fit for my business needs?'

To determine this you need to know what your business or start-up requires. 

Do you need an e-commerce site to help you make sales directly to consumers?

How many pages does your website need?

Do you need somewhere for your portfolios to sit so professionals from other industries can find you?

Do your customers need to be able to make online bookings?

Or do you want someone to help you increase the functionality of your website? 

And... do you want someone local that you can sit down with or are you happy to work with someone remote. We have worked with clients all around Australia with offices on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane & The Gold Coast. However, reality is... in today's day in a age Zoom is a virtual office space that allows for one-on-one interaction no matter where your company is located. So the one-on-one interaction should be lower on your list.

Knowing what it is that you need and communicating this effectively will help ensure the designer can give you an accurate idea of the amount of money you'll need to spend to achieve your goal and result in a better outcome for your brand. Of course, if you need tips on what it is that you need to get your site working better for your business, a good design agency should be able to give you advice and support on this, too.

When it comes to an agency's skills, it all comes down to experience and professionalism. 

Web design companies should be able to clearly explain their process to clients. Whether you need a designer for one small project or you're looking to build a lasting relationship, finding an agency that listens is key. After all, you're handing over control to them to help you convey what your business is all about. 

They shouldn't just be great listeners. Your agency should be able to offer you a solution that challenges your ideas using their technical expertise. They should have ideas on how to increase the usability of your site and give you recommendations based on their extensive knowledge. They are the experts, that's why you've come to them. 

Also consider what kind of websites they've built in the past. Have they won awards for their work? Do they only work with specific industries or do they have the capabilities to build sites that attract all sorts of people? Do they work just with local businesses or do their websites get attention from people worldwide?

A web designer's biggest asset in their portfolio is their own website.

Consider the load speed, the quality of graphics, the general look and feel of the website and its structure. Is it easy to navigate or are you having trouble finding information quickly? 

The next step is to examine some case studies.

Check out Websites That Sell's portfolio here.

A great website design agency shouldn't just have 20 examples that all look the same because all businesses are different. Having a variety of website designs and styles shows they are open to listening to clients when it comes to strategy and appeal. 

Next, visit the websites of their clients to test the user experience. Also, investigate how they've helped their clients increase traffic and turn that into sales. 

If they fit enough of your criteria and you've gathered enough information to make a decision on a designer, get in touch. Organise a meeting, send an email or give them a good old-fashioned phone call. How they respond will likely help you make up your mind.

Use review sites to help you make your choice. If their clients are happy, it's a sign they will probably meet your standards, too. And don't forget to talk with friends and family for insight into their experiences. You might be surprised how many people have used a web design company to help them with their websites.

The first thing you might think of when it comes to updating your website or building a new one is, how much money is this going to cost? Once you have an idea of the amount of work involved in your project, your design agency will be able to give you an idea of the price. But you should not base your decision on the cost alone. 

If you want a conversion-focused website design, the cheapest web design agency may not be the best. Employing a web designer is an investment in your business. It's one of the most important. Your website is the cornerstone of your marketing strategy. Weigh up the ways in which they can help your brand and let this be the basis for your decision.