Ninety-four percent of users leave a website simply because of low-quality design. If you want your website to succeed, it must look good and be easy to navigate.
However, finding a web design agency can be a complicated task.
There are so many agencies out there, and each one promises to deliver high-quality work. How do you know which one to choose?
If you are wondering about the things you need to know before hiring a website design company, this short and simple guide is for you.
1. Experience and Portfolio
An experienced agency with a portfolio is likely to deliver quality work. And if you’re looking for a website design agency, it makes sense to look for one with a portfolio that includes similar projects.
This will help you get an idea of their work type and the quality of their output.
The best web design company should be able to provide you with an extensive portfolio. And if they can’t, it means they don’t have experience or they haven’t had enough projects to showcase their work.
2. Services Offered
A comprehensive web design agency should be able to offer a variety of services. For example, some agencies focus on:
- Web design
- Web hosting
- Maintenance services
- SEO
- Branding services
When you get in touch with potential agencies, ask them if they can provide the services you need. If not, don’t be afraid to move on.
3. Process and Timeline
Knowing the process and timeline helps to set your expectations and deadlines. A solid agency can walk you through their process and tell you how long it’ll take.
They should also be able to give you a realistic timeline for completion. This is important because it allows you to plan your business around their work.
You’ll know when they’re going to start and finish, which helps you stay on track. If an agency can’t provide this information, don’t feel obligated to work with them.
4. Responsive Design
With the exponential growth of mobile users, responsive design is a must. It ensures that your website looks just as well on a desktop computer as it does on a mobile device.
This is important because it provides your website with greater exposure to a wider audience. The more people that can view your website, the more likely you are to gain new customers.
Responsive design also allows you to compete with other businesses in your industry that have responsive websites. If you don’t have a responsive website, you will lose out on valuable traffic and sales opportunities.
5. Budget and Pricing
The costs of a website are reliant on all the features that you need. If you are looking for a basic website with just a few pages, then the costs will be minimal.
However, if you need advanced functionality and additional features, such as an online store, then expect to pay more.
The agency’s pricing should align with your budget. Ask for a detailed quote to avoid hidden charges. Remember that the cheapest may not be the best and vice versa.
6. Client Reviews and Testimonials
Always check reviews and testimonials from previous clients. It’s a good way to get an idea of what to expect from the agency. The reviews should mention:
- The quality of their work
- How easy it was to work with the agency
- If they were flexible and adaptive to your needs
If you can, ask for references from previous clients. This will help you get an idea of how they work and if they’re a good fit for your business.
7. Security
Security is a concern for all types of websites, especially with the rise of cybercrime and hackers. A website needs to be secure so that it doesn’t compromise the data of customers.
Ask your agency about their security measures and how they can protect your site. It’s also important to ask about their backup and recovery plan in case something goes wrong with the website. The agency should be prepared to answer these questions before you sign a contract.
8. Project Management
When building a website, the project needs to be managed well. This is especially true for websites that are large, complex, and have multiple stakeholders involved. The agency should be able to define the work, milestones, and deadlines for each stage of development.
A good agency will have a project manager who will take care of all the details from start to finish. They should send you regular updates and reports so that you don’t have to chase them for information.
9. Collaborative Approach
Choose an agency that values your opinions and input. The agency should collaborate with you on the project and make changes based on your feedback.
They should take into consideration your requirements and expectations and work with you to make sure that the final product meets your needs. Collaboration is key in the development and implementation of a website.
10. Ownership of the Website
Some agencies might keep some rights to your website even after the development and design. While this might be beneficial to the agency, it is not good for the client.
You should keep ownership of your website and all the rights associated with it.
This will give you more freedom and control over what happens to it. You should be able to edit it, add content, and change things around without having to get permission from the agency.
Talk to your agency about how they handle ownership of the website. Make sure their terms are clear to you. This will help avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Hiring a Web Design Agency Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
Choosing a web design agency doesn’t have to be a daunting process. There are a lot of things to consider, such as price, experience, and the quality of work. But by following these tips, you can make an informed decision on which agency is right for you.
BL Digital Designs is a full-service web design agency that can help you build your brand. Contact us today to get started!