How to choose the right web-design agency for your business

Choosing your web-design agency is an important decision – you need to know that your business is going to be showcased in the way you want.

A web-design agency doesn’t just work for you – it should work with you. To deliver the style, functionality, and content that you desire, collaboration between your agency and your business is paramount. Here are some of the key steps you should take to make sure that you’re choosing the right team to deliver on your objectives.

Think about your business goals

Every business owner has probably heard the same speech about SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) goals and how they are incredibly important for your overall business growth. Over 25 years of research by psychologists determines there is a strong link between conscious goals and success. This principle can be applied to your web design, too: before you even think about researching for an agency, define what it is that you want, from both a logistical and strategy standpoint, and you’ll be more likely to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Create a list of what you want to achieve from your website from a business perspective (for example, more conversions from your site), and then identify how you can achieve that on the technical side (conversion-optimised pages). Put this list on paper or in a digital document and keep adding to it as more ideas come to you. When you’re satisfied with the goals you want to achieve through your website, you can move onto the next stage.

Begin the online search: locally, and further afield

Now that you have your goals in mind, you should be able to approach agencies with a greater sense of clarity. If your goals list shows you that you really want to prioritise SEO, you’ll be more inclined to search for agencies that list SEO as one of their specialisms. There are a number of ways to find agencies:

  • Google search: A reliable method! Agencies will most likely be optimising their content specially for the Google search engine, so refine your search to the specifics. Are you searching for an agency near you, or one with a more nationwide reputation? A CRM specialist, or an expert in e-commerce?
  • Networking: If you’re making the most of free virtual networking platforms at the moment, let your contacts know that you are looking for someone to build you a website. Most likely, they will be able to vouch for a web developer that they know or have used in the past with good outcomes.
  • Facebook recommendations: This social networking platform allows users to ask for recommendations, so make the most of this feature by asking your friends and family – you’ll likely get some honest testimonials from those you trust.

Review their online resources

Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few agencies, take the time to research further. Look over their portfolio, case studies, website, and reviews. On average, businesses have 39 Google reviews, and 74% of local businesses have at least one, so make the most of them to get a clearer picture of the agency you’re considering. Evaluate what you do or don’t like about their work, take their testimonials into account, and build up a general score for them in your mind.

If you’re still not completely sure, reach out to your chosen agency! If they’re happy to help your company’s best interests, the agency may oblige by offering a quick, free consultation with you or send you more resources to look over.

What questions should I ask my web-design agency?

Once you feel you’ve made a solid decision and are ready to reach out to an agency, think back to the first step and consider your goals. This will help you come up with some relevant questions to check with the web developer, but here are a few general questions that are a good guideline:

  • Can I meet the team that would be working on my website?
  • Will you train me how to use my website?
  • Do you offer ongoing maintenance and security updates for the website?
  • Can I move my website to another hosting company if I don’t want to work with your company any longer?

 

These query suggestions are built upon best practice within our agency at Eonic: we put our clients first and will always ensure you have full communication with the team. We offer remote training sessions and prompt maintenance should any issues arise. Read our full blog on asking your web designer’s questions here.

At Eonic, we feel your web-design agency should be part of your team, not a disconnected entity. Therefore, we encourage you to set your goals, take your time, do your research – and above all, keep asking questions! 

Call us on 01892 534 044 or book a strategy call here