Choosing A Web Agency. 10 Things To Consider.
By Neil Kilgallon on Tuesday, 19 September 2023
Creating a brand new website or redesigning an existing one is a significant commitment in terms of company resources and money. It's important to ensure you choose the right web design agency from the outset. Here at ID Studio, we've lost count of the clients who came to us after a disappointing experience with a London web design agency. A testimonial from a previous client confirms this point.
‘After having a nightmare experience with a previous web design agency, we nervously agreed to start again. The whole process could not have been more different. Awesome work guys - we can't thank you enough!’ Leigh Roger.
Past client reviews can highlight the agency's work ethic and reliability of digital services.
Web Design London Selection Considerations
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a web design London agency is their experience and expertise. Look for an agency that has been in business for several years and check out their portfolio to see their previous web design projects. Looking for a web design agency that keeps up with the latest technologies and trends is important. A good London web design agency should know the latest programming languages, tools, platforms and frameworks. Furthermore, ensure they have a team of experienced web and graphic designers and web developers who can provide the highest level of creative and technical expertise. This balance of web design services will give you the attributes needed to deliver a professional web design solution.
Web Design And Development Process
A good creative web design agency will have a comprehensive approach to website design, starting with a discovery phase and working through to an ongoing maintenance agreement and a digital marketing strategy. They should also provide regular progress updates throughout the project so that you can keep track of its progress and provide feedback.
What Makes A Good Web Design Team
You should consider the following when deciding on a web design agency:
Website Design Team Expertise
Ensure the agency has a versatile team mix. Capable of handling diverse web design tasks, excelling as a creative website design agency whilst delivering a high level of front-end and back-end development services.
Credibility
Look for who the web design agency has previously worked with. At ID Studio, our London web design agency has worked with many great clients (META, Ralph Lauren, The Prince's Trust, Crown Agents Bank, Holiday Inn, DHL, NHS, Zenith Bank and Steven Bartlett) across most business sectors. Client testimonials and reviews can also speak volumes about an agency's reputation.
Innovation and Creativity
Look for an agency whose web design team brings unique ideas and creative solutions for web projects to the table. Consider the agency's past work to understand its style and capabilities.
Responsive Web Design
The agency should be proficient in creating responsive designs that work seamlessly across mobiles, tablets, laptops and desktops.
Website Development
Ensure that the web design agency has an exceptional web development programming team with experience in delivering the functionality your website and end-users require. Some agencies are tied to specific technologies, platforms or content management systems which can lead to complications. At ID Studio, web design London we work with multiple platforms and prefer to suggest the solution that is the best fit for your project.
Certain bespoke websites, eCommerce or enterprise business applications may require more specific development services. You will need to delve deeper into the development capabilities of the web agency to ensure they are technically capable. The agency should be proficient in the technologies you will need for your project. This may include languages like JavaScript and frameworks like Laravel or React.
Ensuring that the agency follows the industry's best practices and web standards to create websites is also important.
SEO Knowledge
An understanding of SEO is essential in today's digital marketplace. The web design company or agency should be able to ensure your website is built to maximise SEO exposure.
Communication and Project Management
A good web design agency should be able to communicate effectively, keeping you informed and up-to-date throughout the design and development process. At ID Studio Web Design your dedicated project manager will use Monday.com to communicate throughout the web design process.
Pricing Structure
Understand the digital agency pricing model. It should be clear and transparent. Generally speaking, you pay for what you get. If you want a high-end website, you must allocate a suitable budget so that the web design agency can spend enough time and allocate enough designers and developers to create something special for your end users.
Timeline
The agency should provide you with clear timelines and milestones. You should be able to review and sign off the project in set stages, i.e. wireframe planning, design, front-end coding and back-end development.
After-Sale Support
Post-launch support is crucial for managing updates, troubleshooting issues, and maintaining website performance. We don't tie you into long website maintenance contracts. You can use us on an ad-hoc basis, as and when required, or place us on a monthly retainer to ensure guaranteed hours and response times all our websites. Any reputable web design London agency will offer effective post-launch support.
Top Questions To Ask A Web Design Agency
Before choosing a web design agency, it is important to ask questions. Here are some of the key questions you should be asking:
What experience does your creative web design agency have within my business sector?
Can you provide me with examples of previous web design client projects?
Do you offer creative brand design?
What programming languages, frameworks and platforms do your developers use?
Are there any restrictions when building our website?
Who will provide the website copy?
Can we see examples of your previous work?
Can you share some case studies of previous website design projects and client references?
Do you do all the work in-house or outsource elements of it?
What web standards will you follow?
Who owns the copyrights to all the completed works?
What content management systems do you work with?
What are your provisions in regard to website and data security?
Do you have an SEO expert on the team who can optimise my website for search engine ranking?
How much involvement will I have during the website design and development process?
What is included in your maintenance and support package?
Do you offer digital marketing services?
Are the project costs fixed or open-ended?
By asking these questions, you can narrow down your list of web design agencies to one that can deliver the website you need. Doing your due diligence will ensure that your web design project succeeds.
Choosing A Web Design Agency Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right web design agency is a fundamental decision that can significantly impact your brand identity and business's online presence. Prioritise an agency with diverse skills, including creative brand design, front-end and back-end development capabilities, an understanding of SEO, and a strong track record of previous work. Creative and innovative approaches to web design and a firm grasp of responsive design are also crucial.
Look for an agency that is transparent with their pricing models and provides clear timelines, such as our London web agency, ID Studio. The agency should also offer effective post-launch support and maintain open lines of communication throughout the project. Before settling on an agency, be sure to ask key questions regarding their experience, work process, technical capabilities, and SEO expertise.
By thoroughly vetting your options and asking the right questions, you can ensure that you partner with a web design agency to deliver a successful website, that meets your business goals and provides a seamless experience for your end users.
