How to Evaluate a Web Design Agency: 10-Item Checklist
You need a website.
At first glance, that task is deceptively simple. However, there is a lot of “behind-the-scenes” programming and graphic design that goes into creating a website that is both functional and visually appealing. Often, it’s these less obvious factors that can make or break a successful website launch, and that’s exactly why you need a competent web design agency in your corner.
What Does a Web Design Agency Do?
Beyond the obvious, our agency, CAP3:Proclaim, offers a host of services to complement web design. We’ve found that our clients are more successful when they engage in these services—such as social media management, search engine optimization strategy and content marketing services.
Why Should I Hire a Web Design Agency?
Let’s say, for the sake of argument, that you can build your own website—and do a good job of it. If this is something you can take care of on your own, then why hire a web design agency?
Because an agency like CAP3:Proclaim goes far beyond web design.
You could have the most wonderful website on the internet, but if no one is able to find it, not only do your efforts go in vain, but you miss a wealth of opportunities, whether that’s gaining new patients or securing more clients.
At CAP3:Proclaim, we understand the importance of being seen, and it centers around SEO (Search Engine Optimization). Through our extensive SEO services, we carefully analyze our clients’ website performances over time, making adjustments to help ensure they are scoring well in search engines like Google.
“Doing It Yourself” Is Not That Simple
What about website maintenance issues? Or troubleshooting? Are you prepared to consistently update any software? Where will you host your site?
Suddenly, “doing it yourself” becomes an overwhelming task with a lot of moving parts.
You need an agency that not only does web design, but goes the extra mile to provide the complete package of visibility, aesthetics and successful marketing.
But what criteria should you use when selecting a web design agency? We’ve compiled a useful list of 10 aspects you should consider.
Our 10-Item Checklist for Evaluating a Web Design Agency
1. A Great Portfolio
It goes without saying that the agency you select should have a track record of excellence. Pay careful attention to the type of clients they represent: Are they focused more on medical clients or do they have a mix from various industries? While awards don’t always tell the entire picture, they do serve as an objective measurement of excellence.
2. Client Testimonials
An agency that is dedicated to service will be able to back that up through the words of satisfied customers. Look for details that focus on responsiveness and excellence.
3. Expertise
How many years has the web design agency been in business? What experience do its employees bring to the table? We also recommend you examine the company’s efficiency in working with key technologies, such as WordPress, social media platforms and even customized “hard coding” when it is needed.
4. A Comprehensive Knowledge of Your Industry
Agencies wear many hats, and it’s not unusual for them to specialize in certain industries. We touched on this aspect a bit earlier, but we want to emphasize that it’s crucial that your web design marketing agency has in-depth knowledge of your business, regardless of whether it’s a medical practice or an industrial company. Discover how they target the right audience to bring success to their clients.
5. Knowledge About the Design Process
In order to select the right web design agency, ask about the research that goes into their design process. Ask if they use UX design (design that focuses on the entire user’s “journey”) and wireframing (a visual layout that gives the structure of the website) and how that has benefited other clients.
6. Ability to Customize Your Design
While template-based solutions do have their place, you also want a group that can customize the design when needed. Often, this provides greater flexibility.
7. Ongoing Support
Once the site is built, will you ever hear from your agency again? Or will they be continually by your side, offering support when needed? An agency that offers ongoing support can not only troubleshoot any potential problems, but can also update and maintain the website.
We encourage you to ask us about website hosting and ongoing support service plans.
8. A Deep Understanding of Your Brand
Your brand is not your logo, nor is it a catchy tagline to hang on a wall. Your brand is the essence of who you are—not just what you do. This philosophy centers around your vision and how you serve your customers…and why you rise above your competition.
At CAP3:Proclaim, we take time to get to know your company through detailed branding and message architecture that help capture who you are in a way that enables you to connect with your clients and potential customers.
9. Ethical Transparency and Reporting
What do we mean by “ethical transparency?” We mean that your agency should show your progress through accurate reporting. So many can easily manipulate numbers and information to make the numbers mean what they want—and this portrayal is not just inaccurate, we believe it’s unethical.
When you work with CAP3:Proclaim, you can rest assured that the progress reported in our Strategic Insights Reports accurately reflects your website’s performance and how our complementary marketing strategies are functioning. If one area is underperforming, we’ll pivot our marketing strategy to address it.
10. Post-Launch Support
When your web design and marketing agency has completed your website, do they offer support, or are they unavailable and ignoring your concerns? Creating a site is only part of a larger picture.
With CAP3:Proclaim, we never leave our clients alone in the sometimes confusing world of digital marketing. You can rely on active communication where we will address your needs in a timely manner.
See How CAP3:Proclaim Can Not Only Design Your Website But Place You in Position for Success
We’ve reviewed several factors to keep in mind when evaluating a web design and marketing firm. At CAP3:Proclaim, we take each of these factors very seriously, and you’ll find that we check all the boxes.
Are you ready to design your website and do so much more? Let us be a member of your team; we’re vested in your success. Simply contact us to get started.
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Source:
Forbes, “10 Traits to Look For Before Hiring an Agency,” https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/10/17/10-traits-to-look-for-before-hiring-an-agency/