How to choose the best web design agency [with an overview of proposal types]

Your website is often the first impression customers have of your business, so you want to make it count. 

How? By choosing the best web design agency you can for your project.

The agency web design is slightly different from managing your own team of designers. In many ways, it’s easier, provided you did some proofing work beforehand. This is what this article is about. 

As a full service web design agency, we know the business from the inside out and would like to offer some guidance.

Want the best web design agency? Here’s what to look for

Do you already have a project in mind? If you want to choose the best web design agency for your specific case, the following factors will help. 

However, remember to take your time, do your research, and ask plenty of questions.

1. Portfolio and experience

A web design agency's portfolio is a №1 reflection of their skills and expertise. Look for an agency that has a diverse portfolio that includes a range of projects across different industries - but also check about your specific industry! A good agency will for sure be proud to share their portfolio and case studies with you.

Think of this as the agency's resume. 

Look at their past work:

• Do they have a variety of styles? This shows flexibility.
• Have they worked with businesses like yours? Then they will understand your needs better.

2. Services

Consider the services you need from a web design agency. Do you need a simple website design, or do you require more complex services like e-commerce development, SEO, or content creation? Look for an agency that offers a range of services to meet your needs. 

A few things to go over:

• Can they explain technical terms in a way you understand?
• Do they use up-to-date technologies? This keeps your site future-proof.
• If you need special features (like an online store), do they have experience with that?

3. Team and expertise

A good web design agency will have a talented team of experts whose skills and expertise complement each other. 

Look for an agency with a team that includes both experienced designers and developers and project managers to oversee the project. Don’t forget the marketing, too!

4. Communication and project management

Effective communication is one of the best paths to a successful web design project. 

Look for an agency that has a clear communication process in place, including regular project updates, open communication channels (e.g., phone, email, Slack), and a good project management tool to track progress.

You want a partner, not just a service provider. 

Do they respond quickly to your messages? Also, are they clear about how your project will run?

5. Technology and tools

Remember, a good-looking website is just the start. It needs to work well too! 

A good web design agency will stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and tools. 

Look for an agency that uses modern web development frameworks (e.g., React, Angular), builders like Webflow, content management systems, and SEO tools (e.g., Ahrefs). 

You can even check for a professional Webflow web design agency, for example.

6. Reviews and testimonials

Check online reviews and testimonials from previous clients to get an idea of an agency's reputation and quality of work. 

This is like asking for references when hiring an employee:

• What do their past clients say about them?
• Try to find reviews on independent sites, not just their own website. You can look for reviews on Clutch, for example. 
• Ask for case studies. They show real results, not just pretty designs.

7. Pricing and budget

Consider your budget first, then look for an agency that offers transparent pricing. Some agencies, for example, offer very low prices, Be wary of that. It may indicate a lack of expertise or a rushed project. 

Cheaper isn't always better:

• Look for clear, detailed quotes. And no hidden costs!
• Consider what extra stuff they offer. Strategy advice or, perhaps, marketing tips?
• Think long-term. A well-designed site might cost more upfront but save money over time.

It's an investment in your business, not just an expense.

8. Company culture and values

A good web design agency will have a strong company culture and values that align with your business. 

Look for an agency that treats customer satisfaction, quality of work, and teamwork and collaboration as their priorities.

You'll be working closely with these people:

• Do their values match yours?
• Do you feel comfortable talking to them?
• Can you see yourself enjoying working with them?

A good relationship makes the whole process more enjoyable and often leads to better results.

9. Scalability and flexibility

The agency you choose has to have the ability to scale and adapt to your business needs. Look for a web design agency that can:

• Handle large and complex projects
• Adapt to changing project requirements
• Offer ongoing support and maintenance

Think about the future.

Can they handle your needs as your business grows? Do they have bigger clients than you? That shows they can scale. Can their designs and systems grow with you?

10. Red flags to watch out for

When selecting a web design agency, be wary of the following red flags:

• They display poor communication or unresponsiveness
• There’s a lack of transparency in pricing or project scope
• You are not offered a clear project management process
• They show an unwillingness to provide references or case studies
• There’s an overemphasis on sales rather than understanding your business needs

Proposal types in agency web design

When searching for the best web design agency for your project, one critical aspect to consider is how agencies present their proposals.

A well-crafted proposal clarifies the project's scope, timeline, budget, and the team's expertise. It also serves as a roadmap that details how the agency plans to meet your objectives. Understanding the components of these proposals can help you decide whether an agency will later fit your needs and expectations.

Let's explore the proposal types used by successful agencies based on insights from an experienced design agency founder.

For straightforward projects that don't require extensive detail, agencies might use a simple proposal format like a Notion document. 

This document summarizes your requests from initial calls, outlines the proposed solution, specifies the technology stack they'll use, and mentions the predicted timeframe. 

It also includes examples of relevant work and details about the team members assigned to your project, including how many hours they'll work each week.

For more complex projects, agencies often provide a more comprehensive proposal using tools like Google Slides and Google Sheets. 

These proposals start with an agenda and a brief overview of the agency so everyone on your team understands who they are, even those who didn't attend the initial meetings. 

The proposal summarizes the main goals of your project and lists expected improvements in bullet points, followed by detailed descriptions. It may also include an analysis of your competitors to show that the agency has done thorough research.

The solution section offers advice on the technology stack and presents relevant works from the agency's portfolio, building trust. A detailed timeline breaks down the project into phases like discovery, design, development, and testing. 

Each phase lists the tasks to be completed, the team members involved, their hourly rates, and the estimated number of hours they'll work. This transparency helps you understand how the budget is calculated.

For example, we often present multiple options to fit different budget ranges and are open to negotiation. Merge always strives to meet your expectations in product development, design, and budget.

Intricacies of choosing a Saas web design agency

If your project leans more into the SaaS zone, you need to focus on selecting a SaaS web design agency. All of the above recommendations still apply, but you also should consider a few extra factors:

1. Experience with SaaS projects. Look for an agency that has a proven track record of working with SaaS companies and understands the unique challenges and requirements of SaaS web design.
2. Expertise in conversion-driven design. The agency has to have experience in designing conversion-driven websites that meet the specific needs of SaaS businesses.
3. UX and UI design capabilities. Check out the agency's ability to create intuitive and user-friendly interfaces that simplify complex processes and workflows.
4. Integration with third-party tools. Assess the agency's experience in integrating SaaS applications with third-party tools and services.
5. Data-driven design. Look for an agency that uses data and analytics to inform their design decisions and optimize website performance.
6. Customer success stories. Review the agency's customer success stories and case studies to gauge their ability to deliver results-driven solutions.
7. Ongoing support and maintenance. A B2B web design agency should have the willingness to provide ongoing support and maintenance to ensure the website continues to meet evolving business needs.

Conclusion

Remember, a thoughtfully designed website is not just an expense but a long-term investment that can drive growth and success. 

If you are seeking a partner who embodies these qualities and is committed to delivering exceptional results, we invite you to consider our services. 

Our team is dedicated to designing perfectly customized web solutions for your business that meet and even exceed your expectations. Feel free to reach out to us to discuss how we can help.