What to Look for When Hiring an Agency to Build Your New Website

So, your company has finally decided it’s time for a fresh new website. Awesome! But let’s face it – getting everyone on the same page about what to do next can be tricky. Should you go with a do-it-yourself site builder like Wix or Squarespace, outsource the job to a freelancer, or hire a full-blown agency?

If you’re reading this, I’m guessing you’ve decided to go with the agency route. Smart choice! But before you dive in here are a few key things to consider when picking the right team for the job.

1. Check Out Their Previous Work

Take a good look at the websites they’ve built before. Do they look polished? Do they work smoothly on mobile? (Don’t forget, most people are browsing on their phones these days!) If you’re feeling tech-savvy, run some tests on those sites – tools like Screaming Frog can help you find SEO or page speed issues, and Google’s PageSpeed Insights will show you how fast (or slow) they load. Keep an eye out for missing metadata or sluggish page speeds, as these can seriously hurt your site’s performance and ranking in search engines.

2. The Team is Everything

It’s not just about what they’ve built – it’s about who’s building it. Ask to meet the key players on the agency’s team before you commit. You want to know who’s responsible for bringing your vision to life. Pay attention to how they react to your ideas and requirements. Sometimes there’s a gap between what the salespeople promise and what the actual production team can deliver, so make sure everyone’s on the same page from the start.

3. Make Sure They Know Your Tech Needs

Does your company have different departments with different needs? Make sure the agency understands what each team cares about. For example, your marketing team will want to know about the SEO tools being used, while the sales team will care more about CRM integration for leads and form fills. Clear communication with the agency on these points will save you a lot of headaches down the road.

4. Going Above and Beyond

You don’t just want a basic website; you want something that stands out. Make sure the agency is committed to going above and beyond, especially when it comes to accessibility, privacy, and security. These aren’t just nice-to-haves – they’re essential for any professional website, and you want an agency that takes them seriously.

5. How Do They Handle Change?

If your project is on the larger side, you need to know how the agency handles change. Business needs can shift quickly, and a website project can take months to complete. Ask the agency how they incorporate change into the project lifecycle. You want to work with a team that can adapt on the fly and doesn’t crumble under pressure.

6. Trust is Key

Before you dive into the project, ask the agency for a clear timeline of deliverables – for both them and you. Building a website is a two-way street, and it’s important that everyone holds up their end of the bargain. Regular check-ins and sticking to deadlines will keep the project moving smoothly and prevent any surprises along the way.

Final Thoughts

These are just a few things to keep in mind when you’re choosing an agency. By picking a team that understands your business and can deliver on your goals, you’re setting yourself up for success. If you need help with the process – whether it’s issuing RFPs, managing the project, or anything in between – consider hiring a third-party consultant like Digital Retrospective to guide you through it. We can help make sure everything runs smoothly and stays on track.