Congratulations! You’re ready for a new website. A well-thought-out and beautifully designed site can be a game changer for a small business. However, the design and development process can also be stressful if you choose the wrong partner.
Getting a new website should be exciting, so find an agency that can guide you and streamline the process. While some considerations are top of mind when evaluating who to work with, such as cost and experience, other significant factors may not be as obvious.
Let’s discuss what to look for, particularly the benefits of working with a local design agency.
What Does a Local Web Design Agency Do?
A web design agency is responsible for creating your website – from concept to execution to ongoing maintenance. And while you want your site to be aesthetically pleasing, you’ll want to find an agency that takes a multi-faceted approach to web design, considering digital marketing, conversion, user experience, and ease of use for page editors.
Choosing the Right Web Design Agency
Working with a web design agency should be a collaborative and positive experience. You know your business and target market inside and out, and the agency you partner with should guide you on how to create a website that highlights your business while taking your customers on a journey that leads to action.
So what factors should you consider when choosing the right web design agency for your small business?
Communication
Communication is an essential element of any partnership, and web design for small business is no exception. Look for an agency that is communicative and responsive. You’ll also want a team that listens to understand your objectives, so they can deliver a site that meets all of your needs.
Working with a local web design agency enhances communication as you don’t have to worry about a time difference, and you can meet face-to-face when needed.
Agency Size
While there may be pros to working with a giant corporate agency, the large size can present challenges. While you gain access to the depth of resources available to them, you typically won’t experience the same level of customization, collaboration, or service you get with a local boutique agency. Plus, the big guys can be double or triple the hourly rate.
On the flip side, if you choose to work with a freelancer, one individual takes on all aspects of the design and development, and typically they won’t have expertise in all those areas.
A local web design agency provides the expertise, experience, and service you deserve.
Understanding Your Market
If you have a local target market, it may be best to have someone from your region building your website – particularly the copy and design. Nuances to each part of the country are best understood by those living in the market.
For example, someone living in the northeast may struggle to understand the challenges of a Texas summer. An agency based in the midwest won’t be able to authentically speak to living in a coastal region. And vernacular varies from region to region, which should be reflected in your page copy.
We realize you know your audience and business unlike anyone else, but at Square 205, we take on the challenge of becoming the content experts, second only to you.
In-House Execution
Some agencies may have expertise in one area, such as design, but outsource another, like development. Or they may contract with a designer who creates the page mock-ups. While the quality of work may be up to par, this model can slow down communication, delaying your deadline.
It also reduces the amount of collaboration between those executing the different elements of your website. Find out if the agency you’re partnering with has an in-house creative and development team to ensure ownership remains with one firm.
And About Cost & Experience…
While we know cost and experience are definite considerations, we have some advice on what to look for in those areas.
When evaluating experience, look for a portfolio of live website examples you can reference and navigate. Make sure the samples are in various industries and that the pages are beautifully designed and easily navigated.
When it comes to cost, extreme prices should be a red flag. If the quote comes in significantly lower or higher than other bids, it could indicate shoddy work or price gouging.
Interested In Working With a Local Web Design Agency?
Need more information on how to choose a web design agency? DesignRush has you covered. Their most recent design trends article covers the full checklist of what to look for in a successful partnership in just 10 easy steps.
Our team at Square 205 specializes in website design and development. From concept to launch, our focus is always on a site that appeals to the target while delivering an exceptional experience for front and backend users.
Our office is in the heart of Denton, TX, steps away from the historic courthouse. We serve small businesses throughout DFW, Texas, Oklahoma, and beyond.
If you’re ready for a new website, contact Square 205, so we can begin collaborating on a site that enhances your digital and local presence.
