How to choose a website design company: 7 key considerations

simon • 14 July 2025

Looking for a website design company to build your brand? Keep these 7 key considerations in mind.



Person looking at floating blue digital interface screens with icons and charts

The priorities of small businesses are changing all the time. With the unstoppable rise of eCommerce and digital marketing over the last two decades, good website design is no longer a luxury – it's an essential.
The problem is that the web design market is flooded with competition. Finding the right company for you can feel like looking for a needle in a hay barn – and just as bad for the blood pressure.
What's more, for every reputable agency are a dozen start-ups that promise the Earth and sell you a pup.
So, how can you be sure you're working with the right web design company? Here are seven questions to ask before committing to an agency.

1. Are they experienced?

Some things in life can be faked. Experience isn't one of them.
This is partly because the digital landscape is changing all the time. What worked in 2020 may not work today. To maximise your chances of success, you need to work with an agency that's been around the block and knows the lay of the land.
To take just one example, you need an agency that's mobile-first. These days, the vast majority of people look for goods and services on their phones. Having a website that's not optimised for smartphones is the 2025 equivalent of a blurry billboard ad.
So, before you go with a web design agency, ask yourself if they have the experience to help your online presence grow. If the answer is no, you should look elsewhere.

2. Do they have time for you?

Big companies have their advantages – in particular, resources and fast turnarounds. But the bigger the company, the less chance you have to develop a strong relationship.
This matters because a web design company should put your business goals first. If you're just a number on an infinite spreadsheet, you're unlikely to get the special treatment your brand deserves.
The smaller the agency, the more communicative they're likely to be. This can reap dividends down the line as you build a relationship of trust.

Business hands shaking in a close-up handshake, with a dark blue suit sleeve and a white shirt sleeve.

This is especially important when your business changes tack. Can your web design agency adjust your website to reflect your change of direction? A small team of talented web designers are far better placed to do this than a faceless corporation.

3. Do their websites deliver a strong user experience (UX)?

Getting visitors to your website is only half the battle. Once there, they're only a click away from a competitor.
This means that keeping people on your page is vital. And the best way to achieve this is through strong UX appeal.
What this means in practice is a website that's easy to use, easy to navigate – and, above all, easy to make a purchase through.
Misaligned text, out-of-date opening hours and confusing sitemaps are just some of the gremlins that can sabotage your online brand. You want to make sure a potential customer has no reason to close the tab and shop elsewhere.

4. Do they write content for humans and SEO?

Every small business owner knows that search engines don't always work in their favour. You know the value of your services – but all too often, they get lost in a sea of search results.
The answer is good SEO – and good SEO means content that speaks to your target audience.
You need high-quality, well-written blogs and other online content that people want to read. This will drive would-be customers to your site and motivate them to keep clicking.
And when we say "well-written", we mean "written by humans, not AI". AI may be good for some things – but it doesn't have the linguistic sparkle and command of tone a talented copywriter has.

5. Do they have your business goals in mind?

Every small business worth its salt has a detailed business plan. But to paraphrase Robert Burns, the best-laid plans of mice and men can be derailed by poor web design.

Road closed sign on orange-and-white striped barricade against a blue sky

Perhaps you want to reach a new market. Perhaps you want to promote a certain product or service. Perhaps you want to make your mission statement more presentable online.
Your website should work for your goals. This won't be the case if you go for a faceless, one-size-fits-all company. Instead, you need a bespoke, responsive agency with the talent and dedication to pull it off.

6. Are they affordable?

Money too tight to mention? Trying to make your already stretched budget stretch? Then affordability is a key consideration when choosing a website design agency.
This is a major reason why shopping around and doing your homework is so important. If you go with the first agency you see, you may be paying through the nose for a substandard service.
Doing your homework involves communicating with the agency and asking the important questions. Are they transparent? Are their claims backed up by case studies and testimonials? Do they speak to you in sales jargon or like a fellow human being?
If it's tick, tick, tick, then you could be on to a winner. If not, you're wasting your time and money.

7. Do they work with a range of industries?

Some marketing agencies specialise in a single industry. If you work with an all-purpose web design agency, make sure they've worked with a range of industries.
Why? Because the business goals of a grain company, let's say, are wildly different from those of a luxury spa. The agency you work with should be able to understand your needs and reflect them back to you with tailored web design.
On a similar note, make sure they work with businesses your size. If you run a local fruit and veg delivery service, you don't want an agency that's only worked with big names like Ocado.
Are you looking for a web design agency in Yorkshire ? Or anywhere? Here at My Digital Hero, we provide affordable, mobile-first web design for businesses of all sizes and in all locations. Whether you're in Manchester or on Mars, don't hesitate to book a free discovery call .

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