How to choose a website development agency: Key tips

Artyom Dovgopol

When you pick an agency, you’re really choosing the people behind it. If they don’t get where you want to go, prepare for endless revisions and questionable results 😉

Key takeaways 👌

Introduction

So, you’ve got an idea. You want to launch a new product, revamp your website, or maybe expand your business. Naturally, you’ll want to find a team of developers who can handle it all for you, right? But here’s the catch: it’s one thing to hear an agency promise a “super cool” site, and quite another to actually get a working tool that helps bring in customers and boost sales.

So, how do you avoid getting stuck with empty promises? Let’s break it down and look at how to start the conversation with the right agency and, more importantly, what to look for when reviewing their portfolio.

Choose an agency without regrets

Reputation and Case Studies

First things first — you’ll probably want to check out the agency’s portfolio and client reviews. Sure, their portfolio might be filled with shiny logos and big-name companies. But if you can’t find any real client feedback, that’s a huge red flag. Sometimes, an agency might not have “celebrity” clients, but they’ve been working with small businesses for years and have solid, glowing reviews from entrepreneurs who’ve seen their websites bring in more sales. That’s the kind of thing that actually matters.

For example, there’s an agency that doesn’t have big-name brands in their portfolio but has worked with small businesses for over 10 years. Their portfolio might not be packed with big names, but their clients leave tons of reviews, saying how their websites helped increase sales by 20–30%. For a small business, that’s way more valuable than a few glossy prototypes from big-name clients.

Experience in your field

How important is it?
Sure, if an agency has worked in your industry before, they’ll probably get up to speed faster. But sometimes, bringing in fresh eyes from another industry can bring new, innovative ideas. The key is making sure the team is willing to learn your industry inside out and ask all the right questions.

Take this example: If you’re running a logistics company, and the agency has mostly worked on beauty salons, don’t be afraid to ask them how they’re planning to handle logistics-specific needs, like freight tracking, tariff management, or anything else that’s unique to your business. It’s essential that they understand your processes.

Don’t build an eternal website

A good agency will give you a clear, step-by-step plan — from design to coding to integrations and testing. If an agency says, “We’ll get it done quickly” but can’t provide any specifics on how it will unfold, well... prepare for delays and surprise costs.

I heard about a friend who hired a small studio that promised to finish their site in a month. Guess what? Six months later, they still didn’t have a finished product because there was no clear plan in place from the beginning.

Overpay or save?

It’s easy to think that the cheapest option is a great deal, or that the most expensive one must be the best. But here’s the reality: A cheap site might end up being unfinished, while an expensive one could just mean an overinflated budget with little to show for it. Always check what’s included in the price: consultations, revisions, integrations with other services. If you need something specific — like an accounting system or logistics solutions — make sure that’s part of the deal.

A lot of client-agency failures happen because the details weren’t sorted out upfront. Developers often look at the project from an engineering perspective, while business owners are thinking about profitability. The clearer you are about what you need, the easier it will be for everyone involved

From planning to launch

How It Usually Goes:

1. The First Meeting

   You explain your idea, and the agency asks about your goals, vision, and budget.

2. Creating the Requirements

   You both put together a list of features you want and a rough idea of what the site should look like.

3. Design and Prototypes

   The agency will show you design mockups and explain how the site will work. This is the best time for revisions — it’s cheaper now than after coding begins.

4. Development and Testing

   The developers start coding, integrate systems, and provide regular updates on progress.

5. Launch and Support

   Your site goes live, and the agency helps fix any bugs or hiccups that come up in the first few weeks.

A Failed Example:
One e-commerce store owner went with an agency that had a shiny portfolio but no experience with payment processing systems. Integrating payment solutions took three times longer than expected. The result? Missed deadlines and unexpected costs.

How to avoid common mistakes

1. Don’t fall for promises without proof.

2. If all you see are mockups and no real testimonials, beware.

3. Don’t skip the technical details.

   For example, if your site needs specific tools or integrations, make sure those are part of the plan from the beginning.

And a bit more about website development...

If you're looking to understand how to improve conversions and create a website that truly "sells," check out our article How to create a sales-driven website. It dives into customer triggers, page structuring, and other details that can boost your sales

Recommended reading 🤓

"Don't Make Me Think", Steve Krug

A bestseller highlighting the critical role of website usability in user perception.

On Amazon

"Lean UX", Jeff Gothelf

A book on fast and efficient work on user interfaces.

On Amazon

"Project Survival Guide", Stan Shinn

Easy to read and offers practical advice on navigating the development process without missing essential details.

On Amazon

Conclusion

When choosing an agency, remember: it’s not about fancy designs or quick promises. It’s about finding a team that listens, asks the right questions, and delivers a website that works for your business. If you keep that in mind, you’ll end up with a site that not only looks great but actually drives results.

#SEO#UX#Web_Development