9 Questions to Ask a Web Design Agency Before You Hire Them

You’re thinking about hiring a web design agency. You’ve seen their portfolio, maybe stalked their Instagram, and they said something about “custom WordPress builds” that sounded impressive.

But here’s the thing. Building a website is a big investment. Choosing the wrong agency is like hiring a dodgy builder, you’ll end up with missing pages, broken promises and the digital equivalent of a leaking ceiling.

So before you sign anything, here are 9 questions you absolutely need to ask. They’ll help you spot the difference between a strategic partner and someone winging it with a template they bought last Tuesday. And if you haven’t even settled agency versus freelancer yet, sort that first.

What’s your strategy process before design even starts?

If they launch into mockups without talking about your business goals, ideal clients or positioning, run. A real agency starts with strategy and discovery before anything gets designed.

Here’s how the process should actually start, and why user flow planning matters way more than you think.

Will you help with messaging and copywriting?

Design without words is just decoration. If they expect you to write the copy and “just drop it in,” you’re being set up to fail. You want an agency that helps craft your message, not just design around it. Here’s what content that actually sells looks like.

Do you design with conversions in mind?

In other words: do they know what CRO is? If your shiny new site is pretty but nobody buys, what’s the point? Ask how they use data, psychology and layout to encourage action.

Brush up on conversion rate optimisation first, and on how to stop losing sales at the checkout.

Can I edit the website myself?

If the answer is “no” or “only if you know code,” prepare for a long, expensive relationship. You want a site that’s easy to update, without needing a dev every time you change a headline or add a service. Here’s what modern web design and development should look like.

Do you use templates or build custom?

There’s a time and place for templates. But if you’re paying custom prices for a recycled theme, that’s a red flag. Ask what level of customisation is included, and whether it scales. Not sure which is right for you? We’ve compared both.

What’s actually included in the project?

Are you getting SEO basics? Page speed optimisation? Mobile responsiveness? Plugin setup? Ongoing support? Don’t assume anything. Ask for a breakdown of exactly what’s in the quote.

Here’s what SEO basics should actually cover, and what a good site should genuinely cost.

What platforms do you build on?

Some agencies are all about WordPress. Others are Shopify-only. Each platform has strengths and limits. Make sure what they build on supports your business now, and in a year’s time. Understand the difference between design and development.

How do you handle feedback and revisions?

This is where the red flags usually wave. Are you working in Figma together? Do you get one round of edits, or unlimited changes until your soul is crushed? A clear feedback process means a smoother project.

Will my website grow with me?

You’re not just building for today. You’re building for where your business is headed. Will this site adapt when you launch a new offer, need more pages, or want to pivot your strategy? Avoid the most common dev traps before it’s too late.

Want the broader version? Here are more red flags to watch for when choosing any marketing agency.

From the studio The agencies worth hiring will happily answer all nine of these, and most will respect you more for asking. The ones that get defensive, vague, or suddenly very busy have already told you what you needed to know. You’re not being difficult, you’re doing due diligence on a serious investment.

TL;DR?

Hiring a web design agency is a lot like dating. Don’t get seduced by pretty visuals and big promises. Ask the questions that matter, the kind that reveal how they actually work.

When you find an agency that cares about strategy, writes content that converts, and builds sites designed to grow with you? That’s when you know you’ve found the one.

Web design agency FAQs

How much should a website cost?

Less than you fear, and more than a bargain-bin template. Price tracks scope: how many pages, how custom the design, whether copywriting and integrations are included, and what ongoing support you get. Always ask for an itemised quote so you’re comparing like for like.

How long does a web design project take?

For most small-business sites, a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on scope and how quickly feedback comes back. Anyone promising a full custom build in a few days is quietly selling you a template.

WordPress or Shopify, which should I choose?

For most business and content sites we default to WordPress, because it gives you the most flexibility and control. Shopify earns its place when your whole business is the store and inventory is the priority. The right answer is whichever fits where your business is heading.

Do I actually own my website?

You should. Make sure the domain, hosting and CMS logins are in your name, not the agency’s. If walking away means losing your site, that’s not a partnership, it’s a hostage situation.

Which of the nine questions matters most?

The first one. If an agency leads with strategy instead of mockups, most of the other answers tend to fall into place.