What Questions Should I Ask a Web Design Agency Before Hiring 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. These will help you spot the difference between a strategic partner and someone winging it with a template they bought last Tuesday.

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.

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.

We write content that actually sells.

Do you design with conversions in mind?

AKA: do they know what CRO is? If your shiny new site is pretty but doesn’t convert, what’s the point? Ask how they use data, psychology and layout to encourage action.

Brush up on CRO frameworks here.

And learn how to reduce cart abandonment.

Can I edit the website myself?

If the answer is “No” or “Only if you know code,” prepare for long, expensive relationships. 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 dev 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 if it’s scalable.

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 include.

And what a good site should actually cost.

What platforms do you build on?

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

How do you handle feedback and revisions?

This is where 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 = 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

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.

Want to see how the right agency answers these? Book a discovery call with us