Choosing a website design company is a major decision for your business. The right choice helps you reach more customers in Brentwood and beyond. The wrong choice wastes your time and money. Use this guide to evaluate your options.
1. Review the Portfolio
Review past projects first. Look for websites in the agency portfolio that resemble what you want. Do the sites load quickly? Is the navigation clear?
A good portfolio shows a variety of styles. Avoid companies that use identical templates for every client.
Does their work prove they understand user experience?
Can you find examples of businesses similar to yours?
Click through the pages on their live sites. Check if all buttons work. Ensure the layouts look professional on your computer screen.
2. SEO Integration
Search Engine Optimisation must be part of the website build. Eseyo builds sites with SEO as a priority. A site that looks good but cannot be found is not a good investment.
Ask the agency about their SEO process. They should mention keyword research and meta tags.
Will they help you rank for local Brentwood search terms?
Ask about their strategy for site structure.
Good agencies ensure search engines can crawl your site easily. They focus on making your business visible to Google.
3. Mobile Responsiveness
Most people browse the internet on mobile phones. Your website must work on every screen size.
Test the agency portfolio on your smartphone. Does the menu work? Is the text easy to read?
A mobile-friendly site is a requirement for modern SEO.
Does the design adapt to tablets and small phones?
Is the contact button easy to press on a touch screen?
The agency should prioritise mobile users. Do not hire a company that treats mobile design as a secondary task.
4. Content Management Systems
You need to update your site easily. Ask which Content Management System the company uses. Many agencies use WordPress. It is a popular and flexible choice.
You should be able to edit text and change images without technical help.
Will they provide a manual for your site?
Do they offer training sessions?
Ensure you are not forced to pay the agency for every minor text change. You need control over your daily updates.
5. Technical Expertise and Performance
Site speed affects your search engine rankings. It also affects how long visitors stay on your page.
Ask the agency how they optimise for speed. Do they compress images? Do they use clean code?
Slow websites frustrate users. They lead to high bounce rates.
What tools do they use to measure performance?
Will they provide a speed report for your new site?
High technical standards are essential for a professional online presence.
6. Clear Communication
Communication determines the success of your project. Does the agency respond to your emails quickly? Do they explain technical terms clearly?
You need a partner who listens to your goals.
Will you have a dedicated point of contact?
How often will they provide project updates?
Avoid companies that use jargon to hide a lack of progress. Choose an agency that speaks your language.
7. Pricing and Transparency
Request a clear breakdown of all costs. Website design prices vary. Some agencies charge a flat fee. Others charge by the hour.
You must know what is included in the price.
Does the quote include VAT?
Are there costs for software licences?
Cheap sites often cost more in the long run. Professional design requires time and expertise. Look for value rather than the lowest price.
8. Ongoing Support and Maintenance
Websites require regular updates. Security patches are essential to prevent hacking.
Ask about maintenance packages. Do they offer hosting?
What is their turnaround time for small changes?
Does the company offer support if something goes wrong?
A website is never finished. You need an agency that provides long-term support. Eseyo offers ongoing assistance to keep your site running.
9. Full Ownership
Ownership of your digital assets is vital. Some agencies register your domain name in their name. This makes it hard for you to leave.
Ensure you own the domain, the hosting account, and the website files.
Do you have the login details for your hosting?
Can you take your website to another provider?
Verify these details before you sign a contract. You must have legal ownership of your website code.
10. Local Knowledge
Choosing an agency in Brentwood provides specific benefits. You can meet the team at Eseyo in person.
Local designers understand the Essex market. They know your local competition.
Is it easier to explain your vision face-to-face?
Does the company support other local businesses?
Local accountability leads to better service. You are a neighbour. You are not just a number in a database.
Essential Questions to Ask
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How do you measure the success of a website?
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Who writes the content for the pages?
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What happens if I want to add new features later?
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How do you ensure the site is secure?
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Can you show me results from your current SEO clients?
Practical Steps
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Check Google reviews for the company.
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Call a past client for a reference.
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Write down your specific goals before the first meeting.
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Set a realistic budget for your project.
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Ask for a written contract that outlines all deliverables.
A website represents your brand 24 hours a day. Spend time finding a company that understands your vision. Your choice impacts your growth for years. Focus on quality, transparency, and local expertise.