When you’re ready to hire a web design agency, their portfolio is one of the most important tools in evaluating their skill, experience, and ability to deliver on your project. It gives you a sneak peek into their style, approach, and the kinds of businesses they’ve worked with. But how do you know if an agency’s portfolio truly reflects their capabilities? Let’s go through the key red flags to look out for when reviewing a web design agency’s portfolio, so you can make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
Assess the Variety of Projects
A strong portfolio should demonstrate a range of projects that showcase the agency’s versatility. Ideally, you want to see different types of websites, from e-commerce platforms to informational sites and everything in between. This variety signals that the agency is flexible and capable of tailoring designs to different industries and business needs.
That said, it’s important to consider the agency’s area of expertise. Some agencies specialise in specific industries or types of sites, which could be beneficial if your business aligns with their focus. However, an overly niche portfolio could suggest that the agency may struggle to adapt to your unique requirements. A healthy balance of expertise in one area and a willingness to tackle new challenges is what you should look for.
Red Flag: If the agency’s portfolio feels too one-dimensional or lacks diversity in design types, it might indicate they lack the range or experience to handle your project. Click here for an example of an impressive portfolio and a web design agency you can trust.
Check for Responsive Design
In today’s world, responsive design is a must. A web design agency’s portfolio should feature websites that work seamlessly across all devices, from desktops to smartphones. You can easily check the responsiveness of a site by resizing your browser window or visiting the site on your phone. A good design should adjust smoothly to different screen sizes, ensuring a great user experience no matter the device.
Red Flag: If the agency’s portfolio shows websites that look clunky or don’t adjust well on mobile devices, it’s a major warning sign that they’re not up to date with current design practices. Your website needs to be mobile-friendly to reach today’s users effectively.
Look for Clean, Modern Designs
A web design portfolio should reflect modern design trends. Clean, uncluttered websites with easy navigation are a hallmark of good design. Take note of whether the sites feel fresh and aesthetically pleasing. They should incorporate current design trends while remaining functional, and the design should enhance the user experience, not hinder it.
Look for attention to detail, such as well-chosen typography, beautiful imagery, and a cohesive colour scheme. A website should feel professional and aligned with your business’s brand identity. If the design looks dated or feels like it hasn’t evolved with time, it may indicate the agency is behind the curve.
Red Flag: Outdated design choices, heavy text blocks, or inconsistent colour schemes may indicate that the agency’s approach to design is stuck in the past. If their portfolio doesn’t look modern, they may not have the right skills to elevate your brand.
Examine the User Experience (UX)
A well-designed website is not just visually appealing—it also provides an excellent user experience. When evaluating an agency’s portfolio, pay attention to the ease of navigation, how intuitive the layout is, and whether the calls to action are clear and accessible. Websites should make it easy for visitors to find what they need quickly, without confusion.
Good UX also means that the design aligns with the website’s goals, whether that’s to generate leads, sell products, or provide information. A site should guide users toward their objectives effortlessly, without unnecessary obstacles.
Red Flag: If you find websites with confusing navigation, overwhelming design elements, or hard-to-find content, it’s a sign that the agency may prioritise style over substance, neglecting the functional aspects of design.
Look for Ongoing Maintenance or Support
Your relationship with a web design agency shouldn’t end once your website is live. A good agency will offer ongoing maintenance and support to keep your site running smoothly and up to date. Check if their portfolio includes examples of long-term projects where they’ve helped clients with site updates, maintenance, or troubleshooting.
Red Flag: If an agency’s portfolio doesn’t mention anything about post-launch support, it could be a sign that they don’t offer the kind of ongoing partnership that’s essential for long-term success.
How to Utilise a Discovery Call
So, you’ve arranged a discovery call, and you’ve got the time and date in the diary. What happens next? This is a great opportunity to get to know an agency and what their team can offer you. It’s not just a formality that you have to go through before hiring them. It’s an important time when you can assess their capabilities and really find out if they’re the right match for your business. Here’s how you can make the most of this opportunity.
Talk About Your Business
In order for an agency to benefit your business, they need to know more about it. Indeed, a discovery call is when you can talk about your business and what goals you have. You can share what you’re looking for the team to do and clarify that this is within their reach. Of course, you want to get to know the team. But, they also have to get to know your business.
Learn About the Team
You can never know enough about the team you’re working with. It’s beneficial to use a discovery call to get to know them better and what their experience looks like.
You can find out what similar businesses they have worked with in the past, what their training looks like and how they create strategies for companies. This can all help put your mind at ease.
Ask Any Questions
If this is the first time you’re outsourcing and working with an agency, you’re likely to have a lot of questions. These can be difficult to ask via email. Thankfully, a discovery call is the perfect time to get the answers you require to make a hiring decision. You have the freedom to ask anything you want in a secure environment and the team will give you more information so you can make decisions.
Conclusion
Evaluating a web design agency’s portfolio is a crucial step in ensuring they’re the right fit for your project. By keeping an eye out for red flags such as outdated designs, poor user experience, lack of results, and poor technical skills, you can make a more informed decision. Remember, a well-rounded agency will not only deliver a beautiful site but will also ensure it performs well, meets your goals, and continues to serve your business in the long term. So, take your time, ask the right questions, and choose wisely!