12 Things That Differentiate the Best Web Design Companies

If you tried to research website design companies using a search engine, your search would return a lot of different companies. It’s hard to pick out the bad designers from the commonplace. And even more concerning, it can be tricky to distinguish “okay” web design companies from truly exemplary ones.

What is a web design company?

A web design company is a professional organization that specializes in creating and developing websites for businesses. Some may specialize in different types of businesses, like by industry or by size of business. They have the expertise and skills to design and build websites that are visually appealing, user-friendly, and tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of their clients.

Web design companies understand the importance of a strong online presence, and know how developing a website that meets the needs of customers can impact sales. They work closely with their clients to understand their brand identity, target audience, and business objectives. With this information, they create website designs that communicate the client's message, showcase their products or services, and engage visitors.

These companies employ a team of designers, developers, and content creators who collaborate to bring the website to life. They have an in-depth understanding of web design principles, coding languages, and content management systems. This enables them to create websites that not only look visually appealing but also function flawlessly across different devices and platforms.

A reputable web design agency goes beyond creating a visually pleasing website. They focus on generating tangible results and driving business growth. They understand the importance of incorporating digital marketing strategies into the design process. By leveraging their online marketing skills, they can help generate leads and increase conversions for their clients.

How do you choose a website design company?

When choosing a web design company, it's crucial to look for certain signs that indicate professionalism and expertise. These signs include a portfolio that showcases real results and measurable success, endorsements from satisfied clients, and a commitment to customer-focused design. A reliable web design company will also have excellent writing abilities, as content plays a crucial role in engaging visitors and conveying the client's message effectively.

Moreover, a reputable web design company will offer customized content management systems that empower clients to manage and update their websites easily. They will also have a strong project management system in place to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the client's satisfaction.

Responsive communication are also vital qualities of a trustworthy web design company. They should be able to explain their processes and technical concepts in layman's terms, ensuring that clients understand the work being done. Additionally, a reliable company will provide ongoing support on their work, ensuring that clients feel supported even after the project is complete.

Another consideration when selecting a web design company is the cost. It's important to note that web design pricing can vary depending on your specific needs. We highly recommend having at least a rough understanding of your budget before engaging in conversations with a company. This way, you can select a company that not only aligns with your goals but also fits within your budget constraints.

So how do you know the companies you are choosing between are really as good as their website says they are? Here are twelve signs we’ve determined will let you know that you’re working with a truly professional website design company:

How they get started:

1. They practice what they preach. They use online marketing skills to generate leads for themselves, and they know how to do it for your company, too.
2. Their portfolio shows results, not just pretty pictures. Case studies contain real numbers that matter to a business. The best can measure revenue and ROI that your website brings in.
3. Their clients endorse them. The best website design companies bring in new work from word of mouth, but have no trouble getting clients to give rave reviews.
4. They turn down projects that aren't a good fit. They know what they are good at, and they don't fake being an expert at something (or an industry) in which they don't have experience or passion.

What they offer:

1. Customer-focused design. They don’t take risks with your business by designing for fancy graphic design awards. Instead, they develop a deep understanding of your target customer to drive the design and function of your website. Sometimes you'll hear this referred to as "user experience design."
2. Great writing ability. What? You mean great website design is not just graphic design? The best website design companies have a team of writers to help their clients communicate clearly and convincingly.
3. Content management systems that empower you. They don’t just give you a great CMS, but they customize it to suit the technical abilities of your staff. They train you how to use it so that you can edit what you need to edit how you want to edit it.
4. Design and development, not just customization. They don't just start with a WordPress theme that requires certain visual elements, but can do their own custom design with Photoshop and hand coding to give you a unique, branded experience.

How they work:

1. They practice good project management. We all get distracted every once in a while. The best website design team keeps their team and your team on task, on budget, and on time.
2. They are web experts, but can speak in layman's terms. Your design team is technically competent, but they are also able to communicate what they’re doing and why. They are transparent and give you information you can understand.
3. They don’t need babysitting. You can rest assured that communication between the agency and you will be consistent and that the project will progress according to the timeline.
4. They don’t leave you hanging. They offer a warranty on their work and superior support services once the project is done. You will feel comfortable calling and asking a question, or just requesting changes.

The best website design companies for you to work with may not jump off the page at first. We talk to companies all the time that have experienced unresponsive, inexperienced, too busy, incompetent web designers.

Before you start your website redesign project, figure out if they’re the real thing. Dig a little deeper and ask as many questions as possible. When you know how they get started, what they can offer you, and how they work, you’ll know if they’re the website design company that can meet your needs.

This article was originally published on December 30, 2014, and was most recently updated on November 8, 2023.