Get Free Audit →
WEB DESIGN GUIDE · 10 MIN

How to Choose a Web Design Agency: The Complete Checklist

The right web design agency will build you a fast, conversion-optimised site that ranks. The wrong one will burn your budget on a pretty site nobody visits. Here's how to tell the difference.

Jump to Checklist ↓Get Free Audit
How to Choose a Web Design Agency: The Complete Checklist
10 min
Web Design

Start with their own website

If an agency's website is slow, poorly designed, or doesn't rank for its own keywords — that tells you everything. Run their site through PageSpeed Insights. If their LCP is above 3 seconds, they're not practising what they preach.

Ask for case studies with metrics

Pretty screenshots aren't enough. Ask for: conversion rates before and after, Core Web Vitals scores, organic traffic growth, and revenue attribution. An agency that can't show these numbers isn't measuring the right things.

Check their technical SEO knowledge

Your website is your #1 SEO asset. Ask: do you implement schema markup? What's your approach to Core Web Vitals? Do you use responsive images (AVIF/WebP)? Do you build with AI Overview optimisation in mind? If they look blank, walk away.

Understand the platform recommendation

A good agency recommends the platform based on your needs, not what they like building in. Webflow for marketing sites, Shopify for eCommerce, Next.js for performance-critical builds, WordPress for content-heavy sites. Be wary of agencies that only build on one platform.

Verify you own everything

You must own the domain, hosting account, CMS login, code repository, analytics, and ad accounts. Any agency that builds on their infrastructure is creating lock-in. Clarify this before signing anything.

CHECKLIST

The complete checklist.

1
Their own website scores 90+ on PageSpeed Insights (mobile)
2
Case studies include real metrics: conversion rates, traffic, revenue
3
They implement schema markup and structured data as standard
4
Platform recommendation is based on your needs, not their preference
5
You own the domain, hosting, CMS, code, and all accounts
6
Core Web Vitals targets are contractually committed (LCP < 2.5s)
7
Responsive images (AVIF/WebP with srcset) are standard practice
8
Post-launch support window is included (minimum 30 days)
9
They provide training on the CMS for your team
10
Pricing is transparent and published, not "contact for quote"
11
No lock-in contracts beyond reasonable project scope
12
They understand AI Overview / GEO optimisation
13
Mobile-first design is default, not an add-on
14
Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA) is addressed
15
Timeline and milestones are clearly defined upfront

Want personalised advice?

Get a free audit — we'll tell you exactly which items from this checklist apply to your business.

https://

No obligation · GDPR compliant · Delivered in 90 seconds

FAQ

Common questions.

How do I choose between agencies?
Run their site through PageSpeed Insights, ask for case studies with revenue attribution, and verify you own all deliverables. The agency that scores highest on these three criteria is usually the right choice.
Should I choose the cheapest agency?
No. A cheap website that doesn't convert or rank costs more in the long run. Compare scope, not just price. Meridian is 40% below London market average — that's good value, not cheap.
How long should a web design project take?
Brochure site: 2–4 weeks. Lead-gen: 4–6 weeks. eCommerce: 6–12 weeks. Any agency quoting more than double these timelines is either padding or understaffed.
MORE GUIDES

Other guides.

SEO: How to Choose an SEO Agency: 12 Question...Business Plans: How to Write a Business Plan UK: Step-by...Social Media: How to Grow on Instagram in 2026: London...Marketing: What is a Fractional CMO? London Guide 2...

Ready to put this into action?

Free 90-second audit. We'll apply this guide to your specific business.

Get Free Audit →Book a Call