How to evaluate a good website agency?

[loonst]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently in the process of finding a website agency for my business and could really use some advice. What criteria should I look for to ensure I choose a good website agency for web design and web services? Here are a few points I'm considering, but I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences:

1. Portfolio Quality: How important is it to review their past projects? What should I look for in their portfolio?
2. Client Reviews: How do you find reliable reviews and testimonials? What red flags should I be aware of?
3. Experience: Does the agency's experience in my industry matter? Should I prioritize years in business or number of projects completed?
4. Service Range: Is it better to choose an agency that offers a full range of services (design, development, SEO, maintenance) or should I focus on specialized agencies?
5. Communication: How crucial is their communication style and project management approach?

Looking forward to your insights!

[gwpriester]

Your IP address indicates you are in Hanoi. Is this correct?

And what is the primary language to be used on your site? Or do you plan to offer a multi-lingual option. And if so, should this not this have been included in your questions?

Most of the members of this forum create sites in Western languages. And most of the members of this forum use Xara graphics products. You do not list any Xara graphics products?

Can you see why I might be skeptical of your motive for posting here?

Help me out here.

[loonst]

Yes, my IP address indicates I am in Hanoi, which is correct.

The primary language of my site will be English, but I do plan to offer a multi-lingual option in the future to cater to a more diverse audience. I understand that including this information in my initial questions would have been helpful, and I appreciate your feedback.

Regarding Xara graphics products, I am currently not listing them because my focus has been on other tools and software that suit my specific needs. However, I am open to exploring and incorporating Xara products based on recommendations and the community’s preferences.

I can see why you might be skeptical of my motives, and I assure you that I am here to genuinely seek advice and share knowledge. Your insights are valuable to me, and I hope to contribute positively to this forum.

Thank you for your understanding and for pointing these issues out.

[gwpriester]

I think your questions/criteria posted are as good as we could come up with.

All I can add to this is does he/she/they listen when you describe your project and your concerns. Because as you point out, communication is important as is collaboration.

Gary