Homepage Mistakes Costing Small Businesses Leads
A practical homepage teardown for small business websites: the mistakes we see most often, why they matter, and what to fix first.
Read articleHiring a web design agency is a significant investment. The wrong choice can cost you time, money, and a website you're embarrassed to show people. The right choice can transform how your business performs online. Here's how to tell the difference.
1. Can they show you relevant work?
A portfolio is the most important thing to review. Look for work that's similar to what you need — not just aesthetically impressive, but functionally relevant. If you need an e-commerce site, make sure they've built e-commerce sites. Ask for live URLs, not just screenshots.
2. Who will actually be doing the work?
Some agencies sell with their senior team and deliver with junior staff or offshore contractors. Ask directly: who will be designing my site? Who will be writing the code? Will I have a dedicated contact throughout the project?
3. Do they ask good questions?
A good agency should be curious about your business before they quote you. If they send a price within ten minutes of your first enquiry without asking about your goals, audience, or existing marketing — that's a red flag.
4. What does the contract cover?
Understand what's included, what's not, and what happens if the scope grows. Get clarity on revision rounds, browser/device testing, content population, and what support looks like after launch.
5. Do they own the code?
Your website and all its code should be yours. Some agencies use proprietary CMSs or page builders that lock you in — meaning if you leave, you lose everything. Always confirm that you'll own the codebase and content outright.
6. Are they honest about timelines?
Unrealistic timelines are a warning sign. A quality project takes time. If an agency promises a 10-page custom site in two weeks for £800, something has to give — usually quality.
7. Do they measure results?
The best agencies think beyond the launch. Do they set up analytics? Can they help you understand how the site is performing? Do they have a plan for improving it over time?
At Shro Web, we're happy to answer all of these questions openly. Get in touch and let's have a proper conversation about your project.