In the beginning, there was an excellent concept Experienced web design agencies don’t just get started and create a few fancy designs but listen carefully to their customers and ask the right questions where necessary. When relaunching an existing website, the following would have to be clarified, for example:
Is the content still up-to-date, or does it need to be redesigned from scratch because it represents more of the company’s internal view and is not aligned with the goals and needs of the core target groups? And since this is probably the case:
Who are the core target groups of the website?
Which KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) should be used to measure the new website’s success? Increased user numbers, mobile loading time 75+, more qualified leads, increased sales, dwell time?
Is the current logo on the website, with the colours derived from it, still contemporary? Does a modern logo and web style guide need to be developed, or is there a corporate print design suitable as a starting point?
Is there a desired date for the launch?
What does the organizational structure for the project look like? Who are the decision-makers? Who issues the approvals? What percentage of their working time do those responsible dedicate to the project?
Who creates the content?
Who will maintain and expand the homepage’s content after the launch? Do your company employees do this, or is this part of the website operation outsourced to the web design agency?
Who will be responsible for the technical maintenance of the website, such as updating the content management system and plugins? Is there an in-house web admin who does the job, or should the Award winning Web design agency be responsible for the smooth functioning of the new company website as part of a maintenance contract.
Potentially tricky but essential question: how much budget is available for the project? Price-determining factors include, for example, the number of page types, delivery of text and image content by the customer, content production by the agency, web design based on an existing corporate design or new development and creation of the website based on a “finished” industry template.
A good web design agency, digital agency, or advertising agency with digital expertise
acts according to the requirements for good web design (see above)
stays within the agreed budget and lists the services included therein precisely so that there are no misunderstandings between the agency and the customer regarding the scope of services,
acts proactively and is not afraid to say “no” if, for example, the customer has design ideas that violate best practices,
has the ambition to support the customer’s website technically and in terms of content even after the launch.
Changing agencies always involves risks. So think carefully about whether the collaboration with your agency could be improved. But if nothing works anymore, here are a few tips from me:
Previous design rights: Make sure you own the rights to any previous designs created by your old agency. This should generally be stated in your contract with the agency.
Data Transfer: You must ensure that all files and data you need for future projects are transferred securely to the new agency. It may also be helpful to keep a backup copy of this data.
Communication with the old agency: It is essential to communicate the termination of cooperation with your old agency professionally. Let them know beforehand and be open and honest about your reasons, but remain professional and polite.
Selecting the New Agency: Make sure the new agency fully understands your needs and goals and has the necessary skills and experience to achieve them. Doing a test run beforehand is helpful to ensure you’re happy with how they work.
Contract with the new agency: Read the contract with your new agency carefully and make sure that all critical points are covered, including costs, delivery times, rights to the created designs and conditions for ending the collaboration.
Planning: Carefully plan the transition from one agency to another to avoid disruptions in your projects as much as possible.
Transition phase: A transition phase in which the old and new agencies operate simultaneously can be helpful. This can be used to ensure a smooth transition and enable any necessary adjustments to how the new agency works.
Evaluation: Finally, you should regularly review the new agency’s work and provide feedback to ensure it meets your expectations and achieves your goals.
On the other hand, they say, “Never change a running system”. How can I get my Award winning Web design agency back on track?
Relationship crises are everywhere, so it is unsurprising that they also occur in a business relationship with web design. Agency times bad mood there. Seven bullet points for a save. No. 8, see above.
Clear Communication: This is the most crucial element in any business relationship. Make sure you communicate your concerns and requests clearly and openly. Provide specific feedback on what makes you dissatisfied and what you would like to see improved.
Arrange a meeting: An in-person or virtual meeting can help clarify misunderstandings and strengthen the relationship. Use this opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations.
Review your contract to ensure all agreed services are being provided. If this is not the case, let the agency know.
Performance measurement: Make sure you have clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) or benchmarks to measure the performance of the web design agency. This gives you concrete data to support the discussions.
Planning and Timeline: Review the planned timeline and workflow. Make sure deadlines are realistic and met.
Training: Sometimes, the agency may use certain technologies or tools you are unfamiliar with. In such cases, training can help.
Engage a mediator: If you feel like communication isn’t going well and you can’t reach a resolution, a neutral third party could help resolve the issues.
Switch agency: If all other options fail and you remain dissatisfied, it might be time to change agencies.
Remember that developing a good relationship takes time, and both parties must be willing to work on improvements. Remain patient and constructive to find a solution.