Your website is often the first impression potential customers have of your Calgary business. A poorly designed website signals that you are unprofessional or behind the times, causing visitors to immediately leave and contact your competitors instead. Yet many Calgary small businesses choose web design agencies based on price alone, which almost always results in a mediocre website that fails to convert visitors into customers.
The first thing to evaluate is the agency's portfolio. Look at websites they have built for other Calgary businesses or businesses in similar industries. Do the websites look modern and professional? Are they mobile-friendly? Can you easily navigate them and find information? Good web design agencies will have a diverse portfolio that showcases their range and quality. If you cannot find a portfolio or it looks outdated, this is a red flag.
Ask about their process. A good web design agency does not just jump into building a website — they start by understanding your business, your customers, and your goals. They will conduct discovery sessions, competitive analysis, and develop a strategy before writing a single line of code. Agencies that follow a structured, thoughtful process produce better results than those that operate ad-hoc.
Conversion optimization should be a core part of their approach. A beautiful website that does not convert visitors into leads or sales is essentially expensive decoration. Ask potential agencies how they approach conversion rate optimization, analytics tracking, and performance measurement. The best agencies tie their work to measurable business outcomes, not just aesthetic appeal.
Finally, consider ongoing support and maintenance. Your website needs regular updates, security patches, and optimization. Some agencies build a site and disappear; others provide ongoing support. For a Calgary small business with limited technical resources, choosing an agency that offers maintenance and support services is critical. This prevents your site from becoming outdated and vulnerable to security threats.
Looking for a web design partner you can trust? Learn about our Calgary web design services or contact us for a free consultation to discuss your project goals.
