When evaluating web design agencies to hire, speaking to their client references is invaluable. Feedback from past clients provides helpful insight into working with the agency and its capabilities. As you contact client references, asking the right questions allows you to better assess if the agency and its web designers are a good fit for your needs and expectations.
 
What was the project scope and goal?
Ask clients what website objectives, features, and timelines they hired the agency for. This reveals the breadth of projects and needs the agency has experience handling through their web designers.
 
What was the workflow process?
Understand from clients what the agency's project development and collaboration process entails. How regularly do they provide updates and milestones for feedback? Were requests from clients communicated clearly to the web designers?
 
How did they communicate?
Ask clients if communication with the web designers and account managers was clear, timely, and effective throughout the project duration. Were clarification requests addressed promptly?
 
What is the technical expertise like?
Inquire about the skills and capabilities of the agency's web designers. Did they easily handle client website needs using current best practices? Were technical challenges skillfully resolved?
 
How is the creative process?
Know from clients how the agency ideates and iterates on design concepts through their web designers. Were multiple options presented? How responsive were the web designers to feedback?
 
How did they deliver on goals?
Most importantly, find out if the web designer delivered websites that met client business goals. Did designs by web designers drive desired objectives like conversions and user engagement?
 
Was the project on time and budget?
Understand if the web designer delivered within the committed timeline and quoted budget. If not, what challenges caused delays or cost overruns? How reasonable were the project estimates provided initially?
 
How is post-launch support?
Ask clients if the agency provides continued support and maintenance after launch as needed. How proactive is the web designer in updating sites for best practices?
 
What could be improved?
Request clients to share any areas of weaknesses they observed or scope for improvement with the web designers. This highlights current gaps you can address upfront.
 
Would you recommend them?
Finally, ask clients if they were satisfied overall and would readily recommend the website designer to others for website design needs. This quantifies how much they value the agency and web designers.
 
Speaking to an agency's past clients provides transparency into actual working experience rather than claims and assumptions. Asking insightful questions helps determine if the web designer work ethic, communication skills, and technical expertise meet your standards for success.