We will provide a checklist highlighting the recommended strengths of design agencies

 

7 Things to look for in a design agency

A quick online search for “web designer” or “design agency” can create more questions than it answers. With the internet helping to highlight designers across the whole of the UK, you can soon start to wonder how you will begin to fine-tune your choices. After all, a poor investment may cost you work or sales.

Thankfully, the clients who have collaborated with thefingerprint have received high levels of customer service alongside fantastic new branding or WordPress websites. Therefore, we wanted to explore (using our own clients’ reviews) what attributes you should look for in a design agency.

While every business is unique, we hope this article helps you create a checklist of qualities you can look for when narrowing your search. We’ll also reveal how they’ll help your business thrive.

1.    Fantastic-looking visuals

When carrying out your initial research, it’s always worthwhile viewing a design agency’s portfolio (if possible) before reaching out. Incidentally, thefingerprint’s recent client work can be viewed here. Seeing past examples can show you the breadth of their designs, saving you precious time if their overall style isn’t for you.

We know you want to achieve a modern, professionally designed and responsive website for example, which has the ‘wow’ factor. This sleek visual identity helps you stand out and proudly promotes your business when you’re not in the room.

Outstanding design is why one of our clients, Mica, left the following 5-star review:

“Most importantly we’re really happy with how the website looks, the fingerprint went above and beyond to make sure the site looks fantastic.”

2.    Approachability

No one wants to feel that there’s little room to offer their own ideas when meeting with a designer. After all, your business may already have a strong heritage or branding vision in mind. And it goes without saying that you’re bound to know more about the products, services and values than anyone else.

Being approachable matters. That’s why you shouldn’t have to think twice about asking for changes, as thefingerprint prides itself on delivering the brief and forming long-term working relationships. That’s why a large proportion of our clients come back to us for additional brand designs.

Long-term client, Roger, remarked on thefingerprint agency’s efficiency within his 5-star review:

“They were proactive in discussing our design brief and were able to turn this into an excellent site that meets all our requirements – and they did so very efficiently with very little effort required from our end.

Any changes we needed to make to the design were implemented quickly and without fuss”.

3.    A human-centred approach

Let’s face it, there are a lot of terms and tech-speak in the design industry. But clients (including you) never want to feel confused, patronised or left feeling out of the loop. Thankfully, experienced designer James takes the time to explain things, as one client Mike highlights on review.io:

“He brings it all together and explains it all in easy-to-understand terms, not tech-speak. Fairly priced too”.

4.    Creativity geared towards growth

Most business owners seeking website or brand design will hire a designer seeking their creative flair. This skill takes their design and branding from zero to 100 and can drive new leads and sales. Printed brochures, flyers and vehicle wraps also look great at any upcoming networking, conference or expo events.

Our client Jon, comments on his success after thefingerprint designed multiple brand assets:

“James was great at taking your vision, making it a reality and no amendments / changes were ever too much. I know have a corporate image, logo and website this has supported my small local business grow”.

5.    Responsivity

We recognise that it takes great trust to outsource the design of your brand to another professional. And radio silence can be frustrating while waiting on a design to be completed.

You may wonder:

• Will you hear from them regularly with project updates?
• Can you depend on them to answer your queries in good time?
• Do they understand that you’re not a designer and may have queries?

At thefingerprint we communicate with you as all good businesses should, making sure that we answer your questions promptly. Our commitment to customer service was acknowledged by client Ed, in his 5-star review:

“Would highly recommend. Very impressed with the work, quick to respond to any questions or queries and nothing is too much trouble. A brilliant service”.

6.    Technical expertise

While having an attractive website can help you company or charity to grow, you should also factor in how the site operates. Does it meet your needs with back-end features such as WordPress Multisite and exclusive membership site facilities?

Knowing what you want your site to achieve is only half the journey. It needs to be designed by experts such as thefingerprint team, to help others interact with your business smoothly. With over two decades of experience and multiple awards won, we can bring your technical requirements to life.

Consider our delighted customer Kenny and his 5-star testimonial. He had a need for improving his website’s online bookings, which we optimised. A return client, he “Would highly recommend thefingerprint”:

“We needed a website which not only showcased the company, but also streamlined our booking process. thefingerprint offered a few options for us and trusting their advice, expertise and creative input we now have an online self-serve booking system which streamlines our business but also benefits our customers”.

This satisfied review shows that great design and function can improve not only your business but those who support it.

7.    Transparency

Trust is earned – although we do hope that these reviews have eased any doubts you may have about choosing a designer or agency. Continuing to be honest and transparent, thefingerprint has attracted glowing feedback from clients such as Chas:

“They have helped us with everything from site design to our CRM automations and various other implementations. Everything has been transparent and done on time. We will definitely continue to use thefingerprint for our future projects”.

And that’s one of our core strengths. Thefingerprint can support your business with a full suite of branding and web design services, ensuring that everything works well together.

These include:

• Creative Services
• Branding Services
• Graphic Design Services
• Web Design Services
• Photography & Videography Services.

Create a distinctive brand identity with thefingerprint

Now that you know what to look for in a design agency, it’s time to connect with them. As shown above, we would enjoy working with your business or organisation to create well-received, pixel-perfect designs every time.

Contact us or email design@thefingerprint.co.uk to find out more.

If you are enjoying this article please read our blog Should You Design Your Website with AI or an Agency?, How to optimise your website for local search in 2025 or Canva – should companies use it?