A good digital agency can be a game-changer for your brand—whether you need a website transformation, a social media killer campaign, or a full digital transformation. But with hundreds of agencies to choose from, how do you pick the right one?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision and avoid costly mistakes.
- Define Your Goals & Budget
Before you start searching, ask yourself:
✅ What do I need? (e.g., branding, web design, SEO, adverts)
✅ What’s my timeline? (immediate launch vs. long-term strategy)
✅ What’s my budget? (agencies range from boutique to enterprise-level)
Tip: Don’t be reluctant about your budget so that you don’t spend time on incompatible agencies.
- Check Their Portfolio & Case Studies
A good portfolio tells you:
✔ Industry expertise – Have they worked with clients of your type?
✔ Technical & design skills – Are their websites current-looking and functional?
✔ Results – Can they provide measurable success (i.e., increased traffic, more conversions)?
Red Flag: No case studies or unsubstantiated statements like “achieved 200% more sales” without numbers.
- Read Client Reviews & Testimonials
Outside of the agency site:
- Google Reviews – Look for consistent ratings.
- Clutch.co or UpCity – Verified client reviews.
- LinkedIn Recommendations – More detailed information.
Ask for references—speak directly to past clients if you can.
- Evaluate Their Communication & Integrity
A good agency will:
- Respond promptly – Late answers today = hang-ups tomorrow.
- Clearly define expectations – No surprise charges or mysterious timelines.
- Ask smart questions – They should ask deep questions about your business requirements.
Warning Sign: Too much bragging (“We’ll get you #1 on Google next week!”).
- Assess Their Technical & Creative Skills
The perfect agency combines creativity with technical skills:
- Design skills – Do their visuals align with your brand?
⚙ Tech stack – Are they leveraging in-use tools (e.g., WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, custom code)? - Data-driven mentality – Are they leveraging analytics, or guesswork?
Ask: “How do you measure success?” (If they can’t give an answer, bail.)
- Look At Their Process & Team Structure
Will you be working with
- Dedicated team (more suited for long-term effort)?
- Outsourced or freelance specialists (less stable for keeping employees)?
- A process (e.g., Agile, sprints, milestones)?
Ideal Case: A clear plan with regular follow-ups.
- Compare Pricing & Contracts
- Hourly fees vs. a flat cost – What fits your expense accounts?
- Contract terms – Are there provisions to leave if something fails?
- What comes along? – SEO, maintenance, post-launch support?
Watch Out: Businesses that keep you tied up in long contracts with no flexibility.
- Cultural Fit
Your agency should be like a member of your family:
- Do they get your brand voice?
- Are they a joy to collaborate with?
- Do they share your vision?
Listen to your gut—if it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
Making the Right Choice
When you’ve narrowed it down to a few contenders:
✅ Conduct a test project (if you can).
✅ Meet the team (chemistry is important).
✅ Review proposals carefully (scope, timelines, deliverables).
Need Help Finding Your Perfect Agency?
Here at Firstangle Nigeria, we combine strategy, creative, and technical know-how to deliver tangible outcomes. Book a complimentary consultation and discover whether or not we have what it takes to fit your brand.
Not sure yet? Download our complimentary cheat sheet: 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Digital Agency
What’s your biggest challenge in choosing an agency? Let us know in the comments!
