A Digital Strategy Podcast

How to Choose the Right Design Dev Agency: What Most Teams Miss

Episode Summary

In this conversation, Symon Oliver and Marcello Gortana discuss the complexities of selecting the right website design and development agency. They explore the prevalent mistrust among buyers in the industry, the importance of having a comprehensive brief, and the key factors to consider when evaluating potential agencies. The discussion emphasizes the significance of agency processes, technology expertise, portfolio analysis, cultural fit, and ongoing support. They also provide practical questions for clients to ask before hiring an agency, aiming to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions in their vendor selection process.

Episode Notes

Takeaways

• Buyers often mistrust vendors due to past negative experiences.
• A comprehensive brief is essential for effective agency selection.
• Understanding your needs is crucial before searching for an agency.
• Evaluating an agency's process can de-risk your investment.
• Outdated portfolios can indicate a lack of current expertise.
• Cultural fit is important for a successful partnership.
• Asking for recent references can provide insight into agency performance.
• Support philosophy should be clear and value-driven.
• Measuring success should be a collaborative effort with clear metrics.
• Agencies that own the CMS they sell may not have your best interests in mind.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
• 02:37 Understanding Buyer Mistrust in the Industry
• 05:30 Selecting the Right Design and Development Agency
• 08:38 The Importance of a Good Brief
• 11:32 Evaluating Agency Processes and Expertise
• 14:33 Analyzing Portfolios and Case Studies
• 17:23 The Balance of Specialization and Generalization
• 21:51 The Importance of Transparency in Development
• 24:13 Cultural Fit: Aligning Values with Vendors
• 25:18 Support Philosophy: Planning for Post-Launch
• 27:04 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring
• 34:47 Evaluating Technology and Vendor Intent
• 37:25 Recap: Navigating the Vendor Selection Process