The right web design agency for a UK small business has a deep portfolio of live sites that still rank, tells you exactly who does the work, includes SEO rather than bolting it on, gives you full ownership of your code and domain, and prices honestly. If any of those are missing, keep looking.
The 10-point checklist
Portfolio depth
Not three pretty mock-ups — a range of real, live sites. Open them on your phone. Are they fast? Do they still exist a year or two later?
Who actually does the work
Is it the person you're talking to, an in-house team, or offshored to a subcontractor you'll never meet? All can work — you just need to know.
SEO is included, not extra
A site that isn't built for search is half a site. Ask what SEO work is part of the build.
You own everything
Your domain, your hosting account, your content, and ideally your code. No lock-in.
Pricing is fixed and clear
A proper quote, itemised, with the monthly fee spelled out. Be wary of hourly-only or vague "from £X".
Realistic timeline
A small business site is 1–4 weeks of build time. "Six months" usually means you're low priority; "three days" usually means a template.
Contactable references
Ask to speak to a past client — ideally in a similar business.
A fair contract
Short or no lock-in on the care plan. Clear what happens if you leave.
They ask about your business
A good agency wants to know your customers, your margins and your goals before quoting. If they only talk about design, be cautious.
Communication before you sign
Slow, vague or pushy now is slow, vague or pushy later.
Questions to ask on the call
- Can I see three live sites you built over a year ago?
- Who will actually design and build mine?
- What SEO is included in the build?
- Do I own the code and the domain?
- What's the total first-year cost, including the monthly fee?
- What happens if I want to leave in 12 months?
- How do you measure whether the site is working?
Red flags — walk away
- No live portfolio, or links that 404.
- Won't say who does the work.
- "SEO" is a £500 add-on after launch.
- They keep your domain or hosting in their account.
- A 24- or 36-month lock-in contract.
- Guaranteed number-one rankings. (No one can promise this.)
- A price that seems too good to be true.
What good pricing looks like
See the full breakdown in how much does a website cost in the UK.
FAQ
What should I look for in a web design agency?
Look for a deep portfolio of live sites that still work and rank, clarity on who actually does the work, SEO included rather than bolted on, full ownership of your code and domain, honest fixed pricing, realistic timelines, contactable references, a fair contract, and clear communication.
How much should a web design agency cost?
For a UK small business, a small agency typically charges £800 to £5,000 as a one-off plus a monthly care fee of £49 to £150. Prices far below this usually leave things out; prices far above are aimed at larger organisations.
What are the red flags when choosing a web design agency?
Red flags include no live portfolio, refusing to say who does the work, no SEO, keeping ownership of your code or domain, long lock-in contracts, guaranteed number-one rankings, prices that seem too good to be true, and poor communication before you have even signed.