Bigger Doesn’t Mean Better: How to Choose a Web Design Agency

So, you’re ready to get your website off the ground and need a web design agency. You might be feeling a bit like Goldilocks comparing different web design agencies to find the one that’s just right. 

You have two main options:

1. A boutique or one-person web design agency (like me! Hello!)
2. A larger web design company with a swanky office and a huge team

How can you choose the right web design agency when you’re spoiled for choice? What’s the benefit of working with a web designer or web developer in a boutique agency as opposed to a larger company? I hear ya! It’s a lot to figure out.

Listen, you could go the big agency route. It definitely has some pros depending on the type of business you have. But let’s explore why a boutique agency might just be the perfect fit for you. Grab your favorite snack, cozy up, and let’s chat about why boutique is better from my (totally biased) perspective!

Why Go Boutique with Your Web Design Company? Here are 13 Reasons!

What are the benefits of going down the one-person-agency route rather than larger web design companies? I’ve got 13 to talk about below.

#1 Save Some Cash

Let’s start with a little secret: boutique agencies have lower overhead. We don’t have a big team to pay or a fancy office to maintain. This means we can offer you amazing-quality web design and web development services at a fraction of the cost of larger agencies.

For example, I once had a client who paid $25,000 for a website with a big agency. If they had come to me, I would have built them the exact same website for half the cost! The lower cost is not because I’m not a good web design agency or don’t have the best web development skills, but because my costs and overheads are lower.

More bang for your buck, right?

#2 Only Pay for What You Need

One of the biggest perks of working with a boutique web design agency is that you only pay for what you need.

We hire experts on a project basis, so there’s no extra cost for staff who aren’t directly involved in your project. It’s all about efficiency and savings for you. Compare that to larger agencies with full-time staff on payroll – you end up covering those costs, whether or not they’re working on your project.

#3 No Getting Passed Around!

Imagine having a direct line to the person working on your project. Sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? With a boutique agency, that’s exactly what you get. You’re not passed around between different web designers or bounced from one department to another.

Instead, you have a personal connection with your designer, making sure your vision is crystal clear, understood, and executed perfectly. This direct communication streamlines the process and helps everything run smoothly.

For instance, a client of mine needed a quick tweak to her site’s homepage. She shot me a message, and we had it sorted out by the end of the day! No ticket systems, no waiting for approvals – just quick, efficient service.

#4 Total Trust and Stability

Having trust in your website design agency is crucial, and it’s easier to build that trust when you’re working with the same person (or a very small team) throughout your project.

Larger web design companies often have high staff turnover, which can cause quite the headache with your project. This can leave you feeling like you’re starting over each time someone new joins the team.

With a smaller web design agency like mine, we can build a long-term relationship with you rather than disappear after a couple of months.

#5 No Cookie-Cutter Solutions

When you choose a professional web design company on the smaller side, you’re more likely to get a personalized approach. Larger agencies might only offer a standardized approach, but with us, your project gets the personal touch it deserves.

Let’s say you decide halfway through your project that you want to add a new feature or choose a web design that incorporates something unique.

With a larger agency, this could mean additional meetings, approvals, and fees. But with a smaller web design company like mine, we can quickly adjust and integrate your new ideas without a big fuss.

#6 Need Changes Fast? We’re On It!

Need to make a change on the fly? No problem! Boutique agencies can be incredibly agile and responsive to your needs.

We can turn things around quickly and adapt as your project evolves. Larger agencies, with their complex processes and layers of approval, can be much slower to respond to changes.

I once had a client who needed a last-minute change before their big launch. We managed to get it done overnight! Try getting that kind of service with a big agency.

#7 Easy, Breezy Communication

Clear and direct communication is key to a successful project. With a boutique web design company, you get just that. No confusing chains of command or miscommunication – just straightforward, honest conversations that keep everyone on the same page.

From talking to past clients, I know that even the top web design agencies can be really slow to respond. This is because they often have multiple layers and departments, which can complicate communication and slow things down.

#8 One Solid Partnership

We see our clients as partners. We work closely with you, making you feel like part of the team. This collaborative spirit helps us achieve the best results together. In larger agencies, the relationship can sometimes feel more transactional, with less of that personal touch.

#9 Niche Experts – We Know Our Stuff!

Many boutique agencies specialize in specific industries or types of projects, giving them deep expertise and insight. This means you get to work with someone who truly understands your business.

For example, if you’re in the health and wellness sector, working with a boutique agency that specializes in that area means they already know the ins and outs of your industry. They can hit the ground running, bringing valuable insights and experience to your project.

#10 The Buck Stops with Us

When you work with a boutique agency, there’s a higher level of accountability. Our smaller size and closer client relationships mean we take extra care with your project. We’re personally invested in your success.

In larger agencies, accountability can be diffused among many staff members, making it harder to get everyone fully committed to your project. People might pass the buck if mistakes are made.

When you work with a smaller web design company, the buck stops with the single contact you’re dealing with.

#11 We Get Your Brand, Inside and Out

A good web design agency knows how to showcase what makes your brand unique.

Working with a boutique agency means we take the time to deeply understand your brand. We’re not juggling dozens of projects at once, so we can focus on what makes your business special.

#12 Passionate About Our Projects

Boutique agencies often work with clients whose values align with their own, leading to passion-driven projects. We’re genuinely excited about your success, and we bring that enthusiasm to our work.

For example, a non-profit organization we worked with appreciated our shared commitment to their cause, something they found lacking in their previous, more corporate-focused agency. They loved how our passion translated into a beautifully crafted website that told their story.

#13 Here for the Long Haul

We know that choosing a web design partner is a big deal. That’s why we’re here for the long haul. Boutique agencies thrive on long-term relationships and repeat business, so your satisfaction is our top priority. We’re not just looking to complete a project and move on; we’re invested in your ongoing success.

See? Bigger Doesn’t Always Mean Better! Some of the Best Web Design Agencies are Boutique!

So there you have it! Choosing a boutique web design and development agency like Exhale Design Co. means you get cost-effective, personalized, and agile service with a personal touch. We’re here to make your website project a success, working closely with you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of working with a boutique agency, reach out to us. Let’s create something amazing together!