How to Choose a WordPress Agency

Picking the Perfect WordPress Partner

You probably don’t think twice about picking up a pint milk from the supermarket but what about deciding on a web developer to promote your product or showcase your business?

If you’re fresh in the market for a professional WordPress agency or developer, it can feel daunting, like staring into a packed mosh pit. Everyone’s pushing to get to the front and shouting, “Pick me! I’m the best!” But how do you cut through the noise and find someone who can build you a website that screams your brand louder than a stack of Marshall amps dialled up to 11? Let’s break it down.

Know Your Needs: Don’t Book the Wrong Band

Before you even start looking for a WordPress agency or developer, you need to know what you’re after. Are you a small business that just needs a simple, fast-loading site? Or are you a band, label, or brand that needs a fully custom build with e-commerce, bookings, and enough design edge to slap your competition in the face?

Think of it like booking a band. You wouldn’t hire a thrash metal band for your Gran’s birthday, right? Make a list of must-have features and look for an agency or developer that has experience with projects like yours.

Check the Portfolio: Look for Past Hits

If a WordPress agency or developer doesn’t showcase their work, they’re like a band with no demos – untrustworthy at best.

• Check their portfolio. Are they designing sites that have the vibe and functionality you’re after?
• Do they have reviews? Check for verified or genuine customer feedback on verified platforms like Google and Trustpilot.
• Weird can be wonderful. There’s a time and place for the sensible stuff but do you really want to look exactly like the competition or stand out in the crowd? (Don’t worry, we can so the corporate and compliant stuff too!)
• Consistency is key. Look for diversity in their work, but also consistency in quality. Bonus points if they’ve worked with big names. For example, if they’ve built killer websites for bands like Green Day, Nine Inch Nails, or The Beatles (cough like us cough), you know they’ve got the chops to handle your project.

Talk About Their Process: Collaboration Over Ego

Good web design and development is like writing a great album: it’s all about collaboration. Avoid developers and agencies who act like gatekeepers of the creative process. They should listen to your ideas, suggest improvements, and help shape your vision into something extraordinary.

Ask them about their process. Do they work in stages, giving you input along the way? Do they explain their technical decisions in ways you can understand, or do they talk in code that makes your eyes glaze over? A good developer won’t just build a website – they’ll help you understand how it works and why it works the way it does. Check out our full breakdown on what to expect from a WordPress developer.

Test Their Communication: Avoid the Diva Mentality

You’ve heard the horror stories: developers disappearing for weeks, agencies ghosting you right before launch, or projects dragging on longer than a Tool album.* Communication is everything.

*Full disclosure, we actually love Maynard and the gang.

When you first reach out to a potential WordPress partner, take note of their response time and tone. Do they sound excited to work with you? Do they answer your questions clearly and honestly? Or do they come across as a diva who thinks they’re too cool for school? You want someone approachable, reliable, and ready to rock alongside you.

Check out their social channels as well – is your developer active? Was their profile set up last week? Do they engage with followers and share resources?

Transparency and Pricing: Know What You’re Paying For

You don’t want to sign up for a custom build, only to find out halfway through that the bass player (aka your developer) wants more money to finish the gig. Ask for clear pricing and scope upfront.

On the flip side, don’t just grab the cheapest seats in town. It might seem like value for money but you’ll likely come unstuck before long. Off the shelf themes and page builders can be tempting but you may find yourself limited or worse facing a total rebuild in the near future. We regularly have clients come to us with this exact problem. Time to ditch that page builder?

Are their packages laid out like a killer setlist, or do you feel like you’re playing a game of “guess the hidden costs”? A trustworthy WordPress agency will break down their pricing structure and be upfront about what’s included – and what’s not.

Specialised Knowledge: The Right Tools for the Job

WordPress isn’t just one-size-fits-all. There’s WooCommerce for e-commerce, ACF (Advanced Custom Fields) for bespoke layouts, and tools like AutomateWoo for automation. If your project needs specific functionality, make sure your developer knows their plugins like a guitarist knows their pedals.

Also, if an agency only works with page builders like Elementor or WPBakery, tread carefully. These can be helpful tools, but a true pro knows how to write custom code and build websites that don’t rely on bloated plugins.

Support and Maintenance: The Encore

A great WordPress agency doesn’t just drop the mic and walk off stage once your site is live. They stick around for the encore – offering support, updates, and maintenance to keep your site running like a well-oiled tour bus.

Ask about their post-launch services.

• Do they offer training so you can manage your site on your own?
• Do they provide ongoing updates and backups?
• Do they go that extra mile and include website schema or help with local SEO?
• Do they offer advice on other key services like Hosting, Google Analytics, Mailchimp and other best practises?

A long-term partnership is key to a successful website. If it’s your first website, take time to understand the importance of keeping plugins updated and make sure your developer can help and support you.

Here’s The Deal

Your website is your stage, and it needs to leave an impression. A good WordPress agency doesn’t just follow trends – they set them. They understand that a website isn’t just a collection of pages; it’s your brand’s identity, your message, your movement. Whether you’re a band, a brand, or a small business, you deserve a partner who gets that and is willing to take creative risks to make your site stand out.

Choosing a WordPress agency or developer isn’t just about finding someone who can build you a site; it’s about finding a creative partner who shares your passion and vision. Look for someone who listens, communicates, and collaborates – and most importantly, someone who’s excited to create something that’s as bold and unique as you are.

So, if you’re ready to build a site that doesn’t just exist but thrives, let’s make something legendary together.