You know your business needs a strong online presence. Perhaps you're launching a brand new venture, or your existing website is simply no longer cutting it. The next step? Finding the right partner to bring your vision to life.

For businesses in Leicestershire, the choice of a website agency can feel overwhelming. There are countless options, from solo freelancers to large agencies, all promising results. How do you cut through the noise and ensure you're making the right investment?

Having worked on digital commerce projects at Meta, Google, and Amazon's Brand Innovation Lab, I've seen countless websites succeed - and fail. The difference often comes down to asking the right questions upfront.

Here are 5 essential questions you should ask any prospective website agency in Leicestershire before you hire them.

1. Do You Understand Our Local Market & Customer Base?

A great website isn't just about pretty pictures; it's about connecting with your ideal customer. For a Leicestershire business, this means understanding the local nuances. Does the agency understand the importance of local search terms like "bakery Market Harborough" or "plumber Loughborough"?

Why it matters: An agency familiar with the regional economy, consumer habits, and local competition can tailor your site to resonate directly with your target audience. They'll know how to optimise for local SEO, helping you appear higher in search results for people nearby.

Ask them: "How do you approach local SEO, and what experience do you have helping Leicestershire businesses attract local customers?"

2. What’s Your Approach to Mobile-First Design? (And Can You Prove It?)

This isn't a "nice-to-have"; it's a non-negotiable. Over 60% of all website traffic now comes from mobile devices. If your site isn't designed to be flawless on a phone first, you're alienating the majority of your potential customers.

Why it matters: Google now uses a "mobile-first index," meaning your mobile site's performance dictates your search ranking. As we've discussed in our blog 'Your Website Looks Great on Your Mac. Too Bad Your Customers Are on Their Phones.', reviewing your site solely on a desktop is a fatal mistake.

Ask them: "Show me examples of your recent work on a mobile device. What is your process for ensuring a truly mobile-first experience?"

3. How Do You Handle E-commerce & Integrated Systems?

Even if you're not selling products online today, many businesses benefit from integrating systems. Think online booking for appointments, Click & Collect for bakeries, or synchronising your in-store POS with your website. A strong agency should be thinking about how your website connects to your entire business operation.

Why it matters: Disconnected systems lead to manual work, stock errors, and frustrated customers. As highlighted in our post The Tech Mistake Every New Coffee Shop & Retailer Makes, choosing a website that integrates seamlessly with tools like Square or Shopify POS from day one is critical for efficiency and growth.

Ask them: "What experience do you have with e-commerce platforms like Shopify, and how do you ensure seamless integration with other business tools?"

4. What Does "Ongoing Support" Actually Mean? (And What Does it Cost?)

A website isn't a static brochure; it's a living tool that needs updates, security patches, and occasional tweaks. The initial build is just the beginning. Understanding the agency's post-launch support is crucial.

Why it matters: Without ongoing support, your site can become outdated, vulnerable to security threats, or simply stop performing as well. A clear support plan avoids unexpected costs down the line.

Ask them: "What is included in your ongoing maintenance and support packages? What happens if an urgent issue arises, and what are the typical response times?"

5. Can You Show Me Client Testimonials & Relevant Case Studies?

Actions speak louder than words. A reputable agency should be proud to showcase its past work and have happy clients willing to vouch for them.

Why it matters: This provides tangible proof of their capabilities and helps you visualise how they could help your business. Look for examples that are similar to your business type or industry.

Ask them: "Can you share case studies or client testimonials from businesses similar to mine, particularly local Leicestershire businesses?"

Choosing a website agency is a significant decision for your business's future. By asking these questions, you'll gain clarity, build confidence, and ultimately find a partner who can help your Leicestershire business truly thrive online.

Ready to build a website that works as hard as you do? Brand Canyon, based in Market Harborough, specialises in creating powerful online presences for local businesses. Let's chat about your project.