Let’s be honest, finding the right digital agency isn’t easy. There are loads out there. Some look flashy, some talk a good game, and some chuck every marketing buzzword under the sun at you.
But when you strip all that back, what actually matters?
If you’re thinking of working with an agency, you’re probably wondering:
What do they actually do?
What should I be looking for?
And how do I know that I am getting value?
Let’s break it down.
So, what is a digital agency?
A digital agency helps businesses grow online. That might be through designing a better website, improving your visibility on Google, running paid ads, managing your social media, writing content, or, quite often, a mix of all those things.
But the best agencies don’t just "do marketing." They help you make better decisions. They ask the right questions.
They take the time to understand your business, your budget, and what you actually want to achieve, and then they build the right digital solution around that.
Not a solution. The right one.
What should I actually be looking for in an agency?
It comes down to a few simple things.
First, look for a team that’s interested in you. If they’re not asking about your goals, your audience, your current marketing setup, that’s a red flag.
Because without that, how can they build something that works?
Second, you want an agency that’s open with you. That tells you what’s realistic. That explains what’s involved, what the investment is, and what you’ll get in return.
If something won’t work, they should say so. If something’s outside the budget for where you’re at, they should tell you that too.
And finally, find people who actually care. You can tell pretty quickly when someone’s in it for the relationship versus someone who’s just trying to get a deal signed.
You want a team that feels like part of yours, people who’ll go the distance with you.
Why do agencies charge what they do?
That’s a fair question, and one we get a lot.
The short version? You’re not just paying for a website, a campaign, or a video. You’re paying for the people behind it, the strategy, the experience, the time, and the service.
You might get quoted £800 from one provider, and £2,000 from another. But the real question is: what are you actually getting for that money?
A budget media package from one agency might include one video a month and a bit of content.
Whilst a premium media package from another might include the planning, the strategy, the revisions, or the team support behind it.
And if you end up having to redo everything because it didn’t work, was it really cheaper?
Instead of asking “Why is it expensive?” it’s better to ask, “What does that investment give me?
Because in most cases, the agency isn’t trying to rinse you. They’re trying to make the numbers work, for both sides.
Do I even need an agency?
Sometimes, no.
If you’re just getting started, or you’ve got a limited budget, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing things yourself. Set up a template site. Run your socials. Try a few things out. In fact, we encourage that.
But as your business grows, your time gets tighter. You hit skill gaps. Things get more complex. And that’s where an agency can step in, fill the gaps, and free you up to focus on the stuff that only you can do.
You don’t need an agency until you’re ready for one. And when you are, you’ll feel it.
What am I actually investing in?
It’s not just “money,” it’s time too.
You’ll need to spend time with your agency. Explaining your business. Giving feedback. Approving content. Sharing access to tools and systems. Because when the relationship works well, it’s a partnership.
The best results always come from that two-way collaboration. You know your business. We know digital. Put them together, and that’s when the good stuff happens.
How much does a website really cost?
The classic answer: it depends.
You can go and get a £500 site on Wix, and honestly? That’s great for a brand-new business. No problem.
Want something a bit more robust? WordPress with a decent template might cost you £1,500 to £3,000, depending on what you need.
But if you’re after something that’s properly built for your business, tailored design, solid structure, SEO foundations, custom features, strong content, and visuals that actually reflect who you are, you’re realistically looking at anywhere between £8k and £20k.
And that’s just for the site itself, before you even start marketing it.
Now, could you spend more? Definitely. Some agencies charge £40k. Some even hit six figures. Are they overcharging? Not if the client sees the value.
If the website is a core part of a larger strategy, handling big traffic, e-commerce, complex integrations, or multi-region content, that level of investment can make sense.
It all comes down to what you need it to do, and what the return is expected to be.
Think of it like building a house.
The design is your blueprint
The development is the build
The content is your furniture
The marketing? That’s the roads leading to the house. No point building it if no one can find it.
You don’t need all of it straight away. But we’ll help you figure out what’s essential now, and what can come later.
What makes a good agency different?
Plenty of people can build a website or run an ad. What matters more is how they do it.
Are they genuine and approachable? Do they explain things clearly? Are they responsive? Do they listen
You want a team that doesn’t just tick boxes, but actually gives a shit about your business. One that looks ahead, spots potential issues, and adapts with you as you grow.
And not every agency is like that. So take your time. Ask the right questions. Pay attention to how they speak to you, not just what they say.
What should I ask before signing up?
Here’s what we’d be asking if the roles were reversed:
What have you done for businesses like mine?
How will you measure results?
How will we communicate? How often?
How do you measure success?
What happens if things don’t go to plan?
If you’re not getting clear answers, or worse, if everything sounds too good to be true, trust your gut.
A good agency won’t just give you “yes” answers. They’ll walk you through their process, explain the thinking, and show you what’s actually involved.
So… is working with an agency worth it?
If you’ve got the right timing, a clear goal, and the budget to back it, yes.
The right agency should take the pressure off you, not add to it. They should give you focus, not overwhelm. And if you find the right fit, it’s not just a service. It’s a relationship that builds momentum over time.
Still not sure? That’s alright.
You don’t have to jump into anything. Maybe you’ve got more questions. Maybe you just want to sense-check an idea.
We’re happy to have a chat, no pressure, no pitch. Let’s just see if we’re a good fit. Get in touch today.
