Are You Making These 10 Mistakes When Hiring a UX Agency?
Last update: 10 January 2024 at 04:00 pm
3.00/5In today’s digital age, the importance of a well-designed user experience (UX) cannot be overstated. A good UX can drive user engagement, increase conversions, and boost your bottom line. But designing a great UX is easier said than done.
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Find an agency!That’s where UX agencies come in. These agencies specialise in creating user-centred designs to help you achieve your business goals. However, hiring a UX agency is not without its pitfalls. This article will discuss common mistakes people make when hiring a UX agency and how Sortlist can help you avoid them.
10 Mistakes to avoid when hiring a UX agency
In this article, we will discuss ten common mistakes that businesses make when hiring a UX agency.
These mistakes include failing to define goals, choosing an agency based on price alone, neglecting to check the agency’s portfolio and reviews, failing to ask about the agency’s process, ignoring cultural fit, overlooking the agency’s industry expertise, and not considering accessibility and inclusivity.
We will also provide Sortlist’s solution to each mistake, helping businesses avoid these pitfalls when hiring a UX agency.
Mistake #1: Failing to Define Your Goals
One of the most common mistakes people make when hiring a UX agency is failing to define their goals. Before looking for an agency, you need to know what you want to achieve. Are you looking to increase conversions? Boost engagement? Improve your web apps navigation. Once you clearly understand your goals, you can start looking for an agency to help you achieve them.
According to a study by Forrester Research, companies that invest in a UX design agency can increase their conversion rates by up to 400%. This shows how crucial it is to have a well-designed UX in today’s digital age.
Furthermore, a study by Adobe found that 38% of users will stop engaging with a website if the content or layout is unattractive. This highlights the importance of having a visually appealing and user-friendly design.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist’s platform helps you define your goals by asking questions about your project. This enables you to clarify your objectives and find the right agency to help you achieve them.
Mistake #2: Choosing an Agency Based on Price Alone
In terms of cost, a survey by the Design Management Institute found that design-driven companies outperformed the S&P Index by 228% over ten years. Investing in user experience and user interface design can significantly impact a company’s overall success.
Another mistake people make when hiring a UX agency is choosing an agency based on price alone. While cost is certainly a factor to consider, it shouldn’t be the only factor. A cheaper agency may not have the expertise or resources to deliver your desired results.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to compare UX design agencies based on various factors, including expertise, portfolio, and client reviews. This helps you make an informed decision based on more than just price.
Mistake #3: Failing to Check the Agency’s Portfolio
When hiring a UX agency, it’s essential to check their portfolio. This will give you an idea of their work and whether they have experience in your industry. Failing to check their portfolio can result in a poor match between your needs and the agency’s capabilities.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to browse agencies’ portfolios to see their work and determine if it fits your project well.
Mistake #4: Neglecting to Check the Agency’s Reviews
Finally, checking the agency’s reviews before hiring them is essential. Reviews can give you an idea of the agency’s strengths, weaknesses, and overall reputation.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to read client reviews of agencies to get an idea of their reputation and whether they’re a good match for your needs.
Mistake #5: Failing to Ask About the Agency’s Process
It’s essential to understand the agency’s development process before you hire them. This will give you an idea of what to expect during the project and how they plan to achieve your goals.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to ask agencies questions about their design process and design system to understand how they work and whether it fits your project well.
Mistake #6: Choosing an Agency Based Solely on Their Technical Skills
While technical skills are essential, they’re not the only factor to consider when hiring a UX agency. A good agency should also have strong communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with its design team.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to browse agencies based on their soft and technical skills (i.e. user research, UI design, or visual identity) to find an agency that fits your project well.
Mistake #7: Not Establishing Clear Expectations
Establishing clear expectations with the agency before the project begins is essential. This includes deadlines, milestones, and deliverables.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist’s platform allows you to communicate with agencies and establish clear expectations before the project begins, so everyone is on the same page.
Mistake #8: Ignoring the Agency’s Cultural Fit
The UX designers you choose to work with should share similar values and have a similar work culture to your company. Failing to consider cultural fit can lead to communication breakdowns and project delays.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to filter agencies based on their cultural fit, helping you find an agency that aligns with your company’s values and work culture.
Mistake #9: Overlooking the Agency’s Industry Expertise
Industry expertise is crucial when designing a user experience that resonates with your target audience. Choosing an agency with expertise in your industry can save you time and money in the long run.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to search for agencies based on their industry expertise to find an agency with experience in your niche.
Mistake #10: Not Considering the Agency’s Accessibility and Inclusivity
Accessibility and inclusivity should be top of mind when designing a user experience. Failing to consider these factors can lead to a user experience that excludes certain groups, resulting in lost revenue and reputational damage.
Sortlist’s Solution: Sortlist allows you to filter agencies based on their experience with accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that the agency you choose can design a user experience that is accessible to all users.
Conclusion
Hiring a UX agency can significantly improve your website’s user experience and drive business results. However, it’s essential to avoid common mistakes when hiring an agency.
By defining your goals, comparing agencies based on more than just price, and checking their portfolio and reviews, you can find the right agency to help you achieve your objectives.
Sortlist’s platform can help you avoid these mistakes by giving you the information you need to decide which agency to hire.
Now that you know how to avoid common mistakes when hiring a UX agency, you can find the perfect match for your project. Remember, a good UX can make all the difference in today’s digital age, so don’t be afraid to invest in quality user experience design.
And if all else fails, remember this handy tip: if the agency can’t design a good user experience for themselves, how can they create one for you?
Happy hunting!
FAQs
When choosing a UX agency, consider factors such as their portfolio, industry expertise, client reviews, and the compatibility of their design philosophy with your project goals. Evaluate their communication skills, project management processes, and inquire about their approach to user research and testing. Additionally, ask for references from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction with the agency’s work
A UX design agency specialises in creating user-centered designs for digital products or services. Their services typically include user research, information architecture, prototyping, usability testing, and collaboration with development teams. UX agencies aim to enhance the overall user experience to meet business goals and user needs.
The cost of hiring a UX designer in the UK can vary based on factors such as experience, expertise, and the complexity of the project. On average, junior UX designers may charge between £25,000 to £40,000 per year, while senior designers or those with specialised skills may command higher salaries. Freelance rates can range from £30 to £70 per hour.
