Finding the right digital product agency can be quite challenging. A quick Google search is going to return over one million results. While it is great to have options, you may have no idea how to separate well-qualified companies from the pretenders.
If you choose wisely, your new mobile application or website could take your business to the next level. Make a poor decision and the results can hinder the growth of your business for years to come -- not to mention all the wasted time and resources.
In this article, we’ll outline the questions you need to be asking when you’re looking for a digital product agency.
By doing so, you can find a partner that is a good fit for your company’s needs and vision.
By the way, if you'd like to learn more about what a digital product agency is, and what they often deliver, check out this post.
Also we know what you are thinking. “Why should I trust this article, since it was written by a digital product agency?”
While we certainly want to obtain new clients and provide them with innovative solutions, we also understand that not all agencies and companies are a good fit.
We stand behind our work and are transparent about our business model so that the right clients can partner with us confidently.
Our goal in creating this article is to give you the tools necessary to find the perfect digital product agency for your needs. Let’s get started!
#Making Your Decision
When you’re searching for a digital product agency, remember that you are the client. Do not be afraid to ask questions, review a company’s work, and make your needs known.
A digital product agency should actively be trying to earn your business. From the moment you fill out the contact card, the entire experience should be seamless and stress-free.
With that being said, you may not be sure what to look for or which questions to ask. This is especially true if it is your first time partnering with a digital product agency.
Generally, we recommend asking the following questions:
#What Are Their Specialties?
Not all digital product agencies are created equal. Some of these firms have diverse design teams that can handle virtually any project. Others have elected to specialize in one or two niche areas.
When you’re searching for a digital product agency, find out what they specialize in. Do they work with the products that you are looking to build?
For instance, if you need to create a mobile app for eCommerce, it is important that the digital product agency is familiar with the relevant industries.
If a company says that they work with a particular product category, don’t stop asking questions there.
Ask to see some sample work in that category. Any digital product agency is going to talk a great game, but you cannot fake work quality. Plus, you can determine whether the style of their work aligns with your company’s brand.
#What’s Their Process?
Creativity is vital in the world of digital product design. However, a great digital product agency should also use a systematic process for serving its clients.
The ideal digital product agency will release early and talk directly with your teams along the way. You should not have to wait weeks for an update. Instead, the firm should maintain open and consistent lines of communication with you throughout the development process.
From the moment you schedule a consultation, a digital product agency should be focused on understanding and meeting your needs. They need to be asking questions about your project goals so that the final product aligns with your company’s long-term plans.
When you’re speaking with a digital product agency, ask them to explain their process. They should be able to promptly outline what you can expect during the development process. Find out how long it will be until they get started and what the projected timetable will be until your product is complete.
#What’s Their Pricing Model?
In the world of digital product creation, you truly do get what you pay for. If you go with the cheapest bid for your project, the results may be underwhelming. Your app or website might lack that polished feel that resonates with consumers.
Unfortunately, some of the lowest bidders like to tack on hidden fees at the last minute. This means that you end up saving far less money than you anticipated and get left with a subpar product. Talk about a lose-lose situation.
While you don’t necessarily have to go with the highest bidder, it is important that you look for the best combination of performance and value. After you have spoken with an agency and reviewed their work, do you feel that their pricing is consistent with their performance?
The best way to get the most value out of a digital product agency is to examine its pricing model. Top agencies will have transparent billing so that you can adequately budget for the project. They also offer short “release windows,” which is an efficient means of releasing your project.
If you find a digital product agency with clear billing practices, a great portfolio of work, and short release windows, then you should strongly consider partnering with them.
#How Do They Collaborate?
At the end of the day, a digital product agency should be focused on the needs of your company. This means that they must collaborate seamlessly with your team. Communication must be timely and consistent. Otherwise, the final product may fall short of your lofty expectations.
All collaboration should incorporate simple, concise language, as well.
You want to hire a digital product agency because they are experts in the world of digital design. However, if a team uses excessive technical jargon, it can seriously hinder cross-functional collaboration.
#What Are They Promising?
Perhaps the best sign that you are speaking to a professional digital product agency is that they are willing to make promises.
You want a team that is confident in its ability to deliver a great product. They should back up this confidence with realistic and tangible promises.
For instance, an agency should guarantee that your product will work flawlessly when deployed. They should also be willing to provide ongoing support in case any unexpected bugs present themselves.
Your partner should also promise a clear return on your investment. Whether your project is designed to increase revenue or cut costs, your digital product agency should promise that it will deliver.
Once again, this is a great time to ask about their past work. Ask to see a past project that cut costs for a company. If they are hesitant or unable, then that company may not be a good fit for your needs.
#With Pulp: Providing Optimal Results and Value
When you’re searching for a great digital product agency, be deliberate with your questioning.
Find out what you need to know to make an informed decision. Doing so will ensure that you get a good return on your investment.
If you are looking for a digital product agency that has a history of delivering high-performing products at an incredible value, then it is time to contact With Pulp. We offer free consultations and would love to show you some of our past work.
Our responsive team of designers and developers has a reputation for providing exceptional customer service and producing great digital products.
Speak with one of our team members today and give us the opportunity to earn your business. You’ll be glad you did!