How to choose a web design agency starts with strategy
Define outcomes and KPIs: leads, eCommerce revenue, bookings, and brand lift
To effectively choose a web design agency, startups must first clearly define their goals. Whether it’s generating leads, boosting eCommerce sales, increasing bookings, or elevating brand perception, setting specific KPIs is essential. By establishing these measurable outcomes, you ensure that the agency you select understands what success looks like and can tailor their services accordingly. For instance, Iceberg, Morocco’s trusted digital partner, has helped clients like Pernova and La Dégustation advance their digital goals with clear KPIs aligned with their strategy.
Scope the essentials: features, integrations, CMS, multilingual, and compliance
The next step involves outlining the must-have features for your website. This includes selecting the right content management system (CMS) such as WordPress or Shopify, identifying necessary integrations like payment gateways, booking systems, or CRM tools, and considering multilingual capabilities to reach diverse audiences. Ensuring compliance with local regulations and accessibility standards (WCAG) is also vital. Iceberg’s recent projects highlight how tailored solutions, whether for eCommerce or corporate websites, are built around these core requirements to deliver scalable, future-proof websites.
Map audiences, brand voice, and content needs with lean UX research
Understanding your target audience is fundamental. Iceberg emphasizes lean UX research to map user personas, content needs, and behaviors. This process identifies what resonates with your Moroccan or international users, allowing the creation of personalized experiences. Effective mapping, combined with user feedback and analytics, enables startups to craft websites that not only attract visitors but also foster engagement and loyalty.
Set budget, timeline, internal stakeholders, and a phased MVP plan
Finally, it’s crucial to establish a realistic budget and timeline. Define internal stakeholders involved in the project and consider phased approaches like minimum viable product (MVP) launches. An agency like Iceberg Morocco offers flexible pricing models and project planning that align with your business cycle, ensuring efficient delivery without compromising quality. Clear milestones and phased deployments facilitate manageable progress and quick adaptations.
Shortlist partners with the right model, stack, and sector expertise
Freelancer vs studio vs full‑service digital agency: pros, cons, and fit
Choosing the right partner depends on your project size and needs. Freelancers are cost-effective but may lack the breadth of skills for complex projects. Studios offer a more focused approach, while full‑service digital agencies like Iceberg provide comprehensive solutions covering design, development, SEO, and marketing. For Morocco startups, agencies with local understanding and sector experience often deliver better results.
Platform expertise (WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, headless): choose what scales
Platform expertise is critical. Iceberg excels in WordPress, Shopify, Webflow, and headless CMS solutions, offering flexibility based on your growth plans. Whether launching an ecommerce store or a corporate platform, choosing an agency with platform knowledge ensures the website’s scalability, performance, and SEO effectiveness.
Industry experience that translates to results (SaaS, eCommerce, hospitality, fintech)
Industry expertise accelerates project success. Iceberg’s portfolio includes SaaS, eCommerce, hospitality, and fintech, demonstrating their ability to design industry-specific solutions that convert. Sector knowledge allows for tailored UI/UX, compliance, and marketing strategies, vital for Moroccan startups or international businesses entering the Moroccan market.
Collaboration logistics: location, language, time zones, and communication cadence
Effective collaboration is foundational. Consider agency location, language capabilities, and time zone differences. Iceberg offers local Moroccan support and flexible communication habits to ensure transparency, quick updates, and smooth workflow—key for startups that require ongoing consultation.
Evaluate evidence: portfolio depth, process maturity, and technical excellence
Case studies that show before/after metrics, UX wins, and CRO impact
Review detailed case studies. Iceberg showcases success stories with measurable outcomes—improved KPIs, user engagement, and revenue growth. Clients like YoFitt and Pernova present concrete data that demonstrate their impact, which is essential when evaluating potential partners.
End‑to‑end process proof: discovery, design systems (Figma), dev, QA, launch, and CRO
Ask for proof of full project lifecycle management. Iceberg’s documented processes include discovery, wireframing, detailed design systems in Figma, rigorous QA, and optimization (CRO). A mature process indicates reliability and quality assurance at each stage.
Technical SEO, Core Web Vitals, accessibility (WCAG), security, and analytics readiness
Technical excellence is non-negotiable. Verify that the agency implements core Web Vitals, accessibility standards, security practices, and analytics readiness. Iceberg ensures all websites are optimized for SEO, loading speed, accessibility, and security—critical for converting and ranking in Morocco and globally.
Team structure and culture fit: PM model, sprint rituals, tool stack, and transparency
Ensure compatibility with the agency’s working model: project management, agile practices (sprints), transparency, and tools like Figma, Jira, or Trello. Iceberg’s transparent communication and collaborative process foster trust and project success.
Compare proposals, pricing, and risk like a pro
SOW clarity: deliverables, IP ownership (design files/code), licenses, warranty, maintenance
Clarity in scope, ownership rights, licenses, and support is essential. Iceberg provides detailed Statements of Work (SOW), guarantees IP rights, and offers post-launch warranties and maintenance options.
Pricing models (fixed, time & materials, retainer) and the drivers of cost
Compare pricing models: fixed, T&M, or retainer. Understand what drives costs—design complexity, platform choice, integrations, and ongoing support. Iceberg offers transparent and flexible pricing tailored to project scope.
Timeline realism: milestones, change control, acceptance criteria, and governance
Set realistic deadlines with clear milestones. Discuss change management processes and acceptance criteria. Iceberg emphasizes transparent governance to avoid delays and scope creep.
Due‑diligence checklist: references, red flags, security posture, NDA and data protection
Perform due diligence by checking references, evaluating security practices, and reviewing NDAs. Ensure compliance with Moroccan data privacy laws and international standards for data security.
Decide, onboard, and set up your web design agency for success
Use a weighted scorecard to select your partner (criteria template included)
Employ a structured evaluation method like a weighted scorecard. Assign scores for experience, portfolio, technical skills, communication, and pricing to make an objective choice. Iceberg advocates transparency and evidence-based decision-making.
Kickoff essentials: discovery workshop agenda, personas, sitemap, and IA
Start with a thorough kickoff: define personas, create sitemap and IA, and run discovery workshops to align all stakeholders. Clear starting points lead to better project outcomes.
Content and SEO plan: copy, brand assets, redirects/migration, and tracking
Develop a comprehensive content strategy: copywriting, branding assets, URL redirects, and analytics setup. Align SEO efforts with your content for maximum effect.
Measure and iterate: launch checklist, QA, dashboards, A/B testing, and CRO roadmap
Post-launch, measure with analytics dashboards, perform A/B testing, and optimize continuously. Iceberg provides ongoing insights and improvements to sustain your competitive edge.
Let’s discuss your project
We would love to hear about your project and discuss how we can help create your dream website. Our team is ready to provide a tailored solution that fits your needs. Reach out today for a free consultation.
Contact Iceberg.ma
For inquiries or project initiation:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +212 606 475 635
- Website: https://iceberg.ma
