Local Guide to Hiring a Web Design Agency in St Helens

If you’re a business owner in St Helens or the surrounding areas—Newton-le-Willows, Rainhill, Prescot—you’ve probably realised that having a website isn’t optional anymore. Whether you’re a local tradesperson, café owner, clinic, or creative, your website is often the first place potential customers will look before picking up the phone or stepping through your door.

But how do you go about hiring the right web design agency—one that understands your business, your goals, and the needs of your local audience?

Here’s a practical, no-fluff guide to help you make the best choice.

Look for Local Knowledge

One of the biggest advantages of working with a local agency is that they understand the community you’re serving. A team based in St Helens or nearby will be more familiar with your target audience, competitors, and even local search trends.

They’re also more accessible. Want to pop into their office or have a face-to-face chat about your project? That’s a lot easier when they’re down the road—not halfway across the world.

⸻

Check Their Work, Not Just Their Words

A good agency should have a portfolio that speaks for itself. Browse their recent projects and ask:

• Do their sites look modern and professional?
• Are they mobile-friendly?
• Do they load quickly?
• Can you imagine your business represented in a similar way?

At TWP, we’ve worked with businesses like By Hannie, The Physio Circle, and Albaray—each with unique needs, audiences, and goals.

Ask About Their Process

Every web design agency has a different approach. A good one will take the time to understand your business, offer clear timelines, and keep you involved throughout the project.

You should know:

• Who will be working on your project?
• How will communication work?
• Will they provide training, support, or updates after launch?

A clear, collaborative process leads to better results—and fewer surprises.

Don’t Forget SEO, Speed & Scalability

It’s not enough for a website to look good—it needs to work hard too. Your agency should be thinking about:

• SEO – so your site ranks well in Google when locals search for your service
• Performance – so your pages load quickly, especially on mobile
• Scalability – so your website can grow as your business does

If an agency isn’t talking about these things, that’s a red flag.

Budget Matters, But Value Matters More

We get it—budgets are tight. But choosing the cheapest option now can often lead to more expensive problems later. Instead of focusing on price alone, look at value:

• Will the site help you attract new customers?
• Will it save time or reduce admin?
• Is the investment likely to pay off in the next 6–12 months?

Think of your website as a business tool, not just a brochure.

Ask for Ongoing Support (Because Things Change)

Once your site is live, things don’t stop there. You might need help updating content, adding new features, or making sure everything stays secure.

Ask whether your agency offers:

• Ongoing support or maintenance
• Training on how to update your website
• Options for future improvements as your business grows

At TWP, we don’t disappear after launch. We’re in it with you for the long haul.

Ready to Find the Right Fit?

Choosing the right web design agency is an investment in your business—and finding one locally means you get all the benefits of great design and technical expertise, plus the personal touch that comes with working face to face.

If you’re a business in St Helens or the surrounding area and want to improve your online presence, we’d love to have a chat. Whether you need a full site build, a redesign, or just some honest advice—we’re here to help.