Can AI-built sites replace agencies?

For many small businesses, AI-built sites like Congero provide a fast, SEO-optimised and affordable alternative. Agencies remain better for custom, enterprise-level projects.

greatest web designer agencies — How to find, evaluate and choose the best web design partner in 2025

Q: How do I compare proposals fairly?

Compare scope, deliverables, timelines, support and KPIs — not just price.

Q: What's the cheapest reliable option?

Congero offers a full-managed website with domain, hosting, SSL and unlimited updates for $49/month — often the most cost-effective option for small businesses.

DEFINITION

What makes a web designer agency one of the "greatest"?

Great agencies deliver measurable business results — not just pretty pages. They blend strategy, UX, code quality, SEO and ongoing optimisation with clear communication, reliable timelines and transparent pricing.

Strategy & Results

Top agencies start with goals — leads, revenue, bookings — and measure success with analytics and conversion tracking, not just visual mockups.

Design & UX

Consistent brand experience, accessible layouts, mobile-first UI and fast load times that keep visitors engaged.

Technical Excellence

Clean code, fast hosting, secure SSL, SEO-friendly structure and integrations (booking, payments, CRM) when needed.

CHOOSING CRITERIA

10 traits the greatest web design agencies share

Use these traits as your benchmark when comparing proposals and portfolios.

Clear process
Discovery, design, development, QA and launch phases with timelines and milestones.
Case studies with metrics
Examples that show leads, conversion lifts or revenue impact — not just screenshots.
Mobile-first design
Most users are on phones — check how sites perform on small screens and slow connections.
SEO & performance focus
On-page SEO, schema, image optimisation and fast hosting are non-negotiable.

Post-launch support
Maintenance, security updates and a clear support SLA.
Transparent pricing
Fixed-cost packages or clear hourly rates and deliverables.
Strong project management
Single point of contact, regular updates and version control.
Accessibility & standards
WCAG basics, semantic HTML and keyboard/navigation support for a wider audience.

AGENCY VS AI

Hiring a top agency vs choosing an AI-driven option like Congero

Both have clear use-cases. Here's a practical comparison to help you decide.

Great Agencies

Best for: Complex projects, custom integrations, large brand systems.
Strengths: Bespoke design, dedicated teams, strategic workshops.
Typical cost: $5k–$100k+ (project-dependent).
Timeline: Weeks to months.

AI-Driven (Congero)

Best for: Small trades & service businesses, quick launches, local SEO-focus.
Strengths: Instant launch, mobile-first, unlimited text-in updates.
Cost: Flat $49/month (includes domain, hosting, SSL, updates).
Timeline: Preview in 60 seconds; live domain setup in minutes.

How to choose

Choose an agency if: you need unique integrations, brand-level design or a large-scale rewrite.
Choose Congero if: you need a professional, high-performing website fast and cost-effectively with ongoing updates.
Hybrid approach: Launch quickly with Congero, then commission an agency for custom integrations once cashflow improves.

START A FREE CONGERO DEMO

PORTFOLIO CHECK

How to vet an agency portfolio — practical checks

Live sites over screenshots: Visit the live websites on mobile and desktop; inspect speed and navigation.
Look for measurable results: Case studies should include conversion improvements, traffic growth or revenue uplift.
Check for diversity: Experience across industries suggests transferable UX skills; niche specialists can be better for verticals.
Ask about their role: Confirm whether the agency did strategy, UX, design, development or only visual design.
Request references: Speak with past clients about communication, scope creep and timelines.

INTERVIEW

Essential interview questions + red flags

Questions to ask

Can you show a case study with real metrics (before & after)?
Who will be our day-to-day contact and what is your communication cadence?
What is included in post-launch support and maintenance?
How do you measure success for SEO and conversions?
What happens if the timeline slips? Do you offer milestones and refunds?

Red flags

No live case studies or only screenshots of designs.
Vague answers on analytics, tracking or SEO.
Unclear pricing, open-ended retainers without deliverables.
Poor or no contract — always get scope in writing.
Promises of guaranteed rankings — SEO cannot be guaranteed.

COSTS

How much does a top agency cost (and how long will it take)?

A quick reference to set expectations before you request proposals.

Basic brochure site

$3k–$10k · 2–6 weeks · Good for small businesses wanting a polished presence.

Custom CMS or eCommerce

$10k–$50k+ · 1–4 months · Integrations, payment gateways, and custom workflows add time and cost.

Enterprise & platforms

$50k–$250k+ · 3–12 months · Multi-system integrations, large teams and long QA periods.

Looking for a faster, lower-cost alternative?

Congero builds SEO-optimised, mobile-responsive websites in 60 seconds and manages everything for $49/month — domain, hosting, SSL and unlimited text-in updates.

SEE HOW IT WORKS

DECIDE

When you should hire a web design agency — and when not to

A simple decision guide to save time and money.

Hire an agency if...

You need a custom platform or complex integrations.
You require a large team for ongoing enterprise work.
Brand overhaul tied to offline campaigns or PR.

Skip an agency if...

You need a professional website fast with minimal cost.
You're a local trades or service business focused on bookings/leads.
You prefer a predictable monthly cost with unlimited edits.

Hybrid option

Launch quickly with an AI-managed site (Congero) to validate demand, then hire an agency for advanced features once revenue supports the investment.

CHECKLIST

Agency hiring checklist (print-ready)

Use these items when you request proposals and sign contracts.

Detailed scope with milestones and deliverables
Fixed pricing or clear hourly cap
Support & maintenance terms post-launch
Access to analytics and ownership of content
Intellectual property and export rights

TRY A FASTER PATH WITH CONGERO

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common concerns about agencies and AI alternatives.

What defines a "great" agency?

An agency that delivers measurable business outcomes, communicates clearly, and provides reliable post-launch support is a great agency.

How do I compare proposals fairly?

Compare scope, deliverables, timelines, what’s included in support, and how success will be measured — not just price.

Can AI-built sites really replace agencies?

For many small service businesses and trades, AI-built sites like Congero provide a faster, cheaper and SEO-ready solution. Agencies remain the best choice for bespoke systems and enterprise-grade projects.

What's the cheapest reliable option?

If your priority is a professional site with ongoing updates and local SEO at a predictable cost, Congero at $49/month is often the most cost-effective, low-risk choice.

Should I start with an agency or an AI service?

Start with your immediate needs: if you need speed, low cost and ongoing updates, start with an AI service. If you need custom integrations or a rebrand tied to complex marketing, hire an agency.

greatest web designer agencies

How to identify top web design agencies, evaluate portfolios and pricing, avoid common pitfalls — plus when an AI-driven option like Congero is the smarter choice.