Why we stopped ranking agencies
An earlier version of this page listed ten agencies by name. Lists like that go stale within a year, favour whoever markets loudest, and put us in the odd position of grading competitors. What holds up is the criteria, so that is what this page is now. Apply them to any agency, including GoDesign.
Six things that separate a strong agency
- 01Verifiable work. Case studies that name the client, show the live site, and describe what was actually done. Screenshots of unnamed projects prove nothing. See how we do it on our work page.
- 02Reviews on platforms they do not control. Google, Trustpilot, Clutch, Upwork. Testimonials on the agency's own site are curated by definition.
- 03A named team. Photos and roles of real people, not a stock image and "our team of 50 experts". You are hiring people.
- 04A written process. Discovery, quote, contract, project manager, milestones, handover. If they cannot describe it in five steps, it does not exist.
- 05Contracts and entities. A registered company, a contract that states scope, price, timeline, revisions and ownership of the work. Pay attention to who owns the code and the domain at the end.
- 06Reporting. For marketing and SEO, monthly reports from Google's own tools. For builds, weekly written updates.
How to shortlist
Search for the service and city, note the agencies that rank organically (they can at least do their own SEO), then check each against the six points. Ask two past clients directly; agencies with real work will introduce you. Three agencies on the shortlist is enough.
Questions to ask on the call
- Who exactly will work on my project, and can I meet them?
- Show me a project like mine and tell me what went wrong on it.
- What is not included in this quote?
- Who owns the website, code, design files and domain when we finish?
- What happens if we stop halfway?
- How do you report progress, and how often?
Red flags
- Guaranteed rankings or guaranteed sales figures.
- A quote before anyone has asked what the project is.
- No contract, or a contract that keeps ownership of your assets.
- Portfolio pieces that appear on other agencies' sites too.
- Pressure to pay in full up front.
- Hosting and domains registered in the agency's name.
Common questions
- How much do digital agencies in Pakistan charge?
- Widely varying. Small business websites from a few hundred dollars at freelancer-led studios to several thousand at established agencies; monthly marketing retainers from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Compare scope and ownership terms, not only price.
- Is it better to hire an agency in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi?
- Location matters little for digital work; process and proof matter. Choose by the six criteria, and by time-zone convenience if you are abroad.
- Should a foreign business hire a Pakistani digital agency?
- Many do, for senior talent at rates that make projects viable. Insist on a registered entity, a proper contract, references from clients in your region and clear ownership terms, exactly as you would at home.
