Selecting your digital agency: evaluation grid with 15 criteria
Selecting your digital agency: evaluation grid in 15 criteria
Choosing a digital agency in French-speaking Switzerland can be complex. Here are 15 key criteria to evaluate effectively and avoid costly mistakes:
- Define your needs: Clear objectives, priorities, budget (e.g. CHF 15,000 vs CHF 80,000).
- Understand the Swiss market: Bilingualism (French/English), professional tone, compliance with data protection laws (nLPD).
- Check technical expertise: Suitable CMS (WordPress, PrestaShop), local integrations (Twint, PostFinance), scalable architecture.
- Analyze design and UX/UI: Multilingual sites, accessibility standards (WCAG).
- Evaluate SEO: Bilingual optimization, strategy tailored to local searches.
- Examine project management: Methods (Agile/Scrum), tools (Jira, Trello), smooth communication (Slack, Teams).
- Control budget and deadlines: Clear quotes in CHF, realistic schedule, contractual guarantees.
- Ensure maintenance: Post-launch support, regular updates, enhanced security.
- Check cultural fit: Understanding Swiss norms (punctuality, precision), alignment with your values.
- Consult references: Case studies, client testimonials, similar projects.
- Meet the team: Technical and linguistic skills, compatible working style.
- Seek stability: Years of experience, official registrations, financial strength.
- Prioritize quality: Technical tests (performance, security), compliance with ISO and data protection standards.
- Clarify ownership of deliverables: Source code, design, data.
- Build a lasting partnership: Transparent communication, long-term collaboration.
Why these criteria matter?
A rigorous evaluation ensures a choice aligned with your business objectives and Swiss specificities. A well-thought-out checklist avoids unpleasant surprises and maximizes your return on investment.