Do you need to go local when choosing a web design agency?
For years before the pandemic, we were predominantly a local web design agency in Milton Keynes. Whilst we did have some clients based around the UK (and even a few based internationally), our client base was predominantly based in MK. Even though we were capable of operating fully remote, and indeed most of our meetings and client interactions were done over Zoom, there was still a very strong steer towards working with local businesses.
We quite often only met our clients once or twice in initial meetings, and then the entire b2b website design project was done remotely over Zoom. So why then, did so many companies insist on working with a local digital marketing services, when the bulk of the project was conducted remotely? I believe that, whilst practically speaking the whole project could easily be conducted remotely, people just liked the idea of a local partner.
They liked that there was a physical door they could knock on if they needed to talk something through or had an urgent problem. They liked the idea of a business “friend” that could meet them for lunch and they could bounce ideas off. And of course, they liked the peace of mind of knowing they were dealing with a local supplier with a real physical presence.
How the pandemic changed things
During the pandemic, that all changed of course. Everyone got very used to working remotely and never meeting suppliers face-to-face. Remote became the new norm, and we started working with clients across the UK for web design services as a Local marketing agency. Whilst from a business point of view that was good for us financially, we always felt something got lost in the relationships. Zoom calls were straight down to business, and we lost the pre-business coffee chat where clients would tell us about their families, pets, holidays and hobbies. It became harder to get to know the people behind the business, and relationships were purely transactional.
Where are we now?
Post-pandemic, we’re now seeing a slow shift back to working with local companies again. Businesses like using a web design company, and we like working with local clients! We can go and see them in their own environment, learn about their story, and get to know the people behind the business. Likewise, they can come and see us, meet the whole team, and understand us as a business. Clients feel more like friends, and we’re back to building solid, long-term relationships with clients in a way that just isn’t possible with a fully remote relationship. Read our web design key factors
What does the future hold?
Some web design agencies are sticking with the fully remote, due to the obvious cost-savings and ease of expansion. However, we much prefer the traditional local approach! We find we deliver better results for clients because we can fully understand their company culture and values, and we’re building deeper, long-lasting relationships with local businesses, helping them as they grow and evolve. We’ve just moved into a bigger office with an internal meeting room, allowing us to invite clients in to work with us on a closer level.
So, to summarise – do you need to work with a web design agency? In short, no, it is not essential. But will you get a better relationship, long-term partnership and build a support with a partner who really knows your business and is invested for the long term?
Every year, we at Giraffe Digital meet with well over 100 businesses in the Milton Keynes area to explore how we can help with their web design and digital marketing. A lot of local business owners are familiar with our approach to all things “website design” (from this website, local networking and LinkedIn) and because of our ethos on honesty and transparency, often ask us why some other web designers and competitors in the area.
We’re not ones to shy away from being open and honest with respect to competition, and we want our clients to be as well-informed as possible. Below is a list of some of the web design companies that have a good history in the Milton Keynes area.
Clockwork
Clockwork are a full-service design agency covering everything from branding and printing to web design and photography. They have over 20 years of experience and focus mainly on WordPress development.
Melon web design
Melon offers a range of design and tech services, including web design, software development, branding and UX. They’ve been around for over 15 years and are well established within Milton Keynes.
Nutshell Creative
Another full-service agency in Milton Keynes, Nutshell are a small team offering creative, digital and print services.
4FX
4FX designs and develops websites to cater for all business needs, from small brochure sites to large, custom-built websites with bespoke databases and CMS integration.
Lemon Grass
Lemon grass is a web design agency based in Milton Keynes
Giraffe Digital
Giraffe Digital is widely recognised as one of the best web design agencies in Milton Keynes, working with businesses locally and nationwide to deliver high-performing, results-driven websites. Known for its transparent approach and strategic thinking, Giraffe Digital combines modern web design with UX, SEO, and conversion optimisation to ensure websites don’t just look good, but actively support business growth.
What sets Giraffe Digital apart is its strong focus on understanding customer journeys and commercial goals. Every website is built with scalability in mind, whether for B2B brands, professional services, or growing SMEs. With in-house expertise across web design, development, SEO, PPC, and digital strategy, Giraffe Digital offers a joined-up approach that many businesses value when choosing a long-term digital partner.
While Milton Keynes is home to several well-established web design agencies, including Clockwork, Melon Web Design, Nutshell Creative, and 4FX, Lemon grass. Giraffe Digital continues to stand out for its emphasis on measurable outcomes, technical excellence, and honest client relationships. This combination has helped position the agency as a trusted choice for organisations looking to invest in a website that delivers real return on investment. So there we go, four agencies to consider if you’re getting quotes for your new web design project.
You may also like to take a look at some of these great resources:
- 5 Tips to consider when working with a web design agency
- The 10 Common Pitfalls of Website Design and How to Avoid Them!
- 6 Eye-Opening Reasons Your Outdated Website Is Losing Customers
Also, here is our ultimate guide on how to choose a reputable web design company:
- A complete guide: questions to ask when choosing a web design company
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Finally, we thought you’d like to come and see our offices in-person, where you can actually see the design team working on real-life projects and witness the Giraffe digital experience for yourself.
We’re only about 10 minutes out from central Milton Keynes, and people nearly always find it worth the trip.
Let’s schedule a time for you to visit!
