''' We get a lot of inquiries. Many are for interesting projects from good companies. But we don't take every project that comes our way. In fact, we say "no" more than we say "yes."
This isn't about arrogance. It's about fit. A successful web design or marketing project is a partnership. If the foundation for a strong partnership isn't there, even the most exciting project can go sideways. We've learned to spot the signs early. It saves everyone time, money, and frustration.
Is the Goal Realistic?
A common red flag is a mismatch between the budget and the goal. A startup might want to "be the next Amazon" on a budget that barely covers a Shopify template. While we admire the ambition, we have a duty to be realistic.
A senior agency provides a reality check. We know what it costs to build a robust eCommerce platform capable of handling Seattle-level traffic, from Ballard to Bellevue. We can’t in good faith take money for a project that we know is destined to fail.
Is There Mutual Trust?
Some potential clients want to see a full design mockup before signing a contract. This seems reasonable on the surface, but it signals a lack of trust in our expertise and process.
Our process is designed to get to the *right* solution, not just a pretty one. It involves research, strategy, and collaboration. A request to skip to the end shows a focus on the deliverable, not the outcome. Good design is a process of discovery, not just a transaction.
We build relationships, like the one with a local Tacoma brewery. They trusted our process to rebrand them and build a new website. The result was a 40% increase in online sales.
Are We Aligned on Success?
Success isn't just about launching a website. Success is about what happens after the launch.
- Does the site attract the right customers?
- Is it easy for them to find what they need?
- Does it convert visitors into leads or sales?
If a client is solely focused on a quick launch and not on the long-term performance of the site, we're not the right fit. We see the website as a critical piece of business infrastructure, not a brochure. It needs to work hard for you, like a new employee.
Our most successful projects are with clients who see us as a strategic partner, not just a vendor. They understand that our tough questions and our focus on process are what will ultimately get them the best results.
Think your project is a good fit for our approach? We'd love to hear about it.
Start the conversation at /contact or get a /free-website-audit-report to see how we think. '''
Seattle agency · Seattle, WA
A full-service digital agency working in WordPress, Drupal, Shopify, Webflow, React, and React Native. We partner with universities, nonprofits, governments, and growing brands to ship sites that hold up after launch.