6 Smart Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Digital Design Agency

A digital design agency can either make your brand look like a powerhouse or like it’s stuck in a PowerPoint template from 2003.

The difference? It all comes down to who you hire. 

A digital design agency might seem like a luxury until you realize that 57% of companies outsource just to cut costs. Another 51% do it to keep up with shifting strategies. And nearly half are looking for capabilities that their in-house team simply doesn’t have.

These numbers tell a bigger story: businesses aren’t just outsourcing to lighten the load, but they’re doing it to stay sharp, flexible, and competitive.

But before you jump the gun and hire the first graphic design services, it’s crucial to do proper research. Here are six questions to ask your potential digital design agency to make sure you get the most bang for your buck.

1. What industries or clients have you worked with?

Did you know that 19% of ventures spend over $10,000 annually on graphic design? Good graphic design is indeed an investment. And just like any investment, you need to ensure that you’ll get an ROI. 

That’s why it’s smart to ask whether the digital design agency has experience working in your industry or with brands that share similar goals.

That said, look for a creative as a service provider that offers a mix of versatility and cohesion. After all, if every project looks the same, you might be dealing with a one-size-fits-all approach rather than a team of expert digital graphic designers.

At Penji, for instance, we make sure to follow the brand’s unique tone and voice, so our clients can rest assured that every image is tailored to their needs. 

• Actionable tip: Many top-tier agencies showcase their professional graphic design services in case studies or client galleries—don’t skip this step.

2. Who will be working on our project?

Data tells us that 94% of people would not trust a website if it has bad design. That said, when you’re exploring creative agency website design or looking to outsource digital graphics for businesses, you want more than just a faceless name in a project queue. 

Ask who will handle your requests, what their expertise is, and how they match designers to client needs. After all, given the numbers we’ve discussed about the importance of graphic design in business, you’ll be counting on this person for a lot.

At Penji, for example, we have an AI matchmaker that pairs you with a certified designer based on your specific project needs. You’ll see who’s working on your request and can leave feedback directly. And if it’s not quite the right fit? You can instantly swap designers without awkward conversations or delays.

• Actionable Tip: Ask if you’ll have visibility on who’s handling your designs and if there’s a simple way to request a new designer if the first match doesn’t click.

3. What deliverables will we receive?

While Adobe products make up over 80% of the graphic design software market, Adobe file formats aren’t the only acceptable deliverables for modern design projects.

Before you commit to working with any graphic design agency website, clarify exactly what files you’ll get at the end of each project. Will it be editable? Print-ready? Sized for different platforms? 

This matters whether you’re hiring an agency, using creative as a service, or choosing to hire freelance digital designers.

With platforms like Penji, for instance, you can choose from a variety of deliverables: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and others. You can even get them on Canva or Figma.

Added to that, you can also specify exact dimensions or let the designer decide for you. This level of control helps ensure the final designs work perfectly for your brand’s needs.

• Actionable Tip: Always ask for source files (like .AI or .PSD) so you can reuse or tweak the design later without starting from scratch.

4. What’s your revision process?

Most designs aren’t perfect on the first try. That’s why you should ask about the revision process upfront. Traditional design agency websites might limit you to two or three rounds before charging extra. But with an on-demand digital design service, flexibility is the name of the game.

Penji, for example, makes revisions effortless. You can comment directly on the design itself, highlighting areas, adding notes, and giving clear feedback all within the platform. It’s built into their promise of custom digital design services, so you’re never stuck with a design that’s “just okay.”

• Actionable Tip: Choose a service that allows visual, real-time feedback on the design. It cuts back-and-forth emails and keeps your project moving forward without confusion.

5. Can we see results from past clients?

The real proof is in the portfolio. Ask to see actual samples of their work, not just polished mockups. Whether it’s digital product design, packaging, or digital advertising design solutions, strong agencies won’t hesitate to show off results that speak for themselves.

At Penji, for example, we take pride in showcasing a wide range of client work across industries. These samples give you a sense of their versatility, consistency, and ability to bring ideas to life visually. Check it out to understand why clients choose Penji.

6. How do we communicate during the project?

Clear communication is everything, whether you’re working with one-off projects or unlimited graphic design platforms. You’ll want to know how updates are shared, how feedback is handled, and how quickly your questions get answered.

With a platform like Penji, for instance, all communication happens in one place. You submit your design request, leave comments directly on the artwork, and chat with your assigned designer, all within the dashboard.

• Actionable Tip: Ask if the agency uses a centralized platform for messages, revisions, and file sharing. The less you have to chase updates, the smoother your workflow will be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a digital design agency?

A digital design agency creates visual content for online platforms, like websites, apps, social media, and ads, to help businesses look professional and connect with their audience

What does a digital agency do?

A digital agency offers services like graphic design, branding, web design, and online marketing to help businesses grow their presence and performance online.

How much does a digital designer cost?

Rates vary widely, from $25 to over $150 per hour for freelancers, or flat monthly rates for unlimited graphic design services like Penji.