Founder of Goodspeed
Hiring a Framer development agency is a big decision—one that impacts your brand, user experience, and business growth. You’re about to invest time, money, and trust into a team, so ensuring they are credible, capable, and aligned with your vision is essential.
But how do you separate truly skilled agencies from those that just sound impressive on paper?
This guide will walk you through a clear, actionable process to verify an agency’s authenticity and reliability.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to learn how to evaluate a Framer development agency and move forward with confidence.
(If you’re still in the selection phase, refer to our How to Choose a Framer Development Agency article for broader decision-making guidance).
Start with the Agency’s Portfolio
The very first step in your decision process should be looking at the agency’s portfolio.
Why It Matters
A trustworthy Framer agency’s past work is the most concrete proof of their expertise. A strong portfolio should demonstrate not just technical skill, but also creativity, problem-solving, and a track record of delivering effective solutions.
Verification Steps
Examine Project Variety: Does the agency have experience across different industries and project complexities? For example, an agency that has built both SaaS dashboards and e-commerce landing pages shows adaptability.
Assess Real-World Performance: Visit live projects. Do they load quickly, function smoothly, and provide an engaging user experience? For instance, if an agency claims to have designed a lightning-fast web app, run a Google PageSpeed test on it.
Research shows that a 1-second delay in page load time can lead to a 7% reduction in conversions.
Confirm Authenticity: Ensure that showcased projects are real, not just high-fidelity mockups. Look for working URLs and check whether the agency is credited on the site. If an agency claims to have worked on a major brand's website, confirm by checking the website footer for agency credits.
Request a Project Walkthrough: A credible agency will be happy to guide you through their work, explaining the challenges and solutions they implemented. Ask them to showcase a before-and-after comparison of a redesign they handled.
Evaluate Customization Capabilities: Does the agency build truly custom solutions, or do they rely on templates? A strong Framer agency should be able to tailor projects to your brand identity and user needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Analyze Design and User Experience Trends: Do their projects follow the latest UI/UX best practices? A top Framer agency should have modern, intuitive, and aesthetically pleasing designs that align with current trends without sacrificing functionality.
Scrutinize Client Testimonials & Case Studies
Why It Matters
Genuine testimonials and case studies offer an unfiltered look into how an agency operates and the results it delivers. The best agencies back their claims with real, measurable success stories.
According to BrightLocal, 79% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations.
Verification Steps
Look for Detailed Results: Strong testimonials mention clear outcomes, such as "decreased load times by 40%" or "boosted conversion rates by 25%." A vague review like “great team, highly recommended” carries less weight than one that specifies business impact.
Identify Consistency: Do multiple reviews highlight the same strengths, such as excellent communication, adherence to deadlines, or innovative solutions? If three different clients praise an agency’s UX design skills, it’s likely a core strength.
Reach Out to Past Clients: If possible, contact former clients to get an honest opinion on their experience. A red flag would be hesitation or avoidance when you request a reference.
Check Third-Party Review Platforms: Sites like Clutch, Google Reviews, and LinkedIn recommendations provide unbiased feedback. For example, you can find some of our client reviews on Clutch.
Look for agencies with a history of positive reviews, not just a single standout project.
Assess Case Study Depth: A credible agency should provide in-depth case studies that walk through challenges, solutions, and tangible results. If an agency provides only surface-level descriptions of projects, it may indicate a lack of real expertise.
Look for Long-Term Client Relationships: If an agency has repeat clients, it signals reliability and consistent performance. A client returning for multiple projects is a strong indicator of satisfaction and trust.
Confirm Certifications & Professional Affiliations
After shortlisting the agency through portfolio scanning, look for their certifications & professional affiliations.
Why It Matters
Certifications and industry recognitions provide independent validation of an agency’s expertise. While not the sole measure of credibility, they are strong indicators of professionalism and a commitment to industry standards.
Verification Steps
Check for Framer Partner Recognition: See if the agency is listed in Framer’s official partner directory. Being a Framer-endorsed agency signals that they meet quality standards.
Look for Relevant Certifications: UX/UI, interaction design, or frontend development certifications demonstrate expertise. For example, a Nielsen Norman Group UX certification would be a strong credibility marker.
Assess Industry Awards and Memberships: Awards from respected organizations or memberships in professional groups signal a strong reputation. For instance, an agency recognized by Awards for design excellence is likely to deliver high-quality work.
Evaluate Educational Initiatives: Does the agency invest in continuous learning? Agencies that prioritize team development and training programs are often more skilled and up-to-date with the latest design trends.
Check for Code and Development Expertise: While Framer is a no-code/low-code platform, an agency that understands coding fundamentals will have an edge in customization and problem-solving.
For a deeper dive into Framer certifications, check out our guide on What Qualifies Someone as a Certified Framer Expert.
Assess Their Industry Presence & Thought Leadership
Next, look into their online presence and authority.
Why It Matters
The best Framer agencies are not just service providers—they are active contributors to the industry. Their willingness to share knowledge and stay engaged in the community reflects their passion and expertise.
Verification Steps
Review Their Content: Do they publish blog posts, tutorials, or case studies that showcase deep knowledge and problem-solving skills? For example, if an agency has a blog post on "Optimizing Framer Animations for Performance," it shows expertise beyond basic design.
Check Speaking Engagements: Have team members spoken at conferences, webinars, or industry events? If they have presented at Framer meetups or major UX conferences, it indicates peer recognition.
Evaluate Social Media Engagement: Are they active on LinkedIn, Dribbble, or Twitter, engaging in meaningful discussions and trends? Agencies that regularly share insights, project breakdowns, or participate in design conversations are more likely to be at the forefront of industry standards.
Examine Open-Source Contributions: Do they contribute to Framer-related GitHub projects, templates, or community resources? Agencies that give back to the community demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing the platform.
Assess Their Client Education Efforts: Does the agency provide workshops, training, or guides for clients? Agencies that prioritize educating their clients often deliver better collaboration and long-term success.
Conclusion
Hiring the right Framer development agency is about more than just an attractive portfolio. It’s about finding a partner who understands your vision, has proven expertise, and operates with integrity. A credible Framer agency should demonstrate reliability, strong communication, and the ability to deliver tangible results.
By thoroughly evaluating portfolios, testimonials, certifications, and thought leadership, you ensure your project is in expert hands. Take the time to perform due diligence, and you’ll make a confident, well-informed decision that benefits your brand in the long run.
Now that you understand how to assess credibility, explore our How to Choose a Framer Development Agency guide for the next steps. If you notice warning signs, check out our Common Red Flags When Hiring a Framer Agency article for what to avoid.
Your decision today will shape your digital presence tomorrow—choose wisely.
Written By
Harish Malhi
Founder of Goodspeed
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