Founder of Goodspeed
Today, over 100,000 Framer websites are live on the platform, with nearly 21,000 more having used it in the past.
And, hiring a Framer agency can make or break your web project.
The right team will bring your vision to life, and warrant a smooth, creative, and efficient process.
But the wrong choice? That’s a recipe for wasted time, blown budgets, and a website that doesn’t perform as expected.
So, how do you separate the pros from the amateurs? This guide breaks down the biggest red flags to watch out for in a Framer agency that signal to not have your best interests at heart.
Whether it's vague pricing, poor communication, or overpromising results, we’ll help you spot the warning signs early. Before signing any contract, arm yourself with the knowledge to choose wisely. Read on!
(If you want to get an overall selection framework, you should check out our guide on How to Choose the Right Framer Agency For Your Needs).
What Is a Framer Agency and Why Do You Need One?
A Framer agency is a specialized team that uses Framer, a powerful no-code tool, to design and build interactive websites and prototypes. Framer was created in 2013 by Koen Bok and Jorn van Dijk as a prototyping tool and was later recognized for no-code website development.
Framer developments blew up in 2023, scaling its business tenfold. These agencies are experts in operating Framer’s capabilities to create visually stunning and user-friendly sites without extensive coding.
Here’s why a Framer agency is essential for your business:
Design & Development Pros
They know how to use Framer’s tools to create websites that not only look great but work seamlessly.
Delegate & Save Time
Hand over the techy stuff to them, and you can invest your time in a million other important things.
Top-Tier Tools
They’ve got the latest tools to create interactive, engaging websites with all the cool features you didn’t even know you needed.
Tailored for You
Your website will feel like it was custom-made for your brand and audience because, well, it is!
Ongoing Care
Even after your site’s live, they’ll keep it fresh with updates and maintenance, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
A Framer agency takes the heavy lifting off your plate. It validates that your website is not just another online presence but a carefully crafted, interactive experience.
Now that you know why a Framer agency is essential, let's move on to the next step, identifying red flags when hiring a Framer Agency. So, below are some red flags you must look out for!
1. Lack of a Verifiable Framer Portfolio
A solid, verifiable portfolio builds trust and shows the agency’s expertise. It helps you understand their approach and how they can align with your brand, especially in areas like UI/UX. If they can't share live links or detailed case studies, it’s a red flag. Always look for clear proof of work and consistency.
Why It’s a Red Flag
If an agency claims to be a Framer expert but can't show you solid examples, that’s a warning sign.
You’re trusting them with your vision, but how can you be sure they know what they’re doing if they can't even show what they’ve done?
Look out for projects that feel generic or look like cookie-cutter templates. These types of sites are often easy to build, but they don’t offer the customization or unique value your business deserves. You want a site that stands out, not something that looks like everyone else’s.
What to Do
Ask for walk-throughs of past projects or behind-the-scenes details.
A great agency will be happy to show you how they approached a project, the challenges they faced, and how they overcame them.
Always dig deeper to ensure they have the technical expertise and flexibility to meet your project’s specific demands.
If the portfolio seems thin or lacking in variety, that might be a sign to look elsewhere.
2. Vague or Unrealistic Pricing & Timelines
When working with a Framer agency, you need clear pricing and realistic timelines. If they offer vague quotes or promise to finish big projects overnight without the details, it could be a sign that something’s off. Let’s break into why being upfront about costs and deadlines matters.
Why It’s a Red Flag
Credible Framer development agencies should offer clear pricing and realistic timelines. Vague quotes or promises of super-fast results often lead to unexpected costs and delays.
Warning Signs
Unclear or Too Low Pricing: If an agency offers an unbelievably low quote without giving a clear breakdown of the deliverables, it's a huge red flag. This could mean there are hidden fees or costs that will pop up later.
Unrealistic Timelines: If they promise to finish a complex, customized website "overnight" or in an unusually short time frame, that's an immediate warning sign. Building a quality website involves multiple stages—design, user experience testing, backend work, etc., which take time to do properly.
What To Do
Don’t fall for prices that seem too good to be true.
Request a detailed breakdown of the costs.
Make sure the agency gives realistic delivery dates for each part of the project to avoid delays.
If anything is unclear, always request a further explanation on pricing or timelines to avoid surprises later.
3. Poor or Non-Responsive Communication
A wise man said, “Communication is key to avoiding headaches later on”. When you hire a Framer agency, you’re not just looking for someone who can build your website, you’re looking for a collaborative partner. You are looking for an agency that understands you and your requirements.
Why It’s a Red Flag
If you find that their communication is slow, unclear, or inconsistent, it could signal that things may not go as smoothly as you hope. Poor communication can lead to missed deadlines, misunderstandings, and a lack of clarity about your project’s progress.
Warning Signs
Delayed Responses: If you’re waiting days for simple questions to be answered or get short, vague replies, it’s a sign that their communication process may be disorganized.
Unclear Messaging: If the framer development agencies are unclear when explaining project steps or what’s happening next, it could mean they don’t have a clear plan in place. This can cause confusion and delays as the project moves forward.
Scheduling Trouble: If you can’t get a call scheduled promptly or if they keep rescheduling without offering a valid reason, it might indicate a lack of professionalism or capacity to handle your project.
What To Do
Before jumping into a contract, test the waters by asking questions or scheduling a call.
Notice how quickly and thoroughly they respond.
If you feel like you're being left in the dark or struggling to get clear answers, it’s worth considering whether they’re the right fit.
4. Inconsistency Between Sales Pitch & Actual Capabilities
When choosing Framer development agencies, it’s important that what they promise in their sales pitch matches what they can deliver. If there’s a mismatch between what they say and what they can do, it could lead to disappointment.
Why It’s a Red Flag
If an agency talks about a big game but can’t back it up with examples or evidence, it’s a sign that it may not be as capable as it claims.
Warning Signs
Contradictory Information: If different people from the same framer development agencies give you different answers about how they do and what you’ll get, that’s a red flag. It shows a lack of coordination within the internal team.
Gaps Between Claims and Portfolio: If the agency’s website or sales pitch promises a lot of features, but its portfolio doesn’t showcase those features in action, something isn’t adding up.
What To Do
Before committing, take time to compare everything they say during your initial conversations, proposals, and what’s on their website.
If you notice any inconsistencies, it’s a sign to go deeper or consider other options.
Always look for proof to back up their promises.
5. Resistance to Sharing Client References or Testimonials
Reputable agencies are proud of their past work and happy to provide feedback or references. If they avoid the topic or give vague, generic responses instead of specific examples, it might indicate a lack of real experience or unsatisfied clients.
Why It’s a Red Flag
If an agency hesitates to provide references or testimonials, it could signal potential problems. Trustworthy agencies won’t shy away from proving their track record. For example, you can find our testimonials here.
Warning Signs
They avoid the topic or only give vague, generic statements instead of specific examples.
They redirect your questions about past projects without offering clear proof.
What to Do
Ask directly for client references and examples of past work.
If they refuse or seem hesitant, it might be a sign to look elsewhere.
Trustworthy agencies will be transparent about their successes.
The Bottom Line
To sum it all up, when choosing a Framer agency, watch out for these red flags: an unverified portfolio, pricing that feels too good to be true, slow or inconsistent communication, reluctance to provide client references, lack of post-launch support, and agencies rushing you into contracts without proper planning. These warning signs are key to validate you’re making the right choice.
Now, it’s time to take action! Don’t just go with the first agency you find. Take the time to explore “How to Choose the Right Framer Agency”. Let’s move forward with confidence and make sure your website is in the best hands!
FAQs: Framer Development Agencies
What’s a fair price for hiring a Framer agency?
Pricing varies, but if an offer seems too cheap, expect hidden costs or rushed work. A good agency will give a clear breakdown of costs upfront.How long does it take to build a website with a Framer agency?
It depends on the complexity, but a quality website usually takes weeks, not days. Be wary of agencies promising overnight results.What should I ask before signing a contract?
Ask about timelines, revisions, post-launch support, and hidden fees. A transparent agency won’t hesitate to answer.Can I update my website after it’s built?
Yes! A good Framer agency will guide you on how to make updates or offer ongoing maintenance plans. Always check this before signing.Will my Framer website be SEO-friendly?
A good agency will ensure your site loads fast, is mobile-friendly, and follows SEO best practices. Ask if they include a basic SEO setup or if it's an extra service.
Conclusion
Written By
Harish Malhi
Founder of Goodspeed
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