Choosing the right digital agency is crucial for your success. This detailed guide helps you evaluate and select the ideal agency in Casablanca.
10 Essential Selection Criteria
1Relevant Portfolio in Your Sector
Examine the agency's portfolio: does it have projects similar to yours? Banking, healthcare, e-commerce, corporate... Each sector has its specificities. Request detailed case studies with quantified results (traffic, conversions, ROI).
2Proven Technical Expertise
Verify that the agency masters the technologies required for your project:
- CMS: Drupal, WordPress, headless solutions
- Frontend: React, Next.js, Vue.js
- Mobile: React Native, Flutter, native
- DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD
- Cloud: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud
3Verifiable Client References
Request contact details of 3-5 recent clients in your sector. Call them to get real feedback on deadlines, communication quality, technical expertise and post-delivery support. Beware of agencies that refuse to provide verifiable references.
4Local Team vs Offshore
Clarify the team composition: 100% local in Casablanca? Mixed (local + offshore)? 100% offshore? Local teams offer better communication, cultural understanding and reactivity. Offshore can reduce costs but adds complexity (time zones, language barriers).
5Clear Methodology (Agile/Scrum)
Ensure the agency works with an agile methodology (Scrum, Kanban): iterative sprints, regular demonstrations, continuous feedback. This guarantees flexibility, transparency and better responsiveness to changes.
6Transparent Pricing
Request a detailed quote with breakdown by phase (design, development, testing, deployment). Understand what's included and what's extra. Beware of abnormally low prices: they often hide outsourcing to low-quality providers or hidden costs.
7Detailed Contract
The contract must specify: detailed deliverables, deadlines, payment terms, IP ownership, warranties, support, liability clauses. Have it reviewed by a lawyer if necessary.
8Post-Delivery Support
What support after launch? Warranty period? SLA for bug fixes? Availability for evolutions? Ensure the agency will still be there after delivery, not just for the sale.
9Certifications & Awards
Certifications (Drupal, Google Partner, AWS, Microsoft), awards (Awwwards, CSS Design Awards), published case studies demonstrate recognized expertise.
10Human Connection
Beyond technical skills, evaluate the quality of communication from first contact. Do you feel listened to? Does the agency understand your challenges? Human connection is essential for a successful collaboration.
20 Key Questions to Ask
About the Agency
- •How long have you been in business?
- •What's your team size and composition?
- •What's your core expertise?
- •Do you have certified developers?
- •Can I meet the team working on my project?
About the Project
- •What's your methodology?
- •What are the project phases?
- •How is communication managed?
- •What tools do you use (project management, design)?
- •How do you handle changes mid-project?
About Deliverables
- •What's included in the deliverables?
- •Do I own the source code?
- •Is technical documentation provided?
- •What training do you provide?
- •How do you ensure quality (tests, code review)?
After Launch
- •What's the warranty period?
- •What maintenance and support do you offer?
- •What's the SLA for bug fixes?
- •How are future evolutions managed?
- •Do you provide analytics and performance monitoring?
Red Flags: Pitfalls to Avoid
Abnormally Low Prices
If it's too cheap, there's a reason: hidden outsourcing to low-quality providers, inexperienced juniors, cut corners on quality, or hidden costs that will appear later.
Unrealistic Promises
"#1 on Google in 1 month", "100,000 visitors guaranteed", "Revolutionary unique technology"... Run away from agencies that promise the impossible.
No Detailed Contract
An agency that refuses to provide a detailed contract with deliverables, deadlines, and guarantees is putting you at risk. Always insist on a clear written agreement.
Unverifiable Portfolio
Impressive mockups but no links to live sites? Logos of major brands without proof? Request verifiable references and contact actual clients.
5-Step Selection Process
Define Your Brief
Clarify your objectives, budget, deadlines, target audience, required features. The more precise your brief, the more relevant the proposals.
Create Your Shortlist
Identify 3-5 agencies matching your criteria (sector, technology, budget). Examine portfolios, references, Google reviews.
Request Proposals (RFP)
Send your brief to shortlisted agencies. Request detailed proposals: approach, methodology, team, timeline, budget breakdown.
Evaluate & Interview
Compare proposals objectively. Organize meetings/calls to assess communication, understand the approach, meet the team. Contact client references.
Negotiate & Sign
Negotiate final terms (budget, deadlines, deliverables). Have the contract reviewed by a lawyer. Sign only when everything is clear and agreed upon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential criteria for choosing an agency?
1) Relevant portfolio in your sector. 2) Proven technical expertise. 3) Verifiable client references. 4) Local vs offshore team. 5) Clear methodology (Agile). 6) Transparent pricing. 7) Detailed contract. 8) Post-delivery support. 9) Certifications/awards. 10) Human connection.
Local vs international agency in Casablanca?
Local agency: knowledge of Moroccan market, proximity, reactivity, optimized costs. International agency: proven processes, significant resources, but 3-5x higher rates and less flexibility. For Moroccan SME: prefer local. For multinational: depends on needs.
How to evaluate an agency's portfolio?
Check: projects similar to yours, clients in your sector, quantified results (ROI, conversions), detailed case studies, ability to contact references. Beware of portfolios without links to live sites.
What pitfalls should I avoid?
Red flags: abnormally low rates, unrealistic promises, no detailed contract/quote, 100% upfront payment, hidden 100% offshore team, no clear methodology, unverifiable portfolio, poor Google/LinkedIn reviews.
How to evaluate an agency's value for money?
Don't compare only prices. Evaluate: demonstrated technical expertise, portfolio quality, verifiable client references, structured work process, guarantees and post-delivery support. The cheapest often ends up costing more in the long run.
Need Help Choosing Your Digital Agency?
VOID supports you with transparent expertise and proven methodology