Blacksmith Agency Releases Guide on Vetting Web Design Agencies in Competitive LA Market

The guide outlines four key areas to consider when selecting a qualified web design partner in 2026.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Blacksmith Agency, a creative web design agency in Los Angeles, has released a comprehensive vetting guide to assist businesses in the city in selecting qualified web design partners. The guide outlines four key areas to consider: transparency in development sourcing, conversion-focused architecture, technical SEO and performance standards, and post-launch plans.

Why it matters

With many local agencies offering visually striking portfolios, the guide aims to help businesses in Los Angeles vet potential partners beyond just aesthetic appeal and ensure they have the technical infrastructure required for high-performance business sites that drive tangible revenue growth.

The details

The Blacksmith Agency guide advises companies to explicitly confirm who is writing the code, as many boutique LA agencies act solely as design fronts while white-labeling the development to offshore vendors. It also emphasizes that design must serve a business function, suggesting prospective clients ask for case studies demonstrating measurable improvements in lead generation or sales. The guide warns against agencies that rely heavily on bloated page builders, which can harm Core Web Vitals, and recommends prioritizing agencies that offer structured retainer models for continuous testing, security updates, and content iteration.

  • Blacksmith Agency released the vetting guide on January 26, 2026.

The players

Blacksmith Agency

An award-winning digital marketing agency dedicated to forging standout digital identities, specializing in expert web design, end-to-end SEO, and UX strategy.

Los Angeles businesses

The guide is aimed at assisting businesses in the city of Los Angeles in selecting qualified web design partners.

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What they’re saying

“By applying these vetting standards, Los Angeles businesses can avoid the risk of project failure and secure digital assets that drive tangible revenue growth.”

— Blacksmith Agency (EINPresswire.com)

The takeaway

The Blacksmith Agency guide provides a framework for Los Angeles businesses to vet potential web design partners beyond just aesthetic appeal, ensuring they have the technical infrastructure and strategic approach required to deliver high-performing, revenue-driving websites.