What to Look for in a Digital Agency's Portfolio
- Emmanuel Sunday
- Jun 21
- 3 min read
When you’re searching for a digital agency to build your website, app, or brand identity, one of the first things you'll check is their portfolio.
But here’s the thing—just seeing pretty designs isn’t enough.
A strong portfolio goes beyond visuals. It tells a story. It shows how the agency solves real problems, meets business goals, and creates experiences that work in the real world.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to evaluate a digital agency’s portfolio so you can confidently choose the right team for your project.
1. Look for Variety, Not Just Beauty
An agency that shows work from different industries, platforms, and business sizes is more likely to adapt to your unique needs. If every project looks the same, that might be a red flag. You want a partner who can flex their creativity and solve different challenges.
What to check:
Websites, apps, and branding projects across various sectors
Projects with different goals: lead generation, e-commerce, community-building, etc.
Adaptability to different brand personalities
2. Look for the Problem and the Solution
Good design isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it works. A great portfolio explains what the client needed, what wasn’t working before, and how the agency approached the challenge.
You should be able to see a clear before and after, with a focus on results.
What to check:
Project summaries or case studies
Details on business problems and the solutions implemented
Insights into the creative or technical process
3. Prioritize Strategy Over Aesthetics
A well-designed product without strategy is like a sports car with no engine. A strong portfolio explains the thinking behind the design. Was the focus conversion? Engagement? Simplicity?
What to check:
User flow explanations
Target audience considerations
Branding decisions that match the client’s mission or market
4. Results Matter—Even Small Wins
You don’t always need big numbers, but you do want proof that the agency’s work made a difference.
What to check:
Website traffic growth
Conversion rates
Time-on-site improvement
Sales increases or customer feedback
If an agency can show that their work improved something meaningful, that’s a great sign.
5. Mobile and Responsiveness Are Non-Negotiable
Today, every good website and app must work beautifully on mobile. If the portfolio doesn’t show mobile views or responsive performance, that’s a miss.
What to check:
Mobile-first or mobile-friendly previews
Easy-to-navigate interfaces
Clear responsiveness on tablets and phones
6. Consistency and Brand Alignment
Each project in the portfolio should match the brand it represents. The tone, colors, and layout should feel like a natural extension of that business.
What to check:
Visuals aligned with the brand identity
Content that feels relevant and targeted
Use of design systems, typography, and color consistency
7. Ask to See Work Like What You Need
If you're hiring for an app but only see branding projects in the agency's portfolio, that might be a red flag. Always ask to see work that matches what you're planning to build.
What to check:
Relevant experience (web design, mobile apps, branding, etc.)
Similar business goals or industries
Feature-rich examples like booking systems, dashboards, or custom forms
Want to see a portfolio that checks all the boxes?
At Eleven23 Digital, our work is rooted in results. Our project portfolio shows exactly how we help startups and growing businesses build smart, effective, and beautiful digital products that solve real problems.
From web design and mobile apps to full branding suites, we break down each project by challenge, approach, and outcome—so you know what to expect if you work with us.
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