The later is much more than simply building a website.
Getting a website online can be a relatively straightforward process: The truth is that given a bit of time most of us could get something up and call it a website. But to get the best out of your website there are so many elements that need to be absolutely spot on.
- Your companies brand need to be spot on and documented. I am not just talking logo – you need to have a clear idea about who you are, your USP and your brand.
- Market and competitor research. I find it almost impossible to imagine a business that does not set aside time for these activities at least once a year. Knowing what your customers want and what your competitors are offering is essential to being able to pitch the perfect website.
- Think about the website goals before even considering the content. Is it your goal to preach to visitors about how long you have been successful in business or do you want to sell something? Do you want signups? Do you want people to call? Do you want people to purchase online? Do you want them to download something?
- How do you plan on promoting your website? Your website developer needs to know in advance if you want the website to be found on Google, and if so be prepared to pay extra for keywords research and SEO activities. Alternatively you might be planning on promoting the website through different mediums and simply need the website to act as a brochure site once people are landed. Do not be fooled into thinking that getting a website built and online is all you need to do.
- The website copy and calls to action on each page should reflect items 1-4 above. Writing copy is not as easy as you might think, especially if you’ve not written for websites before. Do not expect your first or even third revision to be the final copy. Tweaking the copy for optimum results can be an ongoing activity.
- Put together some images, stock or preferably originals – that will help to achieve your goals.
Finally you are ready to start on the website design!
When you are hiring a website designer, ask yourself if you need help with the steps above and if so can they help you with the process? The extra help will cost more, but the results will pay off.
