A successful website is not one that is just a drag and drop and you’re done. Your website is your 24/7, 365 days a year employee, so it HAS to look good and perform well. It does take some time. One thing to consider is that no one knows your business like you do. Your “brain” has to go into the website in order to explain what it is you do. Even if you are using a content writer to compose the text for you, you need to give them information in order for it to be communicated properly on the website! We always suggest using your own pictures, not stock photos. People want to know who they are dealing with and what to expect when they walk into your store and you show up to do a service. They should feel like they already know you once they have visited your website.Express your values and ethics in your content.
Here are a few things that could possibly make the build process a failure:
- Your logo and branding are different than other materials you use. This can confuse people. So for example, hopefully your logo is on your business card. You’ve handed your business card out to someone, and they visit your website and it has a different logo. They may question if they are even looking at the same person’s website that they met. Consistency is key here! Your website should match all the branding you have done, or plan on doing, down to the same colors being used.
- You get what you pay for. If you use a FREE theme, you will not have the flexibility to manipulate items on the website. This goes for hiring a designer as well. I am not saying that all designers that offer low prices are bad, but make sure you check out their work. Call some references. When designers are first starting out, they generally have their prices lower so they can make a name for themselves. Once they have established themselves, their prices will go up. You are then paying for the experience and knowledge that comes with that designer.
- Selecting a layout or template. This is HUGE. Make sure you like the way it navigates, and the look and feel of it. Can you envision your story being told with this layout? If not, keep looking. There are millions of themes to choose from. Your designer will probably have their favorites, and that’s a good thing. We have several that we utilize and know inside and out. This helps when you want to manipulate the colors, where images are, and items like that.
- Communication. Be upfront and honest with your designer and yourself. If you are paying for a $ 100.00 website, do not expect to get a Coca Cola website. It’s not going to happen. Your designer should have a solid conversation with you about what your goals are for your website. Are you building it to grow your business, or just for the credibility aspect of it? Do you already have a logo? What is your color scheme? What do you want to accomplish with your website? These are just a few things that need to be talked about. How many pages do you think you will need? Your designer should know what Google wants and looks for in your website. They should be a guiding force in the development from this end.
- Content. Content is king! Poorly written content can hurt you more than help you. Having keywords within your content is vital. Include locations you service. If you have several locations, make sure to write about that! Again, portray to your audience who you are and what you offer, You want them to know how you offer solutions to their problem or situation.
We are always here to answer ANY website questions you may have.
Thank you for reading and we look forward to any questions you may have. www.webdesignsyourway.net