My top 10 tips on Web Design planning
As someone involved in a London web design agency, I am often asked by my potential clients, “How do I get my business website started?” or “How do I get my website to work for me?”
Here are my top tips you should consider when planning your new website or re-design.
1. Budget
A delicate area I know, but very essential in getting the most out of your investment. Knowing your budget will yield a better response from proposals you will receive. Web Design Agencies, if they are professional will be able to offer you as much as your budget will allow without the need to over quoting. This also confirms that you are serious to a potential Web Design Agency. I personally find this approach also starts a good business relationship that will have been built from trust.
2. Freelance vs. London Web Design Agency
Another tricky area, however I have been on both sides of the coin, therefore feel in a position to comment. Yes the argumentation is you can get good web design and development from going down the freelance route; however there are some things which you need to consider. Make sure you check the freelance person’s skill set, are they up to the job? Are they contactable when you need them? Will they keep to deadlines? How professional are they in business? You could say the same for Web Design Agencies; however you are dealing with a company as opposed to an individual and they will have many resources at their disposal to ensure they get the job done. They will also have professionals in their field that will be versed in the latest technologies which can broaden the possibilities of your website working the way you want it to instead of settling for what a freelance person knows.
3. Keep it Simple
Words often quoted by my director; however, it is something that is often always overlooked. Try and picture your website online as the bare bones, functional, but maybe without all the bells and whistles. Then think about the functionality your business website cannot do without. Then try and visualise the luxuries that would enhance a user’s visit, but not really essential to having a functional, professional looking company website. To start simply is a cost effective way of planning your website into phases of build. Why struggle with finances when you could have the luxuries when more revenue comes in.
4. Project Management
The easiest and most successful way of building a new website is clear communication between you and your chosen Web Design Agency. Make sure there is one voice from your organisation that can convey your team’s ideas so your project runs smoother and quicker. This ensures work is not carried out to multiple people instead of sticking to the one website brief. Rework after rework only serves to delay the build of your company website. Make sure your chosen Web Design Agency also includes a sign-off during or towards the end of the project so you’re completely satisfied before it goes live.
5. Focus on your services
What do you do best? What are your main strengths? These areas should be the main focus to ensure your brand is portrayed in a professional trustworthy manner. What are you better at than your competitors? If you give a reliable service then shout about it. These days business websites are becoming a user’s first port of call, so your company’s website should be able to be your “Silent Salesman”.
6. Demographic
Who is your target market? Make sure you know who you are selling your products or services to. Targeting these people when marketing your website will drive the right traffic to your website, and more importantly, increase the chances of conversion. Speak to your demographic, and find out what they like and don’t like. Engaging with your customers is keeping in touch with their wants and needs which you can act upon instantly.
7. Website Content
Make sure that the content on your website appeals to your audience. Make it informative enough for them to want to post it on their Facebook wall. Enlisting a copywriter from a Web Design Agency will make sure your message is conveyed exactly how you mean to say it. Subtle “Calls to action” should also be included on the website to entice the users to take that next step or to enquire.
8. Search Engine Optimisation
Web Design Agencies will have skill professionals who are kept right up-to-date with the latest trends that will ensure your website is built “Search Engine Friendly”. This provides you with a great platform from which to start a Search Engine Marketing campaign. Make sure this is covered in any proposal you receive. Using a professional Web Design Agency will ensure your website isn’t suddenly de-listed by Google due to “Black Hat SEO”.
9.Search Engine Marketing
You may have a website worthy of an award, however, it may look good, but does anyone know it’s there? Organic Search Engine placement, in my opinion, makes more commercial sense than Mr. “Quick Fix” Pay Per Click. I believe unless you have a product that is selling every second of the day then I would definitely opt for the organic route. Again using a professional Web Design Agency will ensure your website isn’t suddenly de-listed by Google due to “Black Hat SEM”.
10. Social Media
Social Media is one of the fastest growing media certainly in my generation. It is here and it’s here to stay whether you like it or not. For businesses, it is now becoming an important part of their marketing strategy. From product launches to blog posts, businesses can act quickly to customer demand. I would definitely recommend you include Social Media Campaigns to advertise to your potential clients. Consider Social Media as a way of again driving traffic to your website which hopefully turns into a buying customer.
Summary
I believe taking the above tips into account will ensure you make the right decisions, and provide a quick return on your investment.
