So you finally decided to get a website. you may be under pressure to get one
because of increased competition or your customers may be asking what is your
website URL to buy your products and check out your services online. Whatever
the reason, you have made a wise decision.
Today, a website is a critical part and should be included of every marketing
effort. As important as a website may be, most business owners have no idea what
the website should accomplish. Follow the wrong path to launching your first
website and you may be in the same boat as before you ever had one. We will take
a look at several misunderstandings and goals.
Some reasons why most business owners
don't get a website.
- I don't sell anything so I don't need a website.
This couldn't be further from the truth. Think of your website as an
extension of your front-line customer service people. It can provide
information about your business products or services 24 hours per day, 7 days
per week. It doesn't take breaks, no health benefits required and it does
nothing but work around the clock for pennies per day. A well organized
website with continually updated information should strive to be a useful
resource for your existing customers and potential customers.
- I can't afford the extra cost.
How can you not afford the cost? A properly built website will generate more
sales, improve your customer satisfaction, make your information readily
available 24/7/365 and help you communicate more efficiently with those
looking to do business with you.
Some reasons why most business owners never suceed online.
- I don't want to spend a lot of money, the lowest bid wins my
business.
Wow! If I had a nickel for everytime I heard that one! Think about this for a
minute -- after startings your business, setting up your office and creating
the perfect image, you decide to take the shortcut on your website? The
website can be the first and last impression a potential customer has of your
company. Taking shortcuts here can kill a deal before the phone even rings. If
you took the time to shell out the bucks for the high-back leather chairs,
beautiful desks and conference table -- you need to create the same look with
your website. For those of you with dreams of having the nice furnishings, you
probably won't get there without making your website represent the image you
strive to attain. The old saying -- you get what you pay for... remeber that,
it is so true when it comes to web design and development.
- My nephew, brother, friend is going to do my website.
Unless they are a professional web designer, you should politely
thank them for the offer and start looking for a professional. A professional
web designer has the experience needed to build a website that satisfies all
the requirements needed for a great website. More about that later...
There are many ways to fail in online marketing, the examples provided above
are just a sampling of the thousands of reasons. But, with the help of an
expereinced web designer -- many of the pitfalls associated with getting your
website online can be avoided. Simply stated, unless you choose a professional
web designer to help you build your website -- you could be setting yourself up
for certain failure or at the very least a website nobody visits. That said,
here is what you need to consider when choosing a web designer for your website
project.
- Know what you want.
Find several examples of other websites or competitor websites that appeal to
you. This is important because it is sometimes very difficult to relay your
vision to a designer without a visual example. Know who your audience is --
business to business, business to consumer, etc... Write down everything you
want to accomplish with your website and provide as much detail as possible --
the more information you can provide the better.
- Don't choose the web designer based on price alone.
Price should only be a determining factor when all other criteria are equal.
Ask for a detailed quote with a breakdown in hours for each task and the
hourly rate extended for each task. If a detailed quote cannot be provided,
move to the next candidate. Get at least 3 to 5 quotes -- anything less and
you won't have enough information to select the right candidate.
This is most important, ask for references and view a portfolio from others
who have done business with your potential web designer. If your designer is
relatively new, simply ask them about previous experience -- this can be very
advantagous when you are looking to save some money. New companies starting
out with a wealth of previous experience often cut their rates and lower
quotes to build their portfolio. If the candidate cannot provide a portfolio
of work that matches the quality you desire, move on the the next candidate.
Hopefully, this information will get you started and moving in the right
direction towards successfully launching your new website.
One last comment, sometimes you may hear something you don't want to hear
from an experienced web designer. That is because they have considerable
experience on the web. They should know what works and what doesn't -- what
provides a pleasurable experience for your website visitor and what won't.
Example: unless you are a recording artist promoting your own music, selling
music, etc... -- you should avoid music on your website. A qualified designer
should not be afraid to let you know adding music is not a good idea. This type
of experience is invaluable. If you find a web designer that can be honest with
you and what they tell you makes sense -- you may have just found the right one!
By AllDesignerList.com
