|
| |
| Planning |
| |
| Like anything, no matter who builds your website and how much it costs you, it will always turn out better when it is properly planned for. It is important to consider the following points: |
| What is the objective of my website? |
| Who is my target audience? |
| What information would they want to see? |
| If the website does not sell online, are there sufficient calls to action? – Clear phone number displayed on each page, constant reference to "contact us" which may link to an online enquiry form or email address. |
| What other branding material do I have that may need to be addressed by the website’s design – e.g. logo, brochure, imagery etc... |
|
Now that those questions have been answered it's time to draw a sitemap. Outline your site map in a flow chart style. With a strong outline to guide you, it will be easy to work with a design firm to assist in building the website for you. |
|
| |
| Designing |
A well designed site is a crucial element to achieving success online. A professional design plays a significant role in portraying a business as credible.
The first bit of advice we give new businesses, before starting on the website, is to have a professional logo designed. A logo is essential to building a brand and creating a sense of recognition for the product or service that you offer. The website design should compliment the logo and add to the exercise of building a brand name.
Imagery is another important element of a website. The correct using of images within the design as well as the page content will not only improve the aesthetics but also add purpose by engaging the user from a visual perspective. Having a professional photographer take shots of your business can be expensive but there are alternatives. Stock photography websites offer an affordable and very appealing option for your website. Professional stock photographs can do absolute wonders to engage users and compliment the content on the site. |
|
| |
| Content |
Content is undoubtedly the most important part of a website. Well worded content not only informs and educates readers but promotes business as well.
It cannot be stressed enough how important it is that the copy comes across professionally written and to the point. Don’t create 'filler' content. Don't write something or put something online just for the sake of having something online. Plan your content as you planned your site. When writing, be direct and to the point. Use short sentences if necessary. If you aren’t confident writing and can budget for it, have a professional copywriter tidy it all up.
A website's content can date very quickly so it’s important to keep it fresh and updated. Having a Content Management System (CMS) makes it easy for the everyday person without HTML or programming skills to edit and maintain all areas of the website. Content management solutions are now becoming a financially viable option to businesses or individuals looking for a website that they can maintain themselves. |
|
| |
|
Marketing |
In order to convert the sales, a website, like a normal business needs to market and advertise itself to potential consumers.
Much like traditional advertising, the Internet is comprised of many different ways to advertise your business. Search engines are one of the most popular means of researching products and services but other online destinations such as Internet Yellow Pages, category specific websites and e-mail marketing are also an important part of ensuring that a website is found by different types of customers. |
|
