What You Need to Know
Download - Do I Need a Website?
Download - Planning Your Website
Planning your website
Planning your website and then selecting and reviewing the proposal from a web designer can be a complex process for many businesses owners. AGDELO Design Services can assist with this critical step.
You Have Decided That You Need a Website for Your Business - What Happens Next?
Whether you know a lot or a little about website design, your priority is to map out a plan for your website. Putting the effort up front to plan the website will save you time and money as you progress with the design. A well though out plan will also increase the effectiveness of the website. Involve your employees to share ideas and ensure their buy in. If your time is limited or you do not feel qualified to undertake this first step, AGDELO Design Services can assist with all or any part of the planning stage.
Establish a clear set of goals for the website. A website is an extension of your business. Ask yourself How can a website benefit my business? Here are some specific areas to consider:
o How can a website promote my business?
As part your marketing efforts the website provides a new way to promote your business, your brand and your products or services. Unlike media advertising which broadcasts to the media audience, your website must be found through a search. The website will need to attract visitors to view the information you provide.
o Who will be accessing my website?
A website can be accessed by anyone anywhere around the globe who has a computer and Internet access. Consider the demographics that are important to your business. Internet familiarity will range from novices to experienced users. The local community may be more important for your business.
o Do your current customers have access to the Internet?
o How can a website give me advantages over my competitors?
In today's very competitive environment merely having a website is not an advantage. Check your competitors to find out how they are using a website for their business. Identify the advantages your competitors are obtaining with their websites. Your strategy must ensure that you will offer a unique advantage over your competitors. You may also discover that by not having an Internet presence you are at a serious disadvantage. It is important to be honest and objective in the evaluation.
o Can a website reduce my costs?
A website can provide cost effective alternative for functions in your business. A good example is the time you and your employees spend on the phone to assist customers with information about your products and services. Making information about products and services available on your website might provide a richer experience for your customers and allow you to create more in depth information. A website is an excellent alternative to answering some types of support questions from your customers. By directing your customers to the information on your website by phone, they are more likely to become repeat visitors to your website.
o Can a website expand my markets?
Start by defining your current markets. How do customers buy your products and services today? Is my business limited by requiring a customer visit to my storefront? What geographical limitations do I have in providing products and services to customers? As you consider these questions, include an analysis of the competition you face in each area. There are different ways to expand your markets. If you are able, prioritize the approaches that are best for your current business.
o How much time and money can you afford to spend on your website?
A website becomes part of your business. You currently spend time on each of the many functions needed to run your business. You will need to do the same for your website. The website must be kept current with changes in your business. Information on the website must evolve with your business and the needs of your customers. A static website will at some point become ineffective and reflect poorly on your business. You will have to devote considerable time to participate in the design of your website. Plan to devote time to keep your website current. You may well discover that taking advantage of AGDELO Design Services to assist you is the best investment you can make.
A website can have a broad range of goals. As your experience develops, your goals may expand to include integrating the website across your business functions, such as ordering, selling and support, the complexity of the website could increase dramatically. Don't shy away from integrating your website with your business. Keep in mind that the complexity that comes with integration requires more time and higher costs for design and ongoing website support. Depending on the size of your business it may be appropriate to train and dedicate one person to the task of maintaining a fully integrated website and carefully monitor process.
As a marketing tool the website should become part of your promotional and branding strategies for your business. Some of the
basics are the website theme, the choice of colors and the choice of graphics and images. The website theme should mirror your business collateral and incorporate your logos and tag lines. Graphics and images require careful preparation for use on a website. The website will reinforce your business and provide valuable name recognition. Strive for a professional appearance.
Map out the over all structure for the website. Your initial reaction might be - Isn't this what the web designer will do? Remember you know your business and more importantly your customers. With your business knowledge you can decide how to locate the information in a logical fashion. Your customers should be able to quickly find what they are looking for, for example: product information, support or contact information. Make sure that the website structure is visible as visitors progress through the website. A good analogy for a website structure is a reference book. A book's table of contents is like your menus on the website, providing quick and easy access to specific sections of the book. Just as with chapters and titles provide the meaningful indications of sections within a book, website titles and subtitles will make it easier to find the relevant information. Finally, a book's index is a valuable resource for finding specific information on a specific topic. The search function on a website performs this role.
If one of your goals is to provide your customer with the ability to interact with your business, consider which approach best suits your needs and those of your customers. eMail has become a common way to provide interaction. There are other approaches are:
- Customer surveys,
- Customer suggestions,
- Customer forums.
Expanding ways that customers can use your website improve the customer's ability to interact with your business. Don't forget that some customers may still prefer to call you in some situations.
With your website plan in hand you are now in a position to select a web designer for your site. There are many web designers to choose from. As you discuss your plans with the web designers make sure you get answers to all your questions and verify that they can accomplish your goals.
A written and signed proposal should include the following items:
You should expect that you will require a number of changes once the web site is complete. Make sure that you budget for these changes. Selecting and reviewing the proposal from a web designer can be a complex process for many businesses owners. AGDELO Graphic Design can assist with this critical step.