8 Super Useful Things To Consider Before You Build Your Website and Why
Right, you’ve decided it’s time your business had a website. Where do you start?
Everyone’s got one right? It can’t be that difficult, can it? Of course, a website gives you and your business credibility. If you don’t have an online presence you’re not, well, present. Yes, it can and should showcase your business, just as a shopfront on the high street would.
Sure, it can generate business leads. Be a useful tool for online marketing. Allow you to announce new developments and a whole host of other things. But remember, just because you build it, it doesn’t mean they will come.
There are millions of websites floating around “out there” that nobody visits. Especially for the smaller businesses. Taking the first steps to have your own site can be daunting and overwhelming.
Who do you talk to? Who can you trust? How long does it take? What does it cost? What if it doesn’t work?. The only way to avoid making the same mistakes as other businesses are to have a simple plan. We’ve spent over 10 years helping businesses small and large develop their own websites.
Here are just some of the things we’ve learned along the way.
1. Ask yourself why you want a website
Really. Think about it. Is it because everybody else has one? Because you’re supposed to, aren’t you?
Or is it because you want to showcase your products or services. Maybe you want to just let people know what you do and where you are. Do you want to sell your products online? Do want to encourage people to contact or visit your business.
Understanding what you want out of your website makes it easier to decide what to put in.
2. Ask yourself who your audience is
This is crucial to the success of your website. It will help define the look, the content, the language, and the ease of use.
Who are your current customers? What do they like about your business? What keeps them coming back? Who would you like as new customers? What can you offer them?
Imagine your ideal customer. How old are they, what is their job, what do they like or dislike, what music do they listen to, are they married, etc.? Already you should be able to “picture” your website. It’s often said if you try to appeal to everyone, you’re in danger of appealing to no one.
If you want to speak to everyone, speak to someone.
3. Check out the competition
Do your homework. It takes time but it’s worth it. Get online and see what everybody else is doing. What do you like? What don’t you like? Why? What does think works? What doesn’t? Why?
Be objective, not subjective. Don’t just look at the direct competition, look at sites, not in your line of work.
What works for them? What doesn’t? Take notes. Take screenshots. Have you noticed how all websites in a particular business look alike?
You are not going to stand out if you blend in.
4. What’s in a name?
On the high street, customers can see what kind of business you are regardless of the name. Online they can’t.
What you do needs to be incorporated in the name. And it needs to be memorable.
5. What do you have to say for yourself?
Think about what you want to tell visitors to your site. Think about what’s going to interest them and why. What’s going to keep them reading?
Remember, what interests you may not interest them. See number 2.
Put down everything you think is important. Then give it to a professional to write. They’ll help you make it engaging and compelling.
What you leave out is just as important as what you leave in.
6. Opening hours
Of course, a website is 24/7. But your potential customers aren’t.
When are they most likely to visit your site? What device will they be using?
It is worth remembering that over 48% of the Nigerian population access the internet via a mobile device.
See number 5.
Make sure you are user-friendly.
7. Jargon jargon jargon jargon
Jargon jargon-jargon jargon, jargon, jargon. Jargon jargon jargon.
Jargon jargon jargon jargon jargon.
Jargon, jargon. Jargon, jargon jargon jargon.
Jargon jargon jargon jargon jargon, jargon.
8. Blurred lines
The largest avoidable problem between you and your website developer is miscommunication. See number 7.
You do not need to know about SEO, wireframes, systems, and UX. And anyone who insists that you do is talking jargon!
You need to know that your website developer speaks your language, understands your business problem, and can advise you accordingly with no hidden agenda.
Beware 419
Bonus: To help you get started
If it’s time your business had a website then please get in touch. We’re offering new, small business clients a limited offer.
Between now and the 30th of November we’re reducing our introductory cost by 25% to help you take your first steps to have an online presence. A professional, fully functioning website could cost as little as N100, 000.
Click on the links to arrange a visit.
It really couldn’t be any easier to get the website you need. After all, you already know which questions to ask.