5 Questions to ask before designing a website
There is a lot of determining factors that go into redesigning your website. Are you simply getting a minor make over or do you need a redesign of your website. Need to generate more traffic to your website? There is nothing more frustrating than a business investing valuable time and money into a redesign that doesn't accomplish any of your needs and requirements. Even worse is having a website that has all the bells and whistles but is not search engine friendly.
Here are 5 "must ask" questions when planning out your website redesign.
1) What is the main purpose of the website?
What do you want the website to do? Is it to provide basic information about your business, establish credibility, e-commerce based? Will it be a portal to other websites or a blog? There should only be one main purpose of your website. Lets say your website is to generate sales leads. First of all, you must identify your target audience. Trying to market to more than one target market will result in having an unclear message. Describe your services in detail and explain what makes your product or service different from your competition. Most visitors will have searched your competitors websites, so give them an incentive to do business with your company with a special offer.
2. What do I want my visitors to do?
You have a potential client on your website. They are very impressed with the professional layout of your website and content. You have just established credibility. What is next? A call-to-action is the primary reason you have a web site. It's defined as something, either a design element or some piece of content, that compels a visitor to take some specific action that you can measure to determine whether your website is working or not. Some examples of call to actions are filling out request forms, registering for an event or program, making an online donation or purchasing products or services.
3) Am I getting traffic to my website?
Whenever you are in the redesign process, it is important to implement Search Engine Optimization to your website. Search Engine Optimization or SEO is the process of improving visibility of a website or web page in search engines via the natural, organic, or un-paid search results. You want to make sure your website is search engine friendly so that spiders will index your website. We recommend using descriptive keywords in your title pages and also in the body of your website. A great way to see what keywords visitors are using to search your website is to incorporate Google Analytics. Traffic reports gives you rich insights into your website traffic and marketing effectiveness. If you are going to invest money, make sure your website is SEO friendly. Read more
4) Will the web site be constantly updated?
Having a website that has not been updated in years demonstrates a lack of interest on your part to your customers. The website becomes stale and not very inspiring. Keep in mind, your clients will visit your website frequently and share it with other potential clients. Refreshing your website with new information communicates that you have a successful and thriving business. If you are going to be proactive and make your website fresh, then you can save money on website updates by having a Content Management System website. This allows you to make website updates without knowing HTML. Read more
5. Is it time to enhance my logo and online brand?
If you have a generic looking logo and a cheap looking website, your sending a message to your potential customers that you may be cheap in other facets of your business such as products and services. Bad logo design does not inspire consumer confidence. Good logo design announces that your business is legitimate and credible.
Having a professionally designed logo and website play a crucial role in the success of your business. Your number one salesperson is your website. It is an extension of you. When you meet with potential clients, you make sure you are dressed appropriately. You wouldn't show up wearing shorts and a t-shirt. The same is true about your logo and website. If your brand seems to be cheap and unprofessional, you will lose out to your competition. Simple as that!
With a new brand, and redesign of your website, you will attract new customers. By answering these 5 questions, you will be on your way to a successful website presence.