June 29, 2015
We understand how daunting it can feel to start shopping for a website - but the process should be exciting, and ultimately the best investment in your business. Our guide has the critical steps to make buying a website smooth and easy.
Outlining your goals before finding a developer is a perfect first step toward buying a website. Do you need a site that can handle millions of users uploading data? Tiers of user permissions? Do you just need a place to post artwork and contact information? If you already have a website - what do you want to improve?
These questions are critical enquiries into what you need to propel your business, and you will be sharing this information with a developer once you find the right fit, so it's a great idea to start before your search.
Let's start with an example - a bakery that specializes in cookies:
You may have seen roadside signs announcing "Build your own website today, only $500!" But this neglects the principle of getting a website in the first place - a website is not an expense but an investment.
Consider the return on your investment: a $500 website might share some of your business's basic information, but look awful or lead to no sales - and you lost money. A more professional website costs more upfront, but the increase in conversions alone will immediately pay for the site and continue to be the best investment you've made in your business.
Check out the comparison above - Yvette's Dresses can have some online presence, or they can invest in a better user experience - built strategically to lead the user to purchase dresses, with e-commerce, account management and customer rewards.
Digital experts build websites with the goal of conversion. Designs are custom, compelling and provide a smooth flow for the user to make a purchase; spending less for a quick-fix is usually a waste of time, money, and energy.
First, let's start with a list of key terms:
*The best technology consultants cannot afford to be experts in only one aspect of web development, which is why most web developers and designers are hybrids and have mastered a combination of web design, programming, UX engineering, and internet marketing.
If you need a new website and to grow a following for your identity, a studio is a one-stop shop where you can have a team dedicated to your entire presence and image. For our cookie business, we would want a web design studio or a hybrid designer/developer.
If you prefer face-to-face communication or need help explaining what you are looking for, seek a local web designer or studio who can provide consulting. If you have an easier time expressing what you want for your website, you can seek out any national studio or designer to work on your website.
Once you have decided on a consultant, make sure you express your goals and your image of how you want the new website to look. Try to avoid feeling-based examples. We know how difficult that is, though - which is why we also recommend sharing links to website designs you like and want to emulate.
| X AVOID ABSTRACT IDEAS LIKE: | ► INSTEAD, FOCUS ON CONCRETE TERMS: |
|---|---|
| bright | "image-driven content/lots of pictures" |
| crisp | "editorial typography" |
| clean | "low-contrast, flat design" |
| open | "a white background" |
| moody | "dark background, monochrome, editorial or serif fonts" |
| make it pop | "clear calls to action" |
| modern | "responsive/mobile-friendly/flat design" |
Does one studio have a great portfolio but has a difficult time communicating ideas with you? Do you prefer working with one group over another? You will potentially have a lasting relationship with your web designer, so it is important to find someone in your budget that you also enjoy working with.
Awesome, you focused your plan and are ready to move forward with your developer! Enjoy your new identity, plan your marketing strategies, and make sure your content is invigorating and informative.
You may also want to read: Internet Marketing & Making the Most of your Website
Bitcookie is a full-service digital agency in Asheville, NC that helps businesses succeed on the web. Our experts have over 22 years of combined experience designing, developing, and marketing custom web solutions of all sizes and types.
828-367-7342 • 22 S Pack Square Suite #310, Asheville, NC 28801
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