So, you need a website design? Perhaps even a redesign. After all, a website is not only the first impression of your business, but it could be the last. So the question is, what can you do to make it stand out?
As web designers, we will work with you to create a website that has a visual hierarchy to help you turn leads into conversions. In order for us to deliver a good design that promises results, we need to know a few things. If you’re thinking about taking the next step towards a (re)design, consider the following questions:
What is the purpose of your website?
This is probably one of the most important questions. Do you want to sell a product? Tell a story? Or serve as a resource for knowledge? Once you determine the purpose, we will know how and what to build to make it effective. The ‘part B’ to this question is considering who your audience is. What is the buyer persona? Both of these components will help immensely in creating the most optimal site that promises results.
Who are your competitors?
To know what your competitors are doing will serve as a basis for your own design. In reviewing the competition, make note of what you like and what you don’t like. Whether it is color, layout, images, etc., let us know. We will be able to incorporate those elements and make your website stand out, but visual hierarchy is one of the most important principles behind good web design.
What kind of content will you need?
Content is King, we’ve all heard it before. Blogs, social media, taglines, call-to-actions, photos, etc. All of these things will help define your brand and personality. Whatever you decide, we will be able to create a design that drives and defines the content and messaging. Most importantly our designers will provide content recommendations to enhance your message and tell your story
If your website is a redesign, it’s important to have all of your material prepared ahead of time. This may include a handful of pre-written blog posts, or a dozen high-res images for your portfolio. Handing everything to the designer in the beginning will be more time and cost efficient in the end. If you have no existing content or website strategy, this will become phase one to the project.
What is your budget?
When it comes to cost, web design companies will often vary based on project scope and services. However, it can cost a significant amount more and take longer than you think to design your website. Whichever you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that websites are a long-term investment. They will continue to be the online face of your business, so you’re going to want your brand and story to shine.
Are you ready for what happens next?
Though all of these questions are very important to have answered ahead of your (re)design, you must also consider what happens after the fact: websites need to be updated on a regular basis, and the (often forgotten) idea that just because you have a nice site, doesn’t mean that it’s going to start attracting customers. You must continue to make an impact with content writing, blogging, social media, and more.
