Know the Purpose
Why do you want a website? Who is your target audience? What is the goal once visitors reach your website? Do you want to drive sales, share information, or establish credibility?
Often, websites lack focus, making it difficult to understand what the site is offering. A well-designed business website enables a company to showcase its profile by presenting a favorable image of the brand. That credibility can be solidified with the use of relevant examples and powerful testimonials. A solid foundation for any website is built on its brand identity. What does your digital profile say about your identity?
Pages and Features
Think about the pages on your website. How many do you envision, and what are the topics? Do you want a photo gallery, and how do you like that gallery to behave? Do you want to set up easy access to video calls or allow users to contribute comments?
When we begin to consider the number of pages the website requires, we return to the site’s purpose. If you are publishing a form or just one page of information, a landing page may be all you need. Landing pages are most effectively used as a supplement to your website. We can design landing pages that reflect your brand, but are specifically geared to attract target markets and entice them to click through to your website.
Security and Usability
How secure does the website need to be? Are you storing client data or using an e-commerce platform? Do you require an inventory system or a payment portal?
Consider the website’s functions and how users will access it. Before building the website, consider its functionality and be aware of any limitations associated with a mobile or responsive website.
Input and Feedback
We will be seeking your input at various stages. By providing timely, specific responses, the website build time moves quickly, and the launch happens sooner. Vague statements are not that useful to a designer. If you have comments about the colors, fonts, speed, images, text, or pages…try to send the bulk of website edit requests in one list, as one change may impact another decision.
Passwords and Access
Whether you need us to set up accounts or you already have an existing one, we will require access to some of them.
Domain name – Whether it’s GoDaddy or Domain.com, we need to direct your domain name to your website.
Hosting Service – We can suggest an affordable and secure hosting service or work with the one you prefer. We need this login information to upload files and get the site online.
CMS – We will need to access the content management system used with your website, such as WordPress or Drupal.
Themes, software, plugins, and services – Passwords may be required for existing platforms in use, and new passwords will be created for new purchases.
Emails and Social Media – Account information may be required for setting up certain services and connections.
The Budget
Costs are a significant factor when launching or rebuilding a website. Remember that your website represents you. It is better to wait until you can afford to build a respectable site, rather than tarnishing your brand with something unprofessional.
When obtaining quotes from designers, inquire about the fees for setup, revisions, and ongoing website maintenance. Calculate the ongoing maintenance fees for a domain name, hosting service, content management software, payment portal, and website themes. The designer’s fees might be inclusive of these fees, but regardless it is good to get a breakdown of each service and cost.
After meeting with you, we will be able to provide you with a quote that includes all your expenses. We will also help you get directly set up with services, so you are charged directly by the vendor for monthly operating costs. After placing a 50 percent deposit on the web design, we move forward with building your website.
The Future
Is your website ready for the digital age? Do you plan to expand or merge this website in the future? Will fresh content, such as blogs and images, be uploaded frequently? Will you need assistance with these uploads? We can recommend preferred affiliates and assist you with all your website needs. Don’t worry, we won’t disappear on you, but regardless, you own the files, domain name, and control the hosting service. You always remain in control.
Contact Graphic Palette if you need a revamp of your brand, a reboot of your website, or a completely new web face. We can set up, publish, and manage your website. Call today for a free consultation.
