Last Updated on November 19, 2020
The first step to ensuring your website is a success is to have a strategy. Even just a little planning done at the beginning of your website development can save you from frustration and disappointment at the end.
So let’s take a look at some of the areas you need to consider, and introduce you to some of the core principles of successful web site design.
Why have a website?
Most businesses can benefit from an online presence and people are now more aware of what is possible. Here are some of the top reasons for having a website.
- You can provide clients and prospects with product information 24 hours a day seven days a week.
- You can develop a list of well ‘qualified’ and highly motivated prospects.
- It can give potential customers an easy way to contact you.
- You can publish online product information and price lists for distributors or agents, which can be password protected.
- It can strengthen your brand identity.
- You will keep up with technology and your competitors
- It will help you grow your customer base.
- You can cut printing and postage costs by putting information onto a website and directing customers to your website address. The same can be achieved by using email through your website.
- No borders! You can reach people outside of your geographic area and open up your business to a whole raft of new business opportunities.
What if you’ve got a website but it doesn’t deliver results…
If you already have a website but it is not working for you, write down the reasons why you think it is not performing very well. Many web design companies are happy to give you a free consultation, so you can take along your notes and they can confirm your suspicions, and provide you with some solutions. Check out our article about some of the reasons for website failure.
Creating a dialogue & building relationships
A web site allows you to create a dialogue with your customers and prospects, and build a relationship of trust with them. The end goal is to get them to act, with the action being either a request for further information or a final sale. Either way, you will have just helped your business grow.
