I want a new website please
Posted by Brian | Friday, August 21, 2009
So you need a website or the old one your company props up against the cupboard wall needs a refresh as it doesn’t seem to do very much anymore. Where do you start?
Well I guess a quick search on Google or similar for web companies, design agencies in your area may be a good start. (I think a company selling web services that cannot be located on the medium that controls 85% of all web searches may miss a tick on the suitability list). Another way can be to follow the trail from a website you like to the agency that developed it as most will include a link to their own website.
What do you need to know when looking? Look at the companies own website and see what you think. What work have they completed previously? Whilst this would not represent your new website exactly it will give you an indication of the types of design styles they may follow and the companies that they may work for already.
It is always good to meet with the company and discuss your needs. If you need to meet with more than one then do so and also be sure to ask why you should use them. If they cannot identify their strengths, and the benefits of using them, then maybe another tick gone. Look to gain testimonials from other happy clients as well. Be sure to ask whether you can speak to any current clients.
A large part of any online project will be your input with content, images, page titles, navigation needs and so on. You must be ready to add your involvement as projects can stall as the client does not provide relevant detail when needed. It is always important as well to ensure you only use good quality images as many good websites can be ruined by inferior pictures.
It is important to think about what you will want to do with your website once you have it as it may suit your business better to have a Content Managed System or CMS as this will allow you to update your website content as and when you need to. As a part of any successful website is fresh content this is certainly worth considering. It may also be better for you financially as it may reduce the need to pay your agency to update the website for you if you can do this yourself. There are large variations in types of CMS as well and this will subsequently vary the amount of editing and amendments that you may be able to manage within the business.
Another area of relevance is cost. Website costs can vary greatly and the way in which you pay may differ also. Do you pay a fee for the total development of your website prior to going live or is it more convenient to license the CMS from the development agency. (Illusion Media took the decision, when developing the new Imagine CMS platform, to license the product and therefore make it more affordable to all)
With a licensed product you may also get maintenance included so there are no ongoing costs for online development other than a fixed monthly fee which may make the system more attractive to you.
If your company sells products do you need to think about developing an online store or ecommerce website to allow this? Whilst this may add additional cost to any project it is another opportunity to create a revenue stream for the business. There are other considerations such as delivery but if you are already selling and despatching products this should not be a problem.
Overall there may be a lot to consider but it is important to make the right choices as it can be along time being wrong for you. It may also be useful to engage with funded organizations such as Business Link who have people locally to you who can offer you advice and guidance regarding the online arena if you need it. If you would like to discuss your needs with us here at Illusion Media we would be happy to do so. You can email me if you wish at brian@illusionmedia.co.uk