Planning Your Web Development Project in Five Easy Steps
Whether you have an existing website or a brand new venture, you want to be sure that your brand and vision is shown in its true form and integrity. Prior to staring your Web Development project or going out for competitive bids with qualified agencies, we recommend that you figure out a few of the critical components such as: what you want to sell, or if you want your website to serve as an information portal for others to contact you directly. We have provided you with details on the five critical step to consider before you begin your web development process, which we believe will help you gather all that you need to ensure that your project is a seamless one.
1. What are you in the business of selling?
You don’t have to always sell a product online to get your piece of the pie. Many companies have informational sites that are comprehensive and engaging. Websites can vary in functionality based off of what solution it is offering. If you are looking for qualified leads, then a lead generation funnel should be considered. If you are looking for eCommerce to sell a product, then a sales conversion funnel should be considered for your business model.
2. Know Your Competitors
It is further advisable that you list out your competitors and see what they are doing differently. You could use that as inspiration to figure out what you want for your future website. What features are they utilizing within their website? How is the website with interaction? Can you find information easily? Is the website content easy-to-understand? Is it compelling?
3. How much are you wiling to spend for your website?
This one is rather tricky, as one of our services is web development. As much as clients want to have the ‘luxuries’ on their websites, they forget that there is actually a person who is designing, programming, editing, copywriting, you get the idea. It is not something that is slapped together, it takes a lot of time, and if done correctly, it is a true science and strategy. If you are thinking of a $500 budget, then you are better off using a pre-existing theme to start, and putting aside funds towards a custom solution. Word of advise, if it seems to good to be true that someone will give you a fully functioning website with all the creative ideas, it is likely too good to be true. Why would you sell your product for $500 when it is well worth $3,500+? Food for thought.
4. How quickly did you want to launch your website?
As seasoned professionals in the industry, clients often say that they want to launch “as soon as possible.” However, be realistic in your time lines, because some of the material that you may have is not likely going to be used for your website. On the average, we give our clients a few weeks to gather the following: content, high resolution pictures, copy ideas, branding, logo, and anything else that they may want featured in the infrastructure. A simple website project can take anywhere between 3-5 weeks, because you have to also test on other web browsers such as: Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Explorer. Don’t forget that many of these have different versions, because not everyone uses the most up to date web browsers.
5. Planning Your Functionality
Websites are extremely fluid and dynamic and can become large scale based on any given set of requirements. Knowing what type of functionality you want is important for your web presence, and a rather critical time sensitive step. For example, if you require individuals in your business to be able to update content on a consistent basis, then you may require a content management system. Now let’s take this one step further. For example, let’s just imagine that you have several departments that require access to different sections of the website. You may require that your users have different types of access levels and administrator privileges. This is a classic example of a functionality build-out. You can see how vital it is to plan these types of projects in advance in order to avoid delays, and cost-impacts.
There you have it, the five most important elements prior to starting your web development projects. All these notes will save you time, resources, and more importantly your investment when working with an agency during your development stages.
To Your Success
10 Web Design Mistakes You Don’t Want To Make
We have come across many web design mistakes over the years and have compiled the top ten that we believe are the most critical. These mistakes highlight not only design direction, but also highlight proper planning practices when taking on a new web development or existing re-development project.
1. What is The Website About?
Four seconds is the alloted time to inform the user about your website. Within this short period of time, your website must motivate the user to look within your site, and move into your conversion funnels. Do not make the assumption that everyone knows about your website, as most users discovers new websites daily. Inform your audience through meaningful layouts.
2. Lack of Design Contrast
When design lacks contrast, it becomes difficult for the eye to percieve details, read copy, and often absorb the material that is presented. Designing with contrast draws the user in and engages them to look further into the site.
3. Mystery Meat Navigation
Mystery Meat Navigation is also referred to as a hidden navigation. When a user hovers over an object, it then displays where the links may direct towards. This can lead a user to confusion and often forgo noticing the main components to the navigation itself. Mystery Meat Navigation is also not search engine friendly.
4. Too Much To Look At
Often times information overload occurs on many websites. Making attempts to present more content than the user is willing to consume can work against you. Websites like these can lead to increased bounce rates, and do not serve the purpose of successfully moving the user to convert on your site.
5. Incorrect usage of graphics
Graphics are great components when added into websites, however, there are tasteful methods when generating graphic user interfaces. Graphics must compliment the look and have consistency to obtain a cohesive feel to the website. Stay true to your design and layout.
6. Pages Titles That Mean Nothing
Often, webmasters will utilize page titles such as ‘home’ or ‘about us’ – but disregard the name of the website and important keywords that can be utilized for search optimization. This is a critical component as the user should know what will occur when they click on any given link on your website.
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7. Design Elements Are Pointless
Design elements often create a look and feel that leaves a profound effect on the user. In fact, design that lacks elements and structure creates an incomplete look on a website. In order to design with effectiveness, consider your typography as a form of art.
8. How Do I Find It?
Sometimes, finding the most simple things on a website can become a daunting task. You seem to start asking yourself questions like: Where is the checkout button? or How do I search for what it is that I am looking for? All these questions are essential prior to a website buildout. Ensure the user has the ability to find information effectively.
9. Advertising Overload
We understand that a critical component to a businesses success for many websites is through strategic advertising placement. However, when websites are cluttered with advertising, they often deter the user from utilizing the website. Flashy banners, and pop-ups are a big no-no.
10. Lack of Service or Deemed Unreachable
Users want to interact with a person, not a robot. In fact, if they are purchasing a product/service from your website, be sure that you are available. Security measures are critical online, and users have become intellectual shoppers, and they understand website security . That should be a priority for any organization.
