Partner Article

Knowing what you want = successful website (re)launch

Knowing what you want from your website is the key to any successful (re)launch

Whether you have a website up and running and are looking for a redesign or you need a new site built from scratch, the first step is to have a clear idea of what you want it to achieve. Below are some guidelines for you to think about before approaching a design agency to help you deliver your site:

1. Why are you looking to build a website?

Is everyone telling you that you need one when you are not sure if you do? Do you have a new concept? Is your existing site outdated? Do you think online sales will increase your turnover? By having a clear idea of why you want/need a website, you will be able to focus on your goals and targets from the beginning.

2. What do you want it to achieve? What will be your ideal ROI (return on investment)?

Is your aim to increase sales and/or awareness of your business? Do you want to have a central hub for information for users to reference? Do you want a new site to increase natural search engine results and have the correct amount of ‘Call to Actions’?

3. Do you have a logo and brand identity?

Do you need to review the identity of your brand? Maybe you’re not sure yet but would like to find out the benefits of a rebrand.

4. What is your target audience?

By considering your audience and briefing an agency correctly, they will be able to build a site suitable for your customers demographics. Young and contemporary, traditional or corporate, it is important to identify who you are talking to.

5. What budget do you have?

By having a budget in mind and sharing this with an agency, you can save a lot of time finding out if the agency is the right fit for you. If you are talking about similar ball-park costs but the cost is a little high, you may need to separate the ‘must have’ features from the ‘luxuries’. If you are far away from settling on a fee, then the agency is not the right match for you or you need to re-evaluate your budget. Agencies vary in price and you need to find the right fit for you.

6. Do you need Social Media and SEO?

Ongoing marketing may or may not be essential to your business. If it is a necessity, you need to find a company who provide this service or partners a company who does. Try to avoid two separate companies who don’t know each other unless you make an introduction before work starts.

7. Timing/Planning

Be realistic about when you need your new site. Leave as much time as possible to allow for the right amount of planning.

How can we help?

Vanilla Active are experts at providing effective websites for businesses of all sizes, from simple portfolio sites to professional eCommerce platforms and complex interactive portals. Whether you need a template-driven site or a bespoke design, our sites are responsive and modern, with a robust content management system.

For more information, please use the contact details on our profile– we’d love to hear from you.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Vanilla Active .