Before starting your search for the ideal website design team to partner with, it is important you review some key information. Answers to these questions will help you narrow down the website specifications and will provide your potential website firm(s) with a general overview of the project you are seeking.
Whether you need to get a website online for the first time, or looking for a fresh and new website design, review these questions and answer as you see fit. The answers you come up with will help you receive a more accurate web design quote… good luck!
1. Why do you want or need a website?
Although it is of high importance for your business to be online, it is also important for you to define your website objectives. One of these should apply to you:
A) You don’t have a website yet, and are looking to get your business online.
Technology today is driving everyone towards the internet and consumers are searching for businesses every second of the day. You have taken the first step, you are doing your research, now, begin defining why you want/need a website.
- Do you want to establish your online presence and give consumers a general overview of your business and what you offer?
- Would you like an e-commerce website solution with the ability to sell your products online?
B) You currently have a website, but you are ready for a website redesign.
- Are you interested in generating more traffic to an existing website?
- Does your website…
- have an old or outdated design?
- lack content?
- contain irrelevant, incorrect content, or is it too hard to read?
2. Who is your target audience?
It is important to identify who your target audience is. Identifying your target audience will direct the website design process. It will also help you when it comes to gathering and writing website content.
Is your target audience…
- Only current clients?
- Current and potential clients?
- Only potential clients?
- Vendors?
- Peers in your industry?
- What are the demographics? Age, gender, etc?
3. What is your budget for your website design and development project?
The most feared question of all, what is your anticipated budget? You may ask yourself “how much should I invest in my website design project?”
Many times, it is hard to come up with a ballpark figure, but it is important that you have a number in mind when looking for a website design firm to work with. High or low, a budget will help the web designer come up with the best web design quote for you.
4. What are your must-have website features?
The fun part! Deciding which features are must-haves should be simple. Our most common sought after features include:
Responsive Layout – A responsive web design will ensure your website is viewable on every device!
Social Media Integration – Yes, social media has exploded! Connect your networks and link them back to your website!
A Blog – Incorporate a blog within your website. Present your viewers with tips, news, sales, and more!
5. Would you like a responsive website design?
A must-have feature, responsive web design! What is responsive website design? A responsive web design will help your website be viewable to a larger audience, your website will automatically resize itself to fit on every screen size and all devices from desktops, to tablets and smartphones.
Did you know that Smartinsights.com predicts that “by 2014, mobile internet should take over desktop internet usage”?
6. Are you interested in a website that runs with a Content Management System (CMS)?
A Content Management System (CMS) will allow you to update your own website 24/7.
You may want to consider choosing a website with a CMS if…
- You have an integrated blog and would like to update it on your own.
- You would like to update your website copy. Provide your viewers with fresh, up to date content.
- You will have new image galleries that you would like displayed.
- You want to be able to update your portfolio.
7. Do you have a desired website launch date?
Another crucial piece of information. Are you looking to launch your website in a month or in a year?
8. Will you require ongoing maintenance for your website? Technical maintenance or content management?
It is a good idea to have your website design firm complete regular maintenance checkups. Also, decide if you would prefer they take care of updating content for you. When looking at a new website design and development project, ask for rate information for these services as well.
