It seems like 2019 is the year of the website; almost everyone I know is working on or trying to update theirs.
The best advice I’ve heard this this: your website should reflect you.
Think about what you want – and what you want to evoke. Use these guidelines to help set a goal for your site before you start the project.
Website Content
What should a website include? I think the best answer is whatever you want your company’s webpage to do. No two sites are the same, which can be the best and worst part about the process.
Also think about how much maintenance you want to put into your website; if you want to include a weekly or bi-monthly blog, then by all means go for it! Be realistic when you consider how much time you really have though, if you already feel stretched too thin have your webpage include more evergreen features.
Your site should address the who, what, and where immediately on your homepage, and all information should not be more than three clicks away. When it comes to copy, less is more.
Funding the Project
And the part nobody likes to talk about – price. Remember you get what you pay for, so if you don’t currently have a website budget, start one.
While you wait for the site savings to grow, do some research with local businesses (with webpages you like) to see who built their website and how much they spent. Also while you’re waiting for more funds, keep up to date with what you like, don’t like, and want for your website so you’re ready when design begins.
Planning Ahead
In today’s social media-driven society, plan on addressing your site again in five years. Whenever changes happen within your business, your website should reflect that, too.
Find your annual checklist and add a site review to that list. The more work we do in the meantime means less work when it comes time for another website overhaul.
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