I need a website now what? and web designer, now what do I do?
Gather all your print advertising together, brochures, sell sheets, business cards, etc. Write down the goal(s) you want to accomplish and all information you want on your website. Your web designer will walk you through the process of how to put the information together for each page, but the designer needs all your company goals and information first. Remember when writing content for your website to keep your customer in mind first. What do they ask you? What are the most common questions you hear? This is an excellent starting point.
1. RESEARCH
What is your goal or purpose? You may have several goals or reasons for wanting a website. Write all of these down for the web designer. The answer(s) will help determine the direction your website takes. Common answers; sell more widgets, reach more people with my message.
What makes you/your company unique from competition?
On time delivery, convenient location, etc.
Gather all your existing advertising together, brochures, sell sheets, business cards, contact information, etc.
2. PLAN
Do you have a domain name registered?
Yes. Great, what is it and where is it registered, have login credentials available when meeting with your web designer.
No. That’s not a problem, your web designer can set this up for you. Consider what you want your domain name to be, in case your actual business name is already used by someone else.
What’s a domain name and what do you mean registered? A domain name is the website’s address for your business, such as www.silvercricketdesigns.com. This name is registered only to me. Think of this as your home address.
As mentioned before the domain name must be registered, and renewed every year. It can be registered online at several different companies. Costs may vary but it shouldn’t be more than approximately $15/year. Your web designer can help you with this. It’s important to keep good records and avoid Domain Slamming.
Do you have a web hosting company?
Yes….Who is the company and have login credentials available.
No, or I’m not sure….? If you have a website online now, you are paying for someone to host it for you. How, who put it online? YP, yelp, etc.? Check your records you should be able to track it down.
What’s a web hosting company? A web hosting company puts your website on the internet using their computers (aka servers) and you are paying for space on their servers. Web hosting is the space where your website lives, like its neighborhood. This is an annual cost.
The cost for web hosting varies from company to company and varies by features. Intro prices can be as low as $4.95/month ($59/year) but could double or triple the following year.
How many pages would you like on your website?
What are the topics/titles, write those down. This will help jump start the navigation for your website.
Not sure. That’s okay. We can help you out.
There’s pages on a website? Yep. When you go to a website, www.silvercricketdesigns.com, the first page you come to is the home page. When you go to the navigation menu and click on Services, for example, that’s considered another page. So a website is basically, a collection of pages.
3. QUOTE
The next step for Silver Cricket Designs – after gathering this information is to give a quote for the project that details what will be provided by both parties, a time line for start to finish project dates. A 50% deposit is required to start the project, with the signed contract and once completed the remaining balance is due.
4. DEVELOP
Register domain name & setup hosting if needed. Content, photos, graphics, multi-media, links to partners/sources, is given to the designer.
5. DESIGN
Using software, example wordpress; template, layout main sections & test (design & code). The website is presented, proofed, reviewed and changes given and made.
6. TEST
The overall function is reviewed, links are tested and the final proofing is done.
7. LAUNCH
Site goes live on internet.
8. PROMOTE
Advertise and share your website. Drive traffic to it with your brochures, business cards, social media channels, signs, banners, etc. The website is submitted to search engines.
9. MAINTAIN
Don’t create it and forget it! This website works for you 24/7, make sure the content and images are current and relevant. Visitors will return when you provide them the information they need. If you need help keeping your site current contact us, we have experience working with a variety of software and do maintain sites for businesses and non-profit groups that were created by others.
Contact Silver Cricket Designs today and we’ll take the questions out of the web design process.
Disclosure: Please note the above SiteGround link is an affiliate, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Please understand that I have experienced many companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful, reliable and provide the best service, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy through my link. Please do not spend any money on any product or service unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals.