The web is filled with small business websites that have canned structure and primitive graphics.
Recently I shopped around for a printer online to book an order for my business cards and went through a dozen or so local websites. I was disappointed that several places where I filled out forms for a free quote never even got back to me. If anything, the experience on the website detracted me from picking up the phone and calling them directly. Why should I call them if not only the appearance of the website is a joke but there’s a lack of pertinent information on the site? Were they taking me seriously as a customer?
What Kind of Interaction Do You Want to Have With Your Customers?
The above is an account of the experience as a customer. Did the web site designer and the small business owner really spend some time on how the customer was going to use the website? No. Did the website help me want to work with them? No. The million dollar question here is: Is this the type of interaction you want to have with your customers online? You decide.
Ask About Their Process
Before hiring a web designer for your very first or a complete redesign of your small business website, be sure to ask what their process is. The answer you want is that before the designer thinks about a mock up, color selection, photographs, copy or anything along the lines of design, you want to hear that they prepare a site plan for you.
Will They Build a Site Plan?
A site plan is a document on how to build your website based on core business goals you want to accomplish online. All major decisions whether it be navigation, content, artwork, or design stem from the business goals we agree on carrying out. Common goals are:
- Generate leads
- Sell products
- Increase sales
- Raise product awareness
- Raise funds for a donation
- Subscribe to a newsletter
- Reduce customer support calls
- Increase customer retention
- Turn a manual paper process into an automated online process
Actualizing Your Business Goals
The list goes on. If a website designer is not concerned about actualizing your business goals on your entire website, your site will not accomplish your business goals. Without a proper site plan, websites like the local printer ones I described above will be thrown together. And negative interactions much like the ones I had with the local printers will happen to your customers.
Whatever web design company you decide to hire, go with one that will empower your business goals. If you want ROI on your website investment, choose a company not based on how flashy, famous or tech-savvy they are but how they can enable your business.
Do you have any particular questions regarding this article or want to learn more? Contact us at info@immotion.net and see how we can start off right on your website.