These days, having a well-designed website is essential for businesses of all sizes. A professional website can establish credibility, increase your online visibility and help you reach new customers. Also, despite the rise of social media platforms they are not a substitute for a dedicated website. While social media can undoubtedly help build a following and develop your online profile, on their own, they’re not enough.
Things to consider before approaching a web developer
When it comes to creating a website, it’s generally best to leave the design and development to professionals. Also, a professional web developer will ensure your site works across all devices (check this article on the rise of mobile internet use). While DIY website builders may seem like a convenient option, they often lack the customisation and flexibility that a custom-built website can offer. A skilled web developer can guide you through the entire process – from initial concept to final launch – and ensure that your website meets your specific needs. To get a better idea what works best for you in terms of CMSs, take a look at the links below which offer a direct comparison between the most popular platforms – WordPress, Joomla and Drupal:
Which is better – WordPress or Joomla?
Which is better – WordPress or Drupal?
However, even the most experienced web development company will need information from you to create a website that accurately represents your business. Consequently, you should be prepared to answer questions about your company’s goals, target audience and the desired look and feel of your website. Also, depending on the complexity of your site and online services, you may want to consider using cloud networking. Click here for information on how cloud networking is transforming business.
How to help your website developer
Here are some tips to help your web developer create the best possible website:
- Provide Clear and Concise Company Information: The more information you can provide about your company, the better your website will be. This includes your company’s mission statement, values and products or services. Also, while some web developers can help with your website text, they will need at least a basic guide of the info you want to provide. A professional development company like Deepbluemedia can offer specialised copywriting and web content services. Deepblue offers web design in Tenerife although the firms works with a global pool of customers.
- Have a General Idea of Your Site’s Navigation and Key Pages: Think about the main pages you want your website to have and how they should be organised. This will help your web developer create a user-friendly navigation structure. You should also have an idea of the domain name you want to use. Click here for tips to pick the perfect domain name.
- Identify Relevant Keywords: Research keywords that your target audience might use to find your website. This will help your web developer optimise your website for search engines.
- Provide High-Quality Images: Images can help to break up text and make your website more visually appealing. Be sure to provide high-resolution images that are relevant to your business. Note, if you’re short of images, you might want to try the increasing range of AI design platforms – for example, check this page to see the applications for Microsoft’s AI Designer.
- Supply a Hi-Resolution Logo: Your logo is an important part of your brand identity. Make sure to provide a high-resolution version of your logo to your web developer.
- Determine the Importance of Social Media Integration: Decide whether you want to integrate your social media accounts with your website. This can help you to drive traffic to your site and engage with your audience. You should also identify which social media is best for your company.
- Decide whether you want to integrate a blog: Integrating a blog is one of the most successful ways to build your search engine ranking and drive more traffic to your pages. Click here for more information one why your website should have a blog.
- Consider the Need for E-commerce Functionality: If you plan to sell products or services online, you will need to incorporate e-commerce functionality into your website. This will also likely involve determining which CMS is right for your firm.
- Have an idea of your budget: Based on all the above, you should at least have a ballpark figure in your head of how much you want to spend on your site. The price you pay will largely depend on the functionality required plus the importance you play on your online operations. Click here for an idea of typical website production prices.
- Be Open to Feedback: Your web developer may have suggestions for improving your website. Be open to feedback and willing to make changes as needed.
- Communicate Regularly: Keep in touch with your web developer throughout the development process. This will help ensure that your website meets your expectations.
- Be Patient: Website development can take time. Be patient and allow sufficient time for your web developer to do their job.
Closing thoughts
While web developers are skilled at creating websites, they cannot be mind readers. To get the best results from your web developer, it’s important to provide them with clear and concise information about your business and your website goals. By following the tips in this guide, you can help your web developer create a website that is both visually appealing and effective.
