Are you planning for a new or updated website? Building a new website doesn’t have to be an impossible task. A multitude of website-building tools have made launching and updating a website easier than ever before. But, keep in mind there’s more to a website than putting a few pictures and words up on the Internet. Here’s five things to consider before investing in your digital future.
1. Who should you partner with?
We’re all familiar with the adage ‘you get what you pay for.’ While, you may save some money by hiring a freelancer or even building your site yourself, thinking of your long-term needs up front could save you money down the road. Consider all the steps involved in producing a website: from planning to content to design to development to launch to post-launch support. Do you have the talents and time within your existing staff? Will a freelancer meet your deadlines? Would you benefit from working with a full-service web design firm that can guide you through this process and support you after launch?
2. Know what you want from your users.
It’s vital to have a firm grasp of what you wish to gain from your new website. When planning a website around your users there are key questions you have to ask. Who is your audience? Why are they visiting your site? Why do they come to you? Your site should catalyze your customers to buy a product, ask a question or learn more about your business. Focus your attention on the needs of your customers.
3. Content comes first.
To match your site with an interested audience, search engines index your website content. How much thought have you given to content? How many pages do you need to have? What do your customers need to know about your business? This is about showcasing your brand personality through videos, pictures and well written words. If you don’t have the resources or expertise on staff, it might be worth having your content written professionally.
4. What platform provides the versatility you need?
There is a wide range of content management system (CMS) and hosting options available. Some are free, others require more time, knowledge and investment. For example, a proprietary CMS can only be used and supported by those who built it. These could be barriers if you later choose to move away from the platform or provider. At the same time, it may offer already-built tools that fit well with your needs. Alternatively, open source platforms like WordPress tend to have a large community with many contributors keeping them up-to-date and available to anyone. They can also be leveraged in powerful ways through custom development. Work with someone you trust to have the knowledge and understanding of your needs to develop the best solution for you
5. What’s your post-launch plan?
Launching a website is big accomplishment—but the work doesn’t stop there. A website is an ever-evolving piece of communication that continually grows with new content and tools. Not only are search engines ranking you based on current content, today’s web users expect it. Have a plan for reviewing your website analytics and publishing content regularly post-launch.
Whatever path you choose, remember to take your time, do your research and partner with someone who can grow with your digital needs. Reach out to our team of experts to determine if VistaComm is the best web partner for your organization.
Original Post Here: Things to Think About When Planning a Website
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