You wouldn’t build a house without a blueprint! So why do so many business owners dive into web design without a plan?
If you’re ready to create a website for your business but feel like you’re about jump out of the fire and into the frying pan - take a deep breath. We’re going to break this down step by step, so by the end, you’ll not only feel confident - you’ll be excited to see your businesses online vision come to life.
First Things First
Get clear on your vision.
What’s the main goal of your website? Is it to sell products, showcase your services, or maybe even build your brand's credibility?
Whatever it is, nailing down your website’s purpose is the first step to making sure it does exactly what you need it to.
2. Map out your content
Think about the key pages you’ll need: Home, About, Services, Contact, maybe a blog? Don’t just throw random text on these pages. Your content should be clear, concise, and move your visitors towards taking your desired action.
If writing isn’t your thing, (I know it isn't mine!) consider hiring a copywriter who can translate your vision into words ... it will be worth every penny! Pop me a message if you would like recommendations from experience.
3. Choose the right platform
There are a ton of website platforms out there, and choosing one can feel really overwhelming. My advice? Go with one that offers flexibility and ease of use, for small businesses and start ups, depending on their business goals and whether they are service or product based. I will always recommend Wix or Shopify. They also have full CRM systems built in which makes starting a small business/the dive into the online world a little bit easier. These platforms provide the right balance of customisability without requiring a degree in computer science.
4. Focus on Visual Journey
People do judge books by their covers - it is as simple as that and the same goes for your website. Make sure your design is aligned with your brand - use consistent colors, fonts, and imagery that reflect your business’s personality and speak directly to your ideal client. A clean, professional design not only looks good but also builds trust with your visitors.
If you do not already have branding in place, you should probably look at this before launching into website design. It is a powerful tool that allows for consistency and recognisability across all customer touch points.
5. Don’t Forget the User Experience
Imagine walking into a store where nothing is labeled, and the aisles are a mess. Very frustrating! Your website needs to be easy to navigate, with clear calls to action. Think about your visitor’s journey and make it as smooth as possible. Sometime it is easy to get wrapped up in the thought that everyone knows what you do - trust me, they don't. You need to spell it out and make the content clear and concise whilst guiding them to the exact reason you set up your website in the first place - to take action.
A confused mind doesn’t buy—so let’s keep it simple.
6. Get Ready for Launch
Before you hit that big “publish” button, make sure everything is in place. Double-check your links, test your site on different devices, and ensure your contact forms work. Hopefully, you have been talking about your new website development across your social media channels whilst you have been creating it in the background and building suspense for the big launch. Your clients should be anticipating the big reveal. Your launch should be as seamless as possible because first impressions are everything.
Creating a website might seem like a big scary thing, but with a solid plan and a bit of guidance, it’s totally doable. And remember, this is your brand’s digital home - just because something is clickable on Google and has a list of services ...doesn't mean its a powerful tool that will convert browsers into clients. And if you need a hand, just fill out my enquiry form.
I will be more than happy to take this one off your hands!
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