Points to Consider When Planning a New Website
Have you considered bringing your business online but aren't sure if you are ready? We have put together some information to help you prepare what you will need to be successful. This is not an all inclusive list, if you have any ideas we haven't thought of, drop us a line.
It's time for your business to go online!
No matter what stage your business is in, it is time to consider planning for a website. A website can attract customers from all over the world, as well as keep your current customers connected to your business. Below are a few of the indicators that your business needs a website:
- Customers are asking if you have a website: If people are asking about your company website and you do not have one, there is definitely a problem! Customers want convenience and by having a website, they can learn about your business from home or any place that has internet access.
- Competitors have websites: Your business needs to keep up with the competition, especially when they are just a click away. You need to show customers what sets you apart from all the rest! A website also tells your customers that you are established and professional.
- You need or want more business: A website allows potential customers to get to know you, even after your business has closed for the day. Your website is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Displaying information such as business hours can be very helpful to customers, especially for those who have busy schedules.
The truth is, there is no reason not to have a website.
Content, Content, Content!
The main purpose of a website is to inform customers about you and the services you offer. In addition to your contact information, you should provide as much content as possible. A website reflects you and your company, and if your website doesn't have much to offer, customers may assume the same of you.
We cannot stress the importance of content enough. Your website should include plenty of pictures and text to create a balance visually. However, using too much or too little of either can be off-putting to viewers, so finding a balance is ideal.
Your website should include, but isn't limited to, the following:
- Contact information: Include many types of contact information such as phone number, address, email, fax, and business hours. You might even want to incorporate a contact form for customers to fill out.
- About you: What does your company do? What is your company about? Explain why your company is the best!
- News: What is your company doing these days? You might want to consider adding a blog to the website to keep customers informed of your activities. Keeping your website updated by consistently adding new information will keep customers coming back.
- Photo gallery: It's one thing to tell your customer what you have to offer, but it is another to show them! Provide pictures of your products; customers love to see examples before they buy. Or include pictures of staff or volunteers to allow customers to get to know you on a more personal level. If you don't have any pictures, consider using stock photography.
Don't Panic!
Each business is different and so is the information on each website. If you do not have any content or are having difficulties coming up with some, don't worry! We can help by offering suggestions or if you would like, do some of the writing for you.
Domain Name & Hosting
- Domain Name: Do you have a domain name? A domain name is what you type in the address bar in your internet browser to access a website. For example ours is leftandrightdesign.com. You will want to think of a handful of possible domain names in case some of your ideas are already taken. Keep in mind, at the moment all 2, 3, and 4 letter domain names have been registered. This doesn't mean all hope is lost if you are absolutely set on one of them. They are, however, usually very expensive to obtain.
Before your site can go live, you need to have registered a domain name for it. If you prefer, we can set this up for you.
- Hosting Options: Do you have hosting? Hosting is the server space where your website will live. Just like a domain name, you cannot have a website without it.Your domain name will be linked to your website on this server space.
Hosting must be bought from a hosting provider. If you do not want to go through a hosting company, we offer hosting services as well. We can set this up for you as well.
Again, these are a few of the things to consider if you are going to bring your business online. If you have any questions related to the article, feel free to get a hold of us. We are glad to help guide you through the steps and get your business a presence on the web.