Developing a New Web Site
A new Web site or Web site overhaul can be a daunting process. Your site, after all, is your company's face to the online world. The Internet offers limitless potential, so it's important to approach Web design with the same strategic focus you place on every other aspect of your business. The following steps might help you develop a framework to tackle this important part of your marketing mix.
1. Analyze
There are a few simple questions you need to answer before you even begin to design a new Web site. What does this Web site need to do? What does your target audience want from a site? Most importantly, what is your ultimate goal here?
Without a clear goal in mind, even the most sophisticated of Web sites will fall flat. A site designed to sell widgets should look and function vastly differently than one designed to promote a green lifestyle. Commit upfront to speak to your customers in their language, and develop appealing content that educates and informs. Always take the time to make sure that your site is designed to generate the results you desire.
2. Design
People search the Web looking for answers. Who won the game? What's the weather for the upcoming weekend? What are the benefits of this hardware platform?
A Web site should be designed to be user-friendly, with easily navigated pages and quickly accessible information. Pages should have a clean look and feel. Text should be written so it can be easily scanned. A visitor to your Web site is a potential customer; respect them by designing your site so that it's easy and quick to find the answers they need.
3. Details
Web site functionality is all in the details. A large portion of what makes a successful Web site happens behind the scenes when implementing technical site requirements. Be sure that your company branding is consistent and prominent. Approach optimization organically, developing a glossary of key industry terms. Devise a navigation that is structured and clearly presented on the site. Ensure titles and links are logically and consistently labeled. Confirm that all legal requirements have been met. Most importantly, make sure to spell check and test that all forms and links function as expected.
4. Add Value
Does your Web site offer a fresh perspective? To capture the attention of today's Web user, a site not only needs to answer a visitor's basic questions, but also provide a unique experience. What makes your company different? Is it your vast experience in the telecom sector? If so, your Web site can position your company as a communications leader by housing relevant industry content. Customers are a great resource; ask them the right questions and they will lead you directly to your value-add solution.
5. Evaluate
As your industry continues to evolve, so should your Web site. Gone are the days of the static Web site. Today success in the interactive space takes the form of a timely and dynamic site. Make sure to take the pulse of your customer base regularly, and update your site with fresh content accordingly. Determine what can be improved on your site, and pledge to fix it quickly. Do you know what your competitors are doing online right now? You should, and your Web strategy should reflect it.
From concept to creation - 5 easy steps toward your next Web site.
Photo credit: And all that Malarkey