We’re here to help, and a big part of this process is making sure we understand what you want, what you need, and what’s going to work best for you and your business.
This is always a learning process for us. We need to know not just who you are and what your company does, but how your industry works and where you fit into it. On top of that, you’ve got your own way of doing things and your own personal preferences, and we want to make your website fit seamlessly into your operations.
A lot of this comes from sitting down and talking to you, of course. And even though we always want to present the perfect product on the first try, we understand that there’s some trial-and-error built into the process. We’re not happy unless you’re happy.
But on top of our conversation, we can always use a few other techniques for helping us understand what you need. Here are some ways to help us help you.
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR THOUGHTS
We love guiding clients through the web-design process, but we’re not in charge here; you are. Before you sit down with us, spend some time thinking about what you want. Don’t be afraid to have opinions! It helps guide us toward the right goal.
COME UP WITH KEYWORDS
A big part of SEO—search engine optimization, which helps your site show up when people google related topics—is use of keywords. Make a list of buzzwords related to your industry and your business. We’ll incorporate those into the site so that your customers can find you.
THINK AHEAD
Websites have to be updated regularly in order to stay relevant. In addition to everyday functions, try and think of topics you can address on at least biweekly basis. This could be a blog or news page that discusses breaking company or industry topics; or you might have a photo gallery for recent company events. We want a website that works for you now, but that’s also set up to handle your company’s growth.
We want a website that works for you now, but that’s also set up to handle your company’s growth.
– Brian Deckard
SHOW US YOUR FAVORITES
Make a list of five websites you really like. It’s best if they’re in your industry and/or performing similar functions to what you need in a website, but some of them can be in unrelated industries, too. Web design is a creative process in addition to a functional one, and we want to get an eye for what appeals to you.
Spend time on those websites. Click the links, explore the services. Pay attention to what you like and, just as important, what you don’t like.
Write down your reactions. Is a photo too big? Did you have trouble finding what you need? Did you skip over certain pages because there was too much copy you didn’t want to read?
Tell us what you think. When you can show us multiple websites that appeal to you, while highlighting certain things that didn’t work so well, we’ll have a better sense of what you like and what you need.
For more ways to help us help you, fill out our web design on-boarding form here.
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