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Do you need a website for your business?

If you're reading this article, then you've probably decided that it's time to get a website for your business, or upgrade an existing site. Or chances are, you've already had a website made overseas and had language and reliability issues, or had one made by a friend's, daughter's mate, who did an IT unit at university... and haven't had a positive experience. We've heard this all too often, but the good news is we're here to help! :)

One of the most contentious questions in the web design & development world is "how much is a website?". You can compare it to the famous phrases "how long is a piece of string?" and "how much is a car?".

Like most things, there are extra-special, super-cheap prices that will always appeal to the customer looking to get a website based ONLY on price/budget and there are over-inflated, flat-out crazy high prices.  You need to establish a budget, but the most important thing for you to do is to realise that you get what you pay for.

Don't employ the sleazy car-salesperson type of website, (cheap & nasty), to promote your business. Make the smart choice and invest in a quality, professional website from Web One Design Studio and realise the benefits. A website is an online sales-person for your business

Treat your website like a member of your sales team and consider that if it were a sales-person most businesses generally offer remuneration based on what they hope to attract as a candidate. They also equip their sales people with the latest information and tools to promote the business and generate sales.

You need to do the same for your website to see rewards not based on pure luck. Have the best online salesperson you can.

Why do you need a website?

Any business that doesn't operate in the online environment is willing to forgo sales, guaranteed. Potential customers are continuously surfing the internet looking for information to validate their decision to buy. If your business isn't out there to be found, they'll surely find your competitors websites!

You need to consider what makes your website tick behind the scenes as well as the glossy front-end appearance. Your site visitors have become a lot more understanding of how to use websites and what they can do. We all know how to tell a bad/frustrating website when we visit it!

The first idea is to decide how your website will complement your business and what do you want your visitors, or potential customers, to be able to do while they're there. Making your website aesthetically pleasing, easy to use and provide the functionality that's expected (or more) and you will generate brand loyalty from your online customers.

What do you need in your website?

There are many options of what a website can do for your business, in regards to functionality. You can begin with an entry-level site that presents as a "glossy brochure" and over time evolve it to an e-Commerce system that actually makes sales while you're sleeping, or start with a highly functional website from the get-go. The choice is yours!

Websites are living entities that should be nurtured, fed and grow with your business. It is a good idea to plan to maintain your website with new content, such as news items in a blog, from the beginning. Google rewards websites that offer new content that, from Google's perspective, constantly explains what your business does. And the more, new information regularly going on the website, the more likely are your customers to return to the site, in-turn creating customer loyalty.

Don't view a website for your business as a cost, view it as an investment. A very important investment. And you get what you pay for!

How do you know what is value?

 Knowing what is value for money when you invest in a website can be a hard one, particularly in a technological industry if you have no understanding of it. At the face value of a website, they generally look the same, but it's what's underneath that counts. The design is only one piece of a much bigger pie!

The first step is to talk to a website professional and give him or her a clear understanding of what you want. Include the design/style type you like and what you want the site to be able to do. From there it can be calculated as to what will be required to develop the new website.

As a general (and loose) guide in 2017 and from an industry perspective in Australia, a standard website is being charged at $5,000-$10,000 and an e-Commerce website $10,000-$15,000. And custom projects can grow in value dependant on the requirements.

Some things to ask your website professional.

1. Can I see examples of your work?
2. What is the process for getting a website made?
3. Will the website be made in a Content Management System (CMS) so I can update the content myself if I want to?
   3a. If yes, what is the name of the CMS and who owns it?
   NOTE: Some web companies use an in-house CMS which means you can never leave them, if you choose, because you can't take the CMS with you and no CMS means no website.
4. Will it be mobile device friendly?
5. Is there any SEO done to the website?
6. What am I required to do?
7. Will there be on-going costs?

Looking for a reliable web design company in Perth?

Now that you've taken the time to read our article, let's get the ball rolling. Web One Design Studio has over 10 years of experience creating beautiful, functional, and engaging websites for our clients in many diverse industries - and we’d love to do the same for you, too.

Don't trust the development of your next website to just anybody, contact us now on 0433 209 315 and talk to a member of the professional team at Web One Design Studio.