Let’s say you’ve just started a new business, and you’re next-level excited to get the word out about it. Or maybe you’ve been at it for a while, and you think your online presence could use a New Year’s refresh. Looks like you’re in the market for some design assistance!
A team like ours is ready to help, but good web designers can get it done better and faster if you have a good idea of what assistance you need.
Before you start vetting web designers or jumping on consult calls, let’s discuss how you can start outlining a smart plan for your website design.
What Exactly Do You Do?
If you’re thinking about a website, your initial thoughts might lean more towards design elements – colors, fonts, logos, et cetera. While these elements are certainly important (and we’ll get to them!), your offering should take center stage.
Start your design mission with clarity about who you are, what you offer, and who will benefit from this offering.
What Exactly Should Your Website Do?
Consider your website as your virtual storefront. If someone were to walk into your shop or office, what kind of experience would you want them to have? Would you make a great first impression if a potential customer had to wade through piles of boxes just to get to you? Probably not!
A physical storefront exists to feature what you’re selling, and make it easy to buy. From the customer’s perspective, they want a place where what they need is within reach and easy to find. Your online storefront should have the same intentions.
As you embark on your website design project, be clear about what you want your website to feature and how you want your potential customers to engage with you.
Put the “Fun” in “Functionality”
With your offering taking center stage, you should also think about how your new website can improve the experience you deliver to your client.
Having your contact information accessible and easy to find is an excellent start. Perhaps there could also be questions you can add to a contact form to speed up the onboarding process.
Can your website eliminate some extra steps for the customer as well? Functionalities like online scheduling or payment portals can help them start working with you quicker.
Online stores or e-commerce plugins can also improve the shopping experience if you’re selling products. Again: the goal is creating a clear path for your customer to get what they need.
Good Design Solves Problems!
Remember when I said we’d get to design elements earlier? Well, here we are! Smart, intentional design sets you apart from your competitors. A unique look or brand can also help attract your dream customers.
You may be thinking, “Geez, if design is so important, why’d you wait so long to bring it up?” If you’ve chosen a smart design team, their goal should be purpose-driven design. You want the look and feel of your website to support your mission and vision, and to guide your site visitors on a clear path through your site. Yes, the design should attract your ideal folks – but it’s your offering that should keep them engaged and interested.
All of this said: it definitely helps if you have at least a general idea of how you’d like things to look. If you already have a brand kit, complete with a logo and color palette, that’s a great start.
Maybe you’ve seen other websites that inspire you (or turn you off!). Sharing these with your design team can get the creative wheels turning. Don’t be shy about letting them know about your likes and dislikes!
If a new or refreshed website is one of your 2023 goals, you know we’re ready to help! If you want an assist mapping it all out, our website planner is the perfect tool to get that started. Or jump on a consultation call with us!
