Blog

Tips for Newcomers to Web Technologies

Friday, 29 January 2010 15:02 Written by Bryan Buxton

BB Graphics was recently one of several web companies featured in a news article entitled Front-end work makes a Web site, experts say. This article gives some good tips for businesses looking for a web professional to create a new website or enhance their existing web presence.

To expand upon some of those ideas:

Be Prepared
- Write a synopsis or outline of what you are looking for.
- Review (or write) your company's mission statement.
- Consider how the web might benefit your company's mission.
- Check out websites that offer similar services or products for ideas (and take notes).
  - What do you like or dislike about these other sites?
  - What features do they offer or lack?
  - Try to identify useless features such as 'Intro' pages which serve no real purpose other than to delay visitors from entering a website.
Who are the players?
- Check out the prospective company's web design portfolio before you meet or call.
- This should include their best or most recent work.
- Try to identify common themes so that you know what to expect.
Communication is important
- Questions are good. Just ask if you don't know or understand something. We don't expect our clients to be web experts.
- Be honest about your opinions. If you don't like the design, say something right away. Otherwise it could cloud your judgement in future decisions you make regarding the direction of your website.
- Send email when you can so that there's a written record of your dialogue.
- Try to be open to suggestion even if you already know exactly what you want. Their may be a better way that you're not aware of.
Identify all the services you'll require.
- Do you need a completely new website or just content updates?
- Do you need business class web hosting service?
- Do you need continuing website maintenance?
- Do you need Search Engine Optimization services to compete with local businesses
- Do you plan to advertise online or through pay-per-click programs
- Do you plan to maintain PR through social media services such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Ect.
What role will you play?
- How involved will your company be in maintaining your website?
- Decide whether maintenance will be performed in-house or by an outside professional service.
Understand your options.
- What type of website do you need?
- What sort of website features will you need?
Is that all you need?
- You can often save money by using one marketing/design company for multiple services.
- What other design and marketing services do you need?
- Does your chosen web professional offer other services?