When you hire a web designer to build a new website for your business, it can be tempting to point them toward other websites you like, asking them to create something similar. By doing this, you can miss out on crucial elements your website needs and end up with a website that doesn’t suit your business.
So, how do you choose the right website for your business? Let’s walk through the key elements you should have in place when you’re deciding on a new web design.
TYPES OF WEBSITE FOR YOUR BUSINESS:
Small Business
Most small businesses will have a website containing several different pages. These pages include information about their products/services, contact details and anything else a visitor needs to know before purchasing.
Small business websites aim to convert a visitor into a lead. They don’t usually have a direct purchasing option.
Often these are referred to as brochure websites.
E-commerce
An e-commerce website is ideal for selling products.
This kind of website allows you to create product pages that the customer can view as if they were in a physical store.
A popular WordPress plugin for E-commerce websites is Woocommerce.
If they are happy with what they see, they can purchase it directly on your website. Think of it like an all-in-one online storefront.
One Page
One-page websites, sometimes referred to as a landing page or squeeze page, tend to be used by smaller businesses that simply want to advertise who they are and what they do.
They don’t include any options for a visitor to make a purchase or sign up for an email newsletter. Usually, the only point of contact will be a phone number, form or email address. One-page websites are much like digital business cards.
Portfolio
A portfolio website is ideal for people like artists, designers, and photographers.
These types of websites act like an online gallery, showcasing their work in a visually engaging way.
Its primary focus is highlighting your work, giving you more visibility online and showcasing your skills to potential customers and clients.
GOALS
What do you offer?
Before you can even start deciding what kind of website you want, you must define what your business offers.
For example, do you sell physical products? Do you want your website to bring more leads to your business? Are you looking for a website that handles everything in your customer’s journey, or do you want it to act as an initial point of contact?
Knowing what you want from your website is crucial when choosing the right type.
Who is your audience?
Knowing your audience is a key factor in making the right choice for your new website.
For example, what age range do your customers fall into? If they’re in their early twenties, they will likely respond better to a particular website style and expect specific features that an older generation might find frustrating.
Think about the needs and expectations your specific audience will have.
Where are you on your journey?
One mistake some businesses make when starting out is that they bite off more than they can chew. They want to be everything all at once and forget to focus on what makes them stand out. This can leak out into the website they choose.
If you’re a small business just getting its foot on the ladder, choosing a website full of fancy features, endless menus, and too many pages will overwhelm not only potential customers but you too.
In conclusion, choosing the right website for your business is a crucial decision that can greatly impact your online presence and success.
It’s important to consider factors such as functionality, design, ease of use, and scalability when making this choice. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you will be well-equipped to select the best option for your specific needs.
If you’re still unsure or would like further guidance in choosing the best website for your business, don’t hesitate to book a call with our team to discuss your new website design. We are here to help you make the right choice and create a website that truly represents your business.