If you’re reading this blog, chances are you know how important web design is to your marketing efforts. Which means you probably already know how much energy you need to put into building a website that will grow your business.
Web design is about much more than aesthetics and content. A properly built website can increase customer awareness, drive sales, and enhance your overall reach.
So, where do you start?
The Website Development Process
As you take steps to create a growth-driven website, you should keep the following in mind: Focus your site on being user-friendly and easy to navigate, with a clear call to action. At the end of the day, you want your company site to be consistent with the message of your brand.
1. Assess
Before you begin, take stock of where your current website is at – what works and what you’d like to improve on. In other words, ask yourself “Does this site make the grade?”
From there, determine your goals for the new site and seek out a local web design and marketing expert to provide you with guidance and support as your site is rebuilt.
2. Plan
One of the most crucial pieces of any project, a program is necessary for building a new website. Before you partner with an inbound web design agency, you need to be sure that their approach will align with the website goals you determined in the previous step.
Look for a company that will provide you with a thorough outline of what they’re going to build, as well as a precise breakdown of timelines and the cost. A good plan is like a roadmap you can use to achieve your desired results.
3. Communicate
After a plan is established, the building begins! And as with any collaborative effort, communication on both ends is hugely important. Just as you will expect prompt updates and clear objectives, the web design team will need timely responses and feedback.
Expect to communicate through calls, emails, and in-person meetings for the duration of the project.
4. Build
There are two main elements to a website build out: graphic design and site architecture. The two are very different. On the graphic design side, you’re provided with a visual representation of what your website will look like (also known as a mock-up). On the architecture side, it’s all about creating your site’s database. The project manager and web developer(s) can construct the entire site so that it’s ready for you to input the final copy and other materials before the site launch.
Website mock-ups and database creation are incredibly useful for nailing down the nitty gritty details like search engine optimization and branding, as well as your site’s overall functionality.
5. Launch
One of the final steps of building a powerful website is launching your site. After you’ve given your stamp of approval to the design and built out pages, your site will undergo testing and any final revisions before it goes online.
Keep in mind that when your website launches, it doesn’t mark the end of your efforts with your site.
Final Note
Launching your newly built and optimized website is a big deal, yes. But having a robust website doesn’t end with the development process.
Maintaining your website is every bit as important as the steps listed above. With a well-maintained site, you can see continual growth and sales, not just a small dose of short-term wins here and there.