How Fancy Should My Website Be?

Whether it's big and tricked out or modest and efficient, just about every business should probably have a website or at least some sort of online presence. The real question comes down to how heavy a presence, and how tricked out does it need to be? We’re going to take a look at some points to consider when deciding on the right kind of website for you, with some distinctions between business and personal.

To WSYWIG or not to WSYWIG?

WSYWIG is a term meaning 'What You See is What You Get.' This refers to an online software that allows a user to drag and drop various elements onto a template to customize their own site without needing to know a lick of code. Most people are aware that the power to create one’s own website on the cheap is readily available through sites like Weebly, Wix, Squarespace and others. You can check out this online comparison of various options and their features from StartBlogging.com.

So, why would I hire someone if I can DIY it? There are a multitude of reasons to save the money and Do-it-Yourself. Namely, if you are looking to start a blog or just need a basic info page with your contact details on it and no other fancy-pants features, DIY your heart out! Or maybe you just don’t have any start up money, and you have to start somewhere. Those are all valid and acceptable reasons to WSYWIG your way onto the interwebs.

However, if you are really looking to make an impact on your audience and turn engagements into conversions, or you require secure features like a shopping cart or some form of payment option, you might consider hiring a professional. Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to pay dearly for it, but expect some cost to go into it if you want to get a profit out of it. It will be worth it to have some bells and whistles on your new purchase; how many depends on what your individual goals are for your website. Which brings us to consideration number 2.

What kind of add-ons do I need on my website?

Now, this part gets a little trickier to talk about because it will largely depend on what your goals are, BUT since we are just taking these points into account, you and your chosen web development team should discuss and flesh out the details together. Remember, a good company will treat you and your team as collaborators on the project and take your wants, needs and ideas into consideration before providing their own recommendations; so don’t be shy and speak up!

When it comes to features, the options are forever changing and increasing, so we will start with the basics. Say you want to get more people to engage with your website, potentially find you online and either contact you or perform an action on your page that will relay some kind of data point back to you. First consider, do you want to receive these communications real-time or have the option to take your time responding? If you are looking for something real-time and have the man power to keep up with chats and calls then perhaps, in addition to the normal email, phone and contact form, add a chat feature as an additional way for your team to instantly engage with those reaching out to you. Instant contact creates a higher probability of conversion. This will come with a little extra cost but can pay for itself tenfold in the end. If you are running a one-man-show though, opt for the basic contact page. However, basic does not have to mean boring. This is a good place to get creative and really help yourself stand out from the crowd. Ask your hired design team to spiff it up for you!

Next, you want to decide if the engagements need to be stored in a database or if you will keep track of them on your own. Do you have the manpower to maintain your own information securely or will you be using a CRM or custom-built database? These are great things to consider, and something that your web dev team can hook you up with based on your preferences and budget. The more custom, generally the more spendy, but the more suited to your individual needs. Don’t shy away from costs now which can bring you more revenue overall. Those types of “luxury” features can really make an impact for your business.

Lastly, decide if you will need payment options or retail galleries and the most secure way to install and maintain these services. Dealing with money, sales and returns and all the fun that goes with that can be daunting. A good team can help you streamline the setup and maintenance of your retail site, and do it securely.

Ultimately, the fate of your site is in your own hands. Take a step back and evaluate what it is you really need to spend money on and what can wait or be done yourself. If you're not too tech savvy, we recommend finding a professional to help you get it done right the first time. Trust us, it will save a lot of headache and heartache if you collaborate with someone versed in the language, who can get the job done for you. Decide what it is you hope to accomplish with your website and review above points often, as websites will need to change with the growth of your business.

Published By: Angela Jones

August 5, 2019