Usually hefty, initial quotes from design companies mean that too often small businesses are ripped off or forced to rely on free webdesign systems or packages that do not maximise the benefits of their site. More often than not they are unhappy with the results and what can be an invaluable marketing tool is neglected.
There are people in the world who may or may not work in design, but who are gifted in that area and who have built excellent web sites. They are similar in nature to, say, an accountant who can fix his own plumbing. The rest of us, when faced with a leaky boiler simply call a plumber.
So given the choice of companies available, why should you choose one, such as A6 Media, over another?
At A6 Media, we offer you a step-by-step process for building your website that means you start off with only what you need. Far too often we have come across web design companies that provide packages that are, initially, way beyond what the average small business needs... and can afford. Our system helps your website grow as your requirements from it do.
If you do decide to go to a professional team, either A6 Media or any other, or even decide to build the site yourself, thinking about the answers to the following questions will help you quickly obtain the site you need. Of course, a professional team may be able to offer wider or different answers but the information you have will help you all start out on the right track.
What do you want the site to do?
What is your aim for the site? Is it to advertise you, communicate to your customers or to sell your products or services?
What type of image do you wish to convey?
How should your site look? Should it be 'corporate', 'fun', 'rock 'n' roll' or... what?
What emotion do you wish to give visitors to your site?
Do you wish them to feel comfortable with you, ie. leave them thinking 'A6 Media really know a lot about web design'? Or perhaps you want them to think, 'I really must visit that bar. It looks like they have a great time there.' Or maybe just, 'I gotta get that t-shirt!'
Who your current customers are.
Are they the kind of people you wish to attract, or are you looking for a different market sector? What do they think about your business? What do they like/dislike about it? If you already have a website what do they think of that? What would they like to change?
Your budget
This is an important question as web designers, like everybody else, don't work for free. You may have to strike a balance between what you want to do with your site now and what you can pay for now. If you have budgetary constraints, consider starting simply and adding to your site over time. Consider that anyway, as you an reduce the risks associated with your website if your initial investment is lower.
What do you use to market your business now and how do you market it?
Show your webdesigner your company logo, letterheads, menus, posters, photographs, adverts etc. Give them anything you can in a computer file to save the loss of quality or the time (and cost) of scanning or recreating works.
What else do they need to know?
Talk to your designer about your business, your history, your passion for the business, what changes you have made recently. Where are you taking the business in the future? All of this information can help your designer build a web site, or a starting point that will serve you well.
Whether you are just building your website or are looking at overhauling an existing site, the A6 Media team can help you build a site that will help your business grow. Get in touch now to see how we can help you.
