It could be. If you never have to change your site again then that is the end of the relationship with your designer. Most sites, however, usually require updating and modifying either regularly or frequently (eg. as you add new products or chanmge the prices of old ones) or on a more casual, less frequent basis (eg. when you move location, or change a telephone number).
Keeping the site updated and fresh is one way to keep visitors coming back to your site and keeping visitors coming back is one of the best ways to obtain the best benefit from your web site as a marketing tool.
Providing you are happy with the work that your designer has done for you so far, it makes sense to work with them over the long term development process of your site. Particularly if your website has been implemented with a view to long-term growth. The step-by-step build process used by A6 Media is one example of a way in which a website may be developed with a longterm development programme. If all you require at the start is an online presence detailing 'who you are', 'what you do' and 'where to find you', then why build a site that is more complicated than that? However, there may soon come a time when you wish to bolt-on extra functionality, such as feedback pages, or an online store. A6 Media's development process allows you to increase the functionality, and thus increase cost of your web site when you are ready to and to not pay all that money 'upfront'.
In an ongoing relationship, it is worth discussing cost of updates and a general plan for submitting updates with your designer to minimise the costs.
Assuming you are happy with your designer, what are you likely to require their services for in the long term?
Updating content
Work with your designer to ensure that all the information on your site is current and that you are not 'living in the past', ie. advertising a promotion that has expired. Ensure that your contact details and other important information such as opening hours, are up to date. If you have a selection of articles or informative pieces, rotate them so that your pages look fresh for returning visitors.
Updating content also means ensuring that new product or service information is available to visitors to your site.
Adding special offers or promotions
One of the best ways to keep your site looking fresh is to add special offers and promotions. Maybe you can offer a rotating selection of 'sale' stock. You can work with your designer to keep these rotations taking place in a timely manner. If you (as you should) promote your website in the 'real world' you can use your designer to develop landing pages for people coming in via a special promotion - and track the number of visitors to see how effective each promotion has been.
Adding functionality
Once your basic site is in place you can work with your designer to discuss, develop and implement new tools for your web site to make it more useful to your customers. Additions could include:
Contact forms
Feedback pages
Searchable catalogues
Animations, adverts or games
Version 2
Although you have just launched your site and you're feeling 'this is it!', think long term. Where do you want your site to be in 12 months or 18 months time. Working with your designer in the interim period can make the transition process smoother, and ensure that 'your site version 2' is available when you are ready for it. It can also help spread the cost of your site over the year so that it you can more easily manage it.
Working with a company, such as A6 Media who offer an iterative process for developing your web site can ensure that you always have the site that you need, when you need it, at a cost that suits your budget. Get in touch now to see how we can help you.
