So you need a website. You need a custom web designer, right? Well, we’re not about to argue with that, but before you decide any next steps, let’s zoom out a little and look at the bigger picture.
Let’s start by finishing the sentence “you need a website because…” Why do you need a website? To have a point of contact for your customers? To boost sales? As a platform to sell your products (see eCommerce)?
Whoever is in charge of creating your website should have an intimate knowledge of how your business operates and should understand your business aims better than you do so that they can create the perfect virtual environment for your business.
Many of these things fall out of the remit of your average custom web designer. We’ll take a look at 5 things you need to know to optimize the success of your website.
1. Do they know exactly who your customers are?
By that, what we’re really asking is do YOU know exactly who your customers are? It’s all well and good handing over a brief to your custom web designer with basic demographic information, but what does that information actually mean and how can it be translated into design?
At jdp we invest in an in-depth discovery phase to understand who your customers are and what motivates them. We then convert that information into a cohesive business language that encompasses all copy and design.
2. Do they understand how your business operates?
When we meet with a new client, one of the first questions we ask is “what exactly is the journey for your customer from the first contact through to project completion?”
In order to create the most value through your virtual environment, we need to know every point of contact your client or customer has with your team. From that information, we can create systems to maximize efficiency. This could be as simple as creating a well-thought-out form for new clients to fill out, or incorporating a CRM solution into your website.
3. Have they coordinated with your sales team?
What is your business’ key selling point? What messaging resonates with your customers? What attracts them to make a transaction, and what dissuades them? Your sales people are the ones with direct contact with your customers/ clients. Use them.
They get direct feedback in real-time from leads, they know what works as well as the pain points that need work. We see this as highly valuable information that can and should inform every decision, including web design.
4. Are they fully aware of your wider marketing plan?
For most businesses, their website is their main point of contact. It’s where their marketing efforts elsewhere (SEO, social media etc) all lead. It’s also, of course, where you can showcase your work, share your mission statement, and portray your business in its best light.
If your web design is misaligned with your marketing messaging and strategy, you could see a block in your sales funnel.
5. Do they understand you?
We are experts in communication. Normally when we mention our expertise, we are referring the communication between our clients and their customers. But it’s also true of the communication between us (jdp) and our clients.
We never talk down to or patronize our clients. We want you to be empowered by our service, not blindsided by it. That’s why when we talk to you, you won’t hear us using marketing jargon or confusing acronyms.
When we set up the best solution for your business, we want you to fully understand it, so that you can take our plan and use it going forward with or without us.
Get in touch to schedule a free 15-minute consultation so you can create a website to draw more leads for your business.
