Getting Started
So you want to work with me to create an easy to use and highly effective website for your business or organization? Great!
There are some prerequisites that you should know about so that we don't end up wasting each other's time.
Clear Goals
You need to have clearly defined goal(s) for what you want to accomplish with your online presence. These goals should be measurable and have a timeframe assigned to them. For example, increase website visitors by 20% within 6 months or increase online sales by 10% within 12 months. You may have one primary goal that you want to achieve with your website, or you may have several. The important thing is that you are clear on what the goals are and how to measure them.
Target Audience
You need to have a clear idea of the audience that you are targeting. It may be helpful to come up with an imaginary person who fits the audience you are targeting. How old is this imaginary person? What gender? How much do they make? What do they like to spend their money on. Where do they hang out online (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.)? What problem or challenge are they facing that your product, service or opportunity can help to solve?
Dedicated Time
Creating an effective website takes time - both my time and your time! While I will be dealing with the design and development of the website, I will need you to be fully engaged in the process as well. I will need your feedback in a timely fashion when I request it. If your website is truly a priority to you, it will be a priority to me as well. So show me that it is a priority by devoting adequate time to the process of creating an easy to use and effective website.
Realistic Budget
Creating a beautiful website that is easy to use and highly effective is not a cheap process. While I don't require you to be a millionaire in order for me to build a website for you, I do want you to be serious about your website budget. Think of this as an investment. A highly effective website can pay for itself many times over in increased revenue for your business or organization! Please be honest about your budget. If a great website is a priority to you, let it show in your budget!
Adequate Support
Do you need to hire a virtual assistant or part-time person to help with the project of gathering and creating content for your website? Is your company or team onboard with the website project? Are they willing to allow you to dedicate the necessary time to seeing this project through to completion? Who will manage your social media accounts and follow through on your ongoing blogging/content strategy? A highly effective website should have great ongoing content!
Content
You need to have the content that you want on your website. Of course we can make a few tweaks here and there, but I want to see your content early in the process. What will your website say about you and your organization or business. Is your content worded with your target audience in mind? Does your content answer any questions that your target audience might be asking? Does your content direct website visitors toward the action that you want visitors to take.