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How to prepare your business to go online
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A Good website is what you make it out to be. I can help in many aspects from concept to overall design. Although, I don't know you or your business near as well as you do. So some basic preparation on your part is as important as having a great web designer. I can make your site look fantastic, but looking fantastic and not having any supporting content doesn't do much for you or your potential clients.
Content is key in preparing for your web site, remember most people will come to your site looking for some sort of information. Be it references or examples of the work you do, information on the products or services you sell or just basic information on the field you are in. In my case some people might end up here just to read these tips. That is why it is very important that your website is both interesting and informative. If you provide the information the person is looking for then more than likely they will use you to help them solve their needs. The easier it is for them to navigate your site, and the more direct you answer their questions the better. A moderate amount of good and interesting content, is much more successful than a lot of useless and ranting banter. So try to keep it short. |
| These are some key concepts to keep in mind when preparing for your site. |
- Tell them something about your business
- What's your companies history ?
- Philosophy?
- Do you have a mission statement?
- Have you recieved any awards from trade organizations?
- Accreditation's?
- Diplomas, things of that nature.
- What are you trying to do on the web?
- Sell a product?
Products are fairly simple but the site would have to match the products image.
(i.e. a sports and fitness style for a Tummy cruncher, or a very static and clean site for an Engineering Tool).
- Sell a Service?
If possible give references or show examples of your work.
- Surf the web and see what your others in your field are doing, local competitors especially.
- Take notes, keep a list of things you like and print pages of sites that best fit want you feel you want to do. This is a very valuable tool for your designer It helps him get a better sense of what your likes and dislikes are.
- Keep a list of sites that are important to you and your business. You may want to create a links page to these sites to help others. An example would be a link to "Better Home and Gardens" for our landscaping contractor.
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- Remember any link that would help your potential client is a good link, especially if it gives them ideas that would turn them back to you. (i.e. a Remodeling contractor would have links to door manufacturers, or kitchen cabinet websites, that sort of thing.)
- Is what you do unique? Highlight the things that make you different.
- Why are you better than your competition? Don't be shy, tell them you take pride in your business
- A logo is a must. If you don't have one, we can help you design one and then you should use it for letterhead, business cards, etc. If you already have one Goin Design can scan any logos or photos for you.
- Do you have or have you made, flyers, brochures, newspaper ads, etc. for your business in the past. If you have bring them. A good brochure is a sure fire way to really help get your website laid out. Since a lot of this you have already gone over for the brochure and you will have a good idea of what you liked and didn't like about it. The web in many ways is an electronic and interactive brochure.
- Last but not least. Ask yourself the same questions your clients ask you now. Answers to questions from a professional are always in demand. You read all this didn't you? I hope this helped you, if you have any further questions feel free to e-mail us at cdg@goindesign.com or call us at 1-804-647-8191
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