As a WordPress website designer I get quite a few clients that need me to either build their site for them (not having a site to begin with) or update their current website (give their site a makeover). My number one question to my clients is always what will be the purpose of your site. It's sad to say but most people get stumped when I ask this question. Their response is usually "So I can make money" or " I was told I need a web presence". These are all pretty okay answers when you are just starting out, but in order for you to really succeed on the web you must define the purpose of your website. How can you give me directions if you don't know your destination?
Where Would You like to Go?
Have you ever jumped in a cab to go to a friend house only to realize that you really don't know that area? And the worst part is your cab driver doesn't now either. I don't take cabs much anymore and that's because every single cab I get into the driver has no clue as to where I need to go. I can give him the address but he still doesn't know what I'm talking about. Well good thing we have GPS systems now right? No!! Whatever happened to the cab drivers that are so familiar with the area that they can get you there and your total cost will be $5 as oppose to $25 because we needed to follow the GPS. The worst part is if you are not familiar with where you are going you can be literally around the corner from your destination but spend more and more time (which add up to money) trying to get to the other side of the street (Yes this has happened to me and I was very frustrated). So as the driver of your business it is very important that you share with your web designer what it is you would like your site to do for you?
How to figure out your destination?
Most of my clients are completely baffled when I ask them the purpose of their site and because of this I ask them a few questions that help me to give them the proper design based on their needs and these answers also provides clarity for them when it comes to developing their marketing plan.
Below are a list of questions that you should ask yourself prior to building your site or prior to giving it a makeover
What Kind of site am I building? - Is this an online store, blog, or a membership site. You may have all these components in your site but it's important for your web designer to know upfront so it doesn't cost you more when you make changes later on. What are the goal(s) for my site? - Depending on your industry you may need your site to do one thing or a few things. The amount of subscribers or followers may be important to you. Having people comment on your blog post may be important. Or making sure people know that you know your sh(oops) stuff. Or all of the above. Whatever it is it's important to know so that your sight can be successful at getting the results you need. What do you want your site to say about you, your business, and/or your brand? - When people come to your site what do you want them to grasp from visiting, how do you want them to respond? Who is your site for? - Keep in mind your audience. Are they moms, professionals, business owners? Are they creative people or technical. Knowing your audience and their needs can help you build a site that is user friendly and easy to navigate (two important concepts for your website).Action Step:
If you are looking to create a website or already have one take some time to go through these questions and think about the purpose of your site. Then I want you to ask yourself this one questions "Does your site reflect it's purpose?" Come back here and comment below so we can engage in a conversation. You never know, one of you may be picked for a free site review.
Providing Good User Experience The Responsive Web Design Designing and Creating Effective Landing Pages Websites Are Effective Marketing Tools For Tradesmen
