How to get the web site you want.
I seem to get my web site development projects from companies and organizations that weren’t happy with their old web guru. In each case, their web site was only a year old. They were appreciative of the effort of the previous supplier and blamed themselves for the site not being what they expected. Each one wanted the new site to be user friendly enough to allow their staff to make simple changes to the content. In a couple of cases, they hired huge development companies and spent tons of money before they realized that there was a lack of communications. If you have a web site you are not happy with or are about to have your first site developed, read on. I think I can help you avoid some of the common problems.
Let me start by debunking a popular myth: the best web sites are not custom programmed from scratch. There are a few cases where a custom programmed web site may be called for, but they are very few and far between. Most company web sites and those for churches and clubs, even the very big international ones, could be done effectively and professionally with an open source platform. The other thing is that it doesn’t take months to put up a good web site. If someone is really good, it may take months before they can do something for you. Now let’s cover a couple of steps you should take to get the web site you want.
Step 1. Check References.
Don’t be impressed with a list of big name clients they served. Get names and phone numbers and make a few calls. While no one likes admitting they made a mistake, if you ask the right questions you will get honest answers.
Step 2. Prepare Yourself
Make a list of what you want. Identify features and functions that you expect. List reference sites that you like for appearance or functionality. Do you like the look of fixed width sites or do you prefer the screen filling appearance of liquid designs, Create an outline of the pages and sections you want included. Remember that the more detail you provide, the less room there is for interpretation by your supplier.
Step 3. A Slice At a Time
Don’t let the developer come back in 60 days with the project done. Have them show you the templates before they establish functionality. That way there won’t be additional programming costs to rework anything. The best web site is always a work in progress. I don’t mean radical changes, but constant tweaking and adding features. Break the project down to small stages with shorter deadlines. Start with a template design. Then attack the structure, covering sections and navigation. Then on to the bells and whistles. Keep in mind that if a bell or whistle doesn’t help bring satisfaction to your visitor it shouldn’t be there.
Step 4. Keep It Simple
You would be surprised at how big complex web projects can be developed using off the shelf content management systems. The good ones are fast and have tons of features already built in or easily added, with little or no programming. Big universities, corporations, and even NASA uses them. Ask your web developer to recommend one for your needs.
Also, don’t think that lots of bells and whistles will draw traffic to your site. Try to think of your site as a representative of your organization. Anyone arriving at your site should be treated like someone walking in the front door of your organization. Big Flash intros are like making that person stand out in the rain until someone comes and opens the door. Your front page should be a cordial introduction. Navigation should be easy to understand. And, like any good salesperson, your site should make it painless for a visitor to get more information.
Step 5. Know When to Quit
When it doesn’t seem to be working to your satisfaction, don’t wait until everything is done to wish you had done it differently. If your supplier doesn’t seem to understand why none of the templates make you happy, move on. This web site represents your organization. You have an image to maintain. If they can’t satisfy you now, how will they disappoint you later on? Find a new supplier, or call me.
A good web site is an effective marketing tool. A bad web site has no marketing value. I’ve worked with some of the largest web development companies on behalf of clients. They all had terrific programmers. Most had good designers. None had a marketing bone in their body. They all made excellent cases for elaborate programming scenarios. Each took advantage of the fact that most folks don’t know techno-speak. Even the small shops around the country typically don’t understand marketing. So make sure that your marketing people are deeply involved in this project. You probably don’t have an IT guy as head of marketing so you shouldn’t let an IT guy be the last word on your web site.
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