By: Keshra Lucille
Does your business need a website or a complete re-design? No matter your business, how big or how small, thinking outside of the box can get your new website to revamp your business brand and get you the much needed attention from future customers. Here are some key tips to get you thinking and to get you started.
#1-Be Inspired, Be Unique
Do your own web-browsing research for ideas and inspiration and then decide on the type of website you want to represent your business. Think about it like this, your website represents your business like your resume represents you as a person. Considering that your website has approximately 30 seconds to make a good impression on its audience, it’s important that your website does just that! If you want to stand out of the crowd, your web page has to define what your business stands for. If you have an artistic friend or family member, don’t be afraid to ask them for web design ideas. As well, it’s okay that your website can have a little fun and at the same time exude professionalism. Websites you can check out and get inspired by include Sony, Nike, CafeMom, Old Spice and of course blackDot.ca just to name a few.
#2-Thinking Big on a Small Budget
So, now that you’ve decided to commit to a new web design, let’s talk about budget. Be honest with yourself and your wallet. If you want to make an impactful website, then spending a little more money than you would like will definitely benefit your business in the long run. Remember, your business website represents your company to the world and so spending money on a good website is a worthy investment in the day and age of a technology driven era. On the other side, simple, clean and refreshing websites can do the job just fine, and will cost you less money than ones that are super designed and intricate. Whether you have a small or big budget you can get what you want. Call around to different web development companies, get a few quotes and go with the company that will give you the most bang for your buck.
Here is an example of a simple website we have done: Topstone.
Here are some examples of more intricate websites that we have done: Sparkling Voyages, Gananoque Boat Line.
#3-Web Developer vs. Web Template
The question we often get is “should I just get a web template”? The answer is yes and no. Reasons why we don’t like web templates are because they don’t come with the personal touch of hiring a web developer. Since your website defines your business, be careful of the image you want to portray when deciding between a web development company and a website template.
The pros: Web templates can have really cool and amazing designs. You can choose from thousands of templates that will fit your business needs. And of course, web templates will fit anyone’s budget just fine.
The cons: If you are somewhat technically challenged, even setting up a web template can be tricky business and you may find yourself needing help from someone who is more technically savvy after all. Web templates do not come with hosting packages, back-up servers, or technical support. What’s a hosting package? A hosting package will allow your website to run 24/7 through a server. What’s a server? A server is a type of computer dedicated to delivering the website components to the user (i.e. files, video service, web pages, images or any other type of media).
In the end, only you know your company best and only you can see the vision of your business. So, take the time to invest in a unique website that grabs the attention of future customers. Whether your budget is big or small, there is a company that will accommodate your needs. Although there’s no right or wrong answer between choosing from a web development company and a web template, be honest and careful about the image you want to project to your customers. Choosing to go with a web template may be your best option when starting out with limited funds. Most of all have fun with the process of creating your website as you are now entering the realm of showcasing your business to the world.
