Blog
8 Things to Consider When Planning your Website Design
- October 19, 2023
Introduction
On the internet, there are many individuals and businesses offering services for building your website, as we do at Pagesence. However, for someone new to the idea of setting up a website, the sheer number of options can be confusing and overwhelming. You can’t distinguish between professionals and self-acclaimed professionals. I can relate.
It becomes even more frustrating when you spend your hard-earned money on a web development package, only to receive a website that makes you frown. Who is to blame? You, or the folks you hired to design your website? Well, I'll say you're partly to blame for not creating a clear plan for your website. However, I’m sure that’s because you don’t know what to consider when building your website.
A wise man once said that knowledge is power. When you have the right information, you avoid pitfalls, make the right decisions; and your chances of success increase. Therefore, why not equip yourself with the right information before jumping into building your website? Read on!
Things to consider when building your website
Website design, like every other branding element, requires planning and strategic decisions. Are you still confused about how to plan for your website? Here are the eight most important things you should consider when planning your website design.
-p-1080.jpg)
- Site Purpose
Your website should be created for a specific purpose. You should ask yourself some questions, and if you can’t answer the questions, you probably don’t need a website. Here are some of these questions below:
Do you need the website?
For your business? Perhaps you want to open an online store or set up a page where people can make inquiries about your bakery.
For your career? Maybe you want to publish your CV and professional profile for employers from all around the world to see.
For blogging about a topic you are conversant with? Or perhaps you want to set up a forum where like minds can discuss various topics?
Or something else?Once you have determined the purpose of your website, you are ready to go!
- Market Demand
That business you want to showcase with your website. Those skills you have on your CV. The topic you want to blog about. Is there a market for it?
How do you know whether or not there’s a market for something? You conduct market research. If your website and the business/career/idea behind it do not solve a major problem or give value to the lives of certain people, you may not need on
- Target Audience
What’s that saying? Jack of all trades, master of none. No site can meet all needs, just as no business can solve all problems. It’s just not feasible. It's simply impossible. Thinking your website is for everyone simply sets you up for failure. It's like shooting an arrow and expecting it to hit the target. First, determine who needs what you're selling the most, and then target them.
-p-1080.jpg)
- Unique Selling Proposition
It’s highly likely that someone already has a site similar to the one you plan to build. Therefore, before you start, you need to first find out who is already doing what you want to do. After then, it’s time to brainstorm and give your own idea extra value, a unique selling point. This will give you a competitive edge
- Engaging Contents
A lot of work goes into a website. To fully utilize the potential of your website, you must create engaging content that will attract more readers and consumers in the long run. For starters, you need a copywriter who will discuss with you and help you produce compelling written content for your site. Then you need a competent web designer and developer who will help translate your idea into a visual design that appeals to your audience. Our honest recommendation is that if you can’t do the work, outsource it to experts who can.
- Site Maintenance
Websites don’t run themselves. You don’t just publish them, and that’s it. Nope. Someone has to log in every day or week to run software updates and add to or change the content. If you don’t have the skill or time to do this yourself, you'll have to hire someone to do it for you.
- How Far Are You Willing to Go for Your Idea?
People get great ideas every day, but very few become successful. The question is: how dedicated are you to your idea? How far are you willing to go to see it through? This is where passion comes in. When your website idea is something you are passionate about, chances are you will go the extra mile to keep it alive.
- Expect Ongoing Expenses
Running a website is a continuous commitment. After the initial setup costs, you will have to pay for a yearly site hosting subscription. Websites do not float in space. They live on servers, which you have to rent from a web hosting business because you don't own one. Depending on the features of your web hosting service, there may be additional recurring expenses, such as yearly domain and site backup subscriptions. If you employ someone or a firm to maintain your website, the ongoing costs will be included in the yearly fee they charge you for management and maintenance.
So there you have it. Prepare yourself with adequate information on the aforementioned criteria, and you are ready to start working on your site. Of course, if you need assistance setting up your website or want to streamline the process, Pagesence is available to assist you.
