Every day, we work through the intricacies of website projects, from conception to completion. But for business owners updating their existing website? Well, it’s just not the same.
In the fast-paced world of technology, things change rapidly. Doing a website project now is vastly different from what it was five or ten years ago. And for someone diving back into it years later, it can feel like stepping into a whole new world.
Creating a new website—whether it’s an upgrade, a refresh, or starting from scratch—is a big task. And here’s what I’ve learned: most people don’t realise just how big it is.
Let’s state the obvious here, even if it’s often overlooked. Consider this: when you’re planning a major renovation on your home, do you simply leave the builder to ‘do their own thing’ and show up when it’s all done? Of course not.
You’re likely scouring Pinterest, Instagram, home renovation blogs, flipping through magazines, browsing hardware stores, and consulting with friends to nail down the perfect look for your home. It’s a big decision, and you want to get it right.
Well, building a new website is a lot like that home renovation. It’s an update to your business’s “shopfront,” and it requires your input. Web developers may bring their expertise and creativity to the table, but for the best results, it’s a collaborative effort.
Your job? Bring the detail
- Have you found any websites that you really like? Are there any specific elements you want to avoid on your website?
- Are there particular functions your website must have, like forms to collect information? If so, what kind of information do you need to gather?
- Do you have any features on your current website that need updating or improving?
- What kind of visuals do you prefer? Do you have fonts or colours you want? Will you use video?
Before meeting with your web developer, it’s helpful to gather your thoughts. You might even consider creating a project brief to outline your goals and preferences. If you’re not sure where to start, many web developers offer brief templates that can guide you.
The hot tip here? Provide details – and lots of them
Having a plan is important. Without one, your website project might never reach the finish line.
Once you’ve sorted out your ideas, it’s time to make a plan. Why? Because you need a clear path to get things done. While your web developer will handle a lot, having your own plan is important too.
With all your usual business tasks, it’s vital to schedule in the extra work needed for the project. Here are some things to consider:
- Written content and reviews
- Video Content (branding videos, product descriptions, testimonials)
- Visual content (images, icons, graphics)
- Audio content (recordings)
- Design ideas
- Target audience
And that’s just the beginning.
What I have noticed is that most business owners try to squeeze their website projects into their already packed schedules. I completely understand why. However, more often than not, they end up feeling disappointed. Their project goes off track, and they lose the initial excitement and drive. The best results are achieved when business owners dedicate focused time, effort, and creativity before the website project kicks off.
As I mentioned earlier, you wouldn’t approach a home renovation in such a haphazard way, so why treat your online storefront any differently? Your website is often the first point of contact for potential customers; it’s crucial not to waste this opportunity.
Investing time in planning upfront is far simpler than fixing mistakes after the job’s done. Prioritise it before you start.
Prepare your website project content
It appears that many people believe their involvement in website development begins and ends with hiring a web developer. However, this mindset is not realistic and also leads to possibly missing out on the website of your dreams.
In an ideal scenario, before even considering engaging a web developer, you would have already completed a significant amount of groundwork, as mentioned earlier. Your primary focus? Content. And writing content requires a deep understanding of your business—its current state and future aspirations. Interestingly, when it comes to clearly defining their business, many owners find themselves struggling under the pressure, with the result being inaction.
Here’s the thing about content: it demands time. While some are great at producing their own, most benefit from outside help. For written content, seeking a skilled content writer can help convey your message effectively.
Likewise, for audio, video, and visual content, such as images and graphics, collaborating with professionals who can elevate your project is essential. Whether it’s finding a videographer who also excels in photography or partnering with a creative graphic designer for branding, prioritising quality resources within your budget is key.
On the note of content readiness, anticipate a significant slowdown or even a halt in your website project if you fail to have the necessary content prepared when needed.
In conclusion, prioritise the creation of high-quality content to ensure the success of your website project.
