5 things you need to know before launching a website
In 14 years we've built hundreds of websites. And every time the same pattern - clients who prepared for the project got better websites, faster and cheaper. Those who came with "just make me a website, let me know when it's done" - suffered along with us.
Here are five things that really matter.
1. You know who you're talking to
Not "everyone" and not "companies". Be specific: who is the person that will visit your website? What are they looking for? What will convince them?
You don't need a 20-page marketing persona. One sentence is enough: "A procurement manager at a construction company looking for a concrete supplier for tomorrow."
2. You have content (or a plan where it'll come from)
The most common reason for web project delays? Content. Photos, texts, product descriptions, contact details.
You don't need to have everything on day one. But you need to know: who will write it, when they'll write it, and what happens if they don't.
3. You know what the website should do
"A nice website" is not a goal. The goal is: generating inquiries, selling products, building trust, educating customers.
One main goal, two secondary at most. More than that means no priority, which means a website that does nothing well.
4. You have a budget (and you talk about it openly)
A website for 5 thousand and a website for 50 thousand are two completely different projects. Both can be good - but you can't design the second one on the first one's budget.
A good agency will match the scope to the budget. A bad one will take the job and cut on quality.
5. You know who makes decisions on your side
One decision-maker means a project that moves forward. Five decision-makers means a committee debating button colors for three weeks.
Decide who approves the design, who provides content, who has the final say. Tell the agency at the start.
Missing some of these points? That's fine. A good agency will help you sort it all out. But the more you prepare upfront, the better result you'll get in the end.
