Getting Started on a Web Site

Sometimes it's difficult to move from idea to action. Once you've decided to build a web site, what is your next step? There are a wide range of choices available to you. It's best to start by narrowing down where your needs fit into the spectrum of web development options.

You may choose building it yourself or hiring someone else to do it. Both options have their ups and downs, you must consider what is right for you. How much time do you have to learn the ins and outs of web design? If delegating an employee is an option: will the effort take too much of the employee's time and cause a conflict between projects that employee is supposed to accomplish? Hiring an outside company is the most common method of web site development. There are companies available in all price ranges and skills, and you should be able to find someone to fit your budget.

Hiring a Company to Build Your Web Site

As I mentioned earlier, there is an unlimited range of web development options. Non-profit organizations are sometimes able to tap local college resources and find some students in training to develop a site. Small businesses may relate better to other small web development firms and freelancers with the flexibility to modify the project scope as needed. Extensive web development projects are commonly sourced to large advertising firms who can provide a range of additional services such as branding, advertising, and media campaigns. It's important to consider where in the range of businesses you might fit before approaching a web designer. 

Your Web Site Needs

One of the initial things a web developer will discuss is about what you want your web site to do and accomplish. This starts the process of brainstorming which features and functions might be appropriate for your needs. A photographer would want to showcase photos, in which case an image gallery would be recommended. A church might want an email newsletter which may require some specialized software. A movie theater might consider some eye-catching elements which could entail some animation development. Start considering what goals and functions which would be most appropriate for your web site. Spend some time looking at other web sites with an eye toward developing your own. Keep a running list of the features you like and dislike. 

Gathering Your Materials

Many high-end web development companies include the creation of text content in the development process. However, the price conscious business owner may want to consider contributing as much as possible towards the text used on the web site. Working hand in hand with the developer to achieve content appropriate to the web also allows you to personalize the “voice” of the web site and avoid presenting wording that sounds too formal or contains too heavy a marketing angle. With a little planning, you can present good quality photography and descriptive text content, thereby taking an essential step towards a professional and personalized web site. The final product is frequently reflective of the original content that you provide.

Starting the Process

After spending some time considering what you want on your web site and what type of budget you can allocate to it, it's time to talk with some developers. A bid or proposal must be created custom for every client in order to reflect the specific needs (not too much or too little). This is accomplished by conveying your needs and materials to the web developer who creates the proposal to suit. The more information you can provide, the more accurate the estimate will be. While it's common to choose someone from your area to design your web site, it's not necessary. The web development process can take place entirely via email and phone. The most important part of choosing a web developer is finding someone you can relate to and communicate well with. So, get the ball rolling by gathering some materials, making a few calls and scheduling a consultation.  You'll be glad you finally did!