How to get a high quality website for cheap

It is a simple fact of business life that if you don't have a web site, your potential clients won't find you and your existing clients will wonder if you are still in business. Use a web site properly and not only will it bring you new clients, it will also save costs and help to streamline your work flow.



In today's climate we know that budgets are tight. The majority of the cost of a web site relates to time so at NetChimp we've put together our seven point guide to saving your small business web designer time and therefore saving you money.



1. Why do you need a web site?

This seems like a simple question but until you have answered it you could spend hundreds if not thousands of pounds in design time going around in circles. So, do you need the site to give people information about your business or to attract people to your business or to act as an online marketplace? Once you've decided why you want your site it is time to go to the next stage.



2. Explore what is out there

Spend some time surfing the web. Look at sites from competitors and unrelated businesses alike. Get an idea of the style you like; do you like lots of words or a few, do you prefer technical jargon or simple phrases, what colour schemes and fonts attract you? Now you are starting to get a good idea so move to stage three.



3. Find out what a web site can do

Web sites should be considered as a method of exchanging information. You can set your site up so that it tracks who uses it and what they use it for. You can find out what searches led people to your site and you can configure the view so that repeat visitors see information that is appropriate to them. Explore what sites can do for you then look at the next stage.



4. Integrate the site with your processes

Your web site shouldn't be seen as a separate entity to your business. Because it can link with sales, marketing, customer relations etcetera it is worth reviewing your processes to get the most out of your site. Now you have a good idea of what a site can do for you it is time to take stock with our next hint.



5. Need to have vs. Like to have

You know what is possible so it is time to be realistic. Before you sit down with the designer have an idea of what you need to have on your site and what you would like to have if the budget allows. That will allow the website designer a bit of leeway if costs look tight. You are almost ready to go and see the designer but before you do....



6. Describe what you want

You know what you want and like and it is time to make sure the designer will too. Take screen shots of your favourite styles, write headings for all the pages you need and sketch out any layouts you have been thinking of. With the site integrating into your processes, produce some flow charts so that the designer understands what is required.



7. Keep an open mind

Keep an open mind. You've done lots of research and this will save costs as well as helping the designer to come up with a site that you like and will help your business to grow. Web technology is evolving fast and the web designer is an expert so if he comes up with alternative suggestions then take some time to consider them. They may help your business to grow even more.