Thursday, 22 May 2014

The Four-Step Check Every Startup Website Must Be Aware Of

By Martin Johnson


You've bootstrapped your startup from a simple idea into something physical and you are now ready to turn the sales tap on full. There's just one last hurdle standing in your way: building a website that delivers your information 24/7.

You may already be mentally driving the car of your dreams, and planning an IPO, but now is the time to take a deep breath because if you get this step wrong you may have to put your dreams on hold.

Work backwards before you start

Firstly, you need to decide what the purpose of your website is going to be. Are you planning on making sales, engaging people via a blog, or all of the above and more.

Once you have identified the end goal you can then match it to a product or service online that has already been developed for such a purpose. The internet is getting old and people have already figured things out so don't try and re-invent the wheel. Look at the products / services that other people have used to be successful online and find a matching product for your needs.

Therefore, take the time now to research the available options for your initial launch and the products or services you intend to add in the coming months. Be prepared.

Brand identity

Your business brand is like your own personality, unique. You should sprinkle your brand throughout every element of your website and in all your promotional efforts. Don't just stick the logo at the top of your site and ignore it.

Find a brand online that you love and make notes on what you see and feel when navigating their site.

Focus on ALL screen sizes

The easier you make it for people to consume your content the more likely they are to connect with you and buy your product or service. Usually referred to as removing friction.

If you ignore the mobile market and make your website difficult to consume, while, on the go, people may just ignore your message and first impressions last a lifetime.

Unless You Are An Expert, Hire One

Websites are more than what you see at the physical design layer so if you do not understand HTML, the basic language of the web, then hire someone that does.

They will have the experience to guide you on what you should and shouldn't do, depending on the end goal of your site, which will save you an immeasurable amount of money in the long run.




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