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GETTING YOUR OWN WEBSITE - WHERE TO START
Q: I know I would like to have a web site. I get what seems like a million calls from people who want to set up my site. So how do I sort the good from the bad?
A: The easiest way to sort through these phone calls is to ask for their web site address, commonly referred to as URL (Uniform Resource Locator-the address for a web site) and take a look at it yourself.
While visiting their web site, locate their Portfolio and link to the other web site projects they have done. Here are some basic things to consider:
Do you like the site style and is it visually pleasing?
An important thing to remember is most often a style will focus on their particular client's taste, goal and market. It may not be in your personal taste and style, however, did the web site reflect the taste and
style of that company's market?
Is the site easy to navigate?
As you move around the site, can you tell where you are? Think of it like a magazine or book with different sections or chapters. See if you can locate the information you would like to read easily.
Did the site load quickly?
15 seconds or less is ideal and 60 seconds or less is not uncommon for web sites that offer advanced navigation options and dynamic elements.
Is information organized and easy to read?
One of the comments we hear from our clients the most is in regard to web site clutter. "How do I know what to click on when everything is blinking at me and dozens of items are underlined or
highlighted?" It is important that your information be easy to find; that you provide links to other related material within your web site; that art and picture elements are used efficiently and
effectively; and that each page is easy on the eyes making reading and navigation pleasurable.
Also be sure to check out their Services. Do they have a complete set of options for you to choose from? What is their specialty? What is their background and experience-is it related? Are they interested in a
particular kind of web site project and do you fit in their project scope? Maybe your web site project is too small, large or complex.
Q: What are other ways for me to find a web site designer/developer?
A: Most often, a referral is an effective way to find an appropriate web site developer. Ask other business owners who they used and what they liked about working with them. Were they able to fulfill all the
requested requirements of design, development and production? Did they deliver the project on time? Were they informative about a variety of solutions? Do they feel like they paid a fair price and the services met
up to or exceeded their expectations?
Check out other web sites of companies that offer similar services and/or products or relating to information you are interested in. If you find one you like, look for the webmaster's insignia, logo or link then
check out the webmaster's services and portfolio. Ask yourself, "What sites do I like and for what reasons?" Take notes and write down the URLs. This will be very useful to the company you choose to create
your web site!
Q: What questions should I be asking myself when designing the outline of my web site?
A: Who is my target audience?
What does the site need to communicate?
What are my special goals or needs?
What sites do I like and for what reasons?
What is the scope of my site?
Do you wish to educate, entertain, create interaction, distribute information, collect information or support commerce? This aspect has to do with services offered. Are you going to need a shopping cart, an email
contact form, a multi-lingual site, audio, video, animation, dynamic database development, join our mailing list module, send notice to mailing list module, membership options, etc.?
Is there print material the webmaster can borrow from?
What other sites are similar to mine in scope and intent?
Inspiration is important, and defining your likes and dislikes is critical to refining your own vision. Look at other sources, such as books, magazines, libraries and outside experiences to spark an idea for your
website.
Q: It all seems so overwhelming to me. When I read information on the different parts and pieces of a website, I feel like I'm in a foreign country where I do not speak the language. How will I ever
understand all this technical jargon?
A: You are not alone. Most people have a limited knowledge about the variety of elements to consider when creating a web site and the technical details behind it. Focus your energy on educating the webmaster about
what you do know-your business. Then they can share with you what they know-presenting your business on the Internet with empowering, efficient options.
It's important when speaking with a web site designer/developer that you feel comfortable about how they communicate with you. Are they able to assist you with understanding the options without using a lot of
technical jargon and speaking like a computer geek? When they do use technical jargon, do they offer an explanation that you can understand? Most likely you will be entering a long-term relationship with this
company and although this type of project can often be challenging, it is best when the journey is also fun, inspiring and rewarding for everyone involved.
Next time we will cover web site costs, how to budget and how to build your site in stages. Till then, happy surfing!
Do you have questions about web site design, development and production? You can call Zee at 702-795-7300 or email them. Zee Marie is a partner of Zee Designs established in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1988. Zee Designs
specializes in project design, development and production for websites and print and offers a team of top-talented professionals under one virtual roof.
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