1. Do I understand the work involved with building a website?
It’s a common belief that once a website is up and running that it’s done, but that isn’t true. Websites need a lot of work, and maintenance. If you’re going to attempt to build your website on your own it’s important to understand the pieces of it. Things like search engine optimization (SEO), website optimization, analytics, and getting traffic.
– Search engines often update their algorithms. These complex calculations are what help you find things easier on search engines. Algorithms will help others find your website easier too, but you must master SEO.
– Website optimization includes so many different aspects. One of the most important factors is making sure your website loads fast. In 2010 Google announced that they are adding site speed into their ranking factors.
(Pictured above is a Pingdom Website Speed Test)
– Analytics will help determine your audience and what exactly they are doing on your website. Along with information about their demographics like age, gender, and location.
– Getting traffic is the hardest part once your website is up and running. Search engine optimization helps gain organic traffic, but you need well written content. You can also use free social media tools like Reddit, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. From the very beginning start to create a community around your brand or business. Another thing to consider is pay-per-click advertising, using Facebook Ads or Google Adwords. These can be very tricky, and also need optimized to assure the best results.
2. Do I understand the difference between a do it yourself (DIY) website, and hiring a web designer?
If you want to compete online, it’s important to have a visually-appealing website. 38% of people will stop engaging with a website if the content/layout is unattractive. Not only will they stop engaging, they will more than likely pick your competitors over you. Website designers understand design trends, search engine optimization, website optimization, analytics, and more. High quality designers use A/B split testing to see what works and what doesn’t on your website, so it’s a process. Additionally, they should also understand how to help visitors convert into potential leads. A do it yourself website may be cheaper than paying for a website designer, but what is it worth if you can’t get leads? Your return on investment will be much greater with a professional designer.
– If you decide to create a do it yourself (DIY) website there are platforms like Squarespace and Wix. These are popular drag and drop website builders.
3. Do I need a copywriter or am I going to write the website content?
Writing website content can be tricky. Copywriters specialize in communicating with the audience in an effective way. They know when to use certain tones, and when not to. Additionally, a great copywriter will also make sure your text is keyword rich. Your text should hook the reader, and be search engine optimized. We recommend you hire a professional copywriter. Furthermore, if you end up deciding to write your own content, there are free tools like Hemingway. This tool checks your readability, and highlights issues with your text.
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Learn about the relationship between SEO and web design in one of our other blogs. We also included some free tools! – Link here.
