When it comes to website design packages, it’s a minefield out there. Unless you’re a website designer yourself, it can be quite overwhelming. It’s hard to know which are the most important features that you should be looking for in a website design package.
With all the time and effort you’ll put into your website, you need to ensure that you’re including the most critical factors when engaging a designer to create it. As a business owner you’ll want to have the edge when it comes to your website, so knowing which web design features to look for in a website design package will ensure that you end up with a unique, cutting edge website.
Here are the most important web design package features you should be looking for:
1. Fixed and affordable cost
The difference between a fixed cost website and one that is “pay as you go” can be huge. When selecting a website design package, ensure that you choose one that has a fixed cost that falls within your budget. Good practice within the website design industry means that your website designer will find out exactly what you need at the start, rather than later on, and provide a quote for the whole project based on your requirements. Having your designer add on costs as the project progresses is bad business and will put a dent in your pocket, unless of course they’re additions or changes that you request during the process, which is a possibility.
2. Custom designed website built from “scratch”
There’s nothing worse than a website that is the same as the rest of them. In an overcrowded landscape you need to stand out, which means being unique. When selecting a website design package, ensure that your website designer will build your website from the ground up, rather than using a generic template. This will ensure that your website stands out from the rest and isn’t the same as your competitors’ site; if your designer puts in the extra effort at the start, you are guaranteed to see the rewards down the track.
3. Built on strong search engine foundation
Search engine optimisation (SEO) is the buzz term in today’s digital world; if you don’t embrace SEO then you’ll be left behind. Having an SEO friendly website will ensure that you can be found by existing and potential customers. If SEO is done well, it can boost visibility and sales dramatically. There’s no point in having an amazing website that potential prospects can’t find. When looking for a website design package, make sure that it includes SEO services; this could make or break your digital performance.
4. Flexible pages and content
A website should never be stagnant, it should be ever changing; just like your business. Your website needs to change as your business develops and grows. You may adjust your service/product offering or change your focus along the way. So, having a website that is easily editable and flexible in terms of pages and content is a must. You may need to add/remove pages and edit/remove content as your business evolves; make sure that your website design package includes the option to easily add/remove/edit pages as well as content.
5. Private website management training
The last thing you need is to be held hostage by your website designer, having to pay additional fees anytime you want to edit your site. You should have full access to your site as well as be given the training you need to make adjustments to it. Putting a large investment into something that you can’t use is a waste of time and resources. So, make sure that your website design package includes a comprehensive training program, that’s provided to you face to face or online. Remember, there’s a difference between reading an online manual and having a private training session presented by a subject expert. Private website management training will give you the knowledge and skills you need to maximise your website’s capability, as well as saving you time and money at the same time.
6. Mobile/tablet and browser friendly
A large portion of internet users will browse the internet using their mobile device. Having a website that is mobile and tablet friendly will ensure that you’re not missing out on those opportunities. If a mobile user can’t browse your site from their phone with ease, this will increase your sites’ bounce rate with users leaving quickly. The less time they spend on your site, the less likely they are to buy something and for you to make a sale; this will hurt your bottom line.
You also need to ensure that your website is compatible to all browsers. Once again, if your site isn’t compatible to all the browsers out there, then you’ll find users leaving your site quickly as they’ll struggle to navigate your site easily or not be able to access it at all.
Ensure that your design package includes making your site compatible to all devices and browsers to make sure that you maximise the time spent by visitors on your site.
7. Hosting/ backup and support/maintenance
Your website is a constant; the management of your site doesn’t end once it’s up and running, it needs to be maintained constantly.
Your website will need to be hosted for as long as it exists, as well as be backed up regularly to ensure that your information is securely stored, and not lost.
To ensure that your site stays up and running constantly, you’ll need ongoing support and maintenance in case any issues arise down the track. Having a website down means potential loss of sales which isn’t good for business.
So, when you’re selecting a website design package make sure it includes hosting, backup, ongoing support to ensure that your website is always accessible to potential and existing customers.
These are the most important factors you should look for when choosing a website design package. Don’t settle for anything less, make sure that your web design package provides you with everything you need to have a website that is unique, functional and converts those browsers into customers.
