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.
Ensuring compatibility with mobile devices is crucial, as a mobile-friendly layout directly affects user retention and conversion rates. Additionally, search engine optimisation (SEO) is fundamental for online visibility, helping your website appear in search results and facilitating easy navigation and understanding by search engines.
Here are the most important web design package features you should be looking for:
1. Fixed and affordable website package cost
The difference between a fixed cost website and one that is “pay as you go” can be huge. Web design companies often offer various website design packages that serve as guidelines, but clients may have varying needs requiring custom solutions. Ensure that you choose a package with 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. Transparent Web Design Package Prices
When it comes to investing in a web design package, transparency in pricing is crucial. A fixed cost for the entire project eliminates any financial surprises and allows you to budget effectively. A reputable web design company will provide a comprehensive quote upfront, detailing all the services included in the package. This ensures you know exactly what you’re paying for and can avoid unexpected expenses that could derail your budget. Steer clear of web designers who tack on additional costs as the project progresses.
3. 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.
4. 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 through search engines. 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.
5. 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.
6. Content Management System
A robust Content Management System (CMS) is a cornerstone of any effective website design package. A CMS like WordPress empowers you to make updates and changes to your website without needing to delve into complex coding. This flexibility is invaluable as your business evolves. However, having a powerful CMS is only half the battle; you also need to know how to use it effectively.
7. Private website management training
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.
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.
8. 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 and aligns with the preferences of your target audience 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.
9. Social Media Integrated
In today’s digital landscape, social media integration is a must-have feature in any web design package. Your website should seamlessly connect with platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, making it easy to share content and engage with your audience. This involves incorporating open graph data and metadata into your web pages, which enhances the shareability of your content. A strong social media presence can drive traffic to your site and expand your reach.
10. Hosting/ Support and 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, and ongoing support to ensure that your website is always accessible to potential and existing customers.
11. Website Security
Website security and regular backups are non-negotiable elements of a reliable web design package. A secure website protects your business from potential threats like hacking and data breaches, which can have devastating consequences. Regular backups ensure that your data is safe and can be restored in case of any issues. This not only protects your business but also ensures that your website remains accessible to potential and existing customers.
12. Stock Images and Image Editing
Visual appeal is a critical component of any successful website. High-quality images can capture the attention of visitors and enhance the overall user experience. However, not all business owners have a library of professional images at their disposal. This is where stock images and image editing services come into play. Including these services in your web design package can significantly ease the burden of content creation.
By focusing on these additional features, you can ensure that your web design package is comprehensive, user-friendly, and tailored to meet the needs of your business.