Planning Your Small Business WebsiteSmall Business Web Design Buyer�s GuideTable of Contents Step 1: Small Business Web Design Overview Step 2: Different Web Design Techniques Step 3: Planning Your Small Business Website Step 4: Costs of Hiring a Website Designer Step 5: How to Find a Small Business Web Design Company Step 6: Working with Web Designers for your Small Business Step 7: Your Web Design Contract Step 8: Helpful Tips for Your Small Business Website Planning Your Small Business Website Before you meet with a designer, you should have a good idea of what you want your small business web site design to include. Knowing what you want ahead of time can save you time and money, as the most initial consultations with web designers are not always free. Here are some things to consider before meeting with a designer: What do you plan to use the website for? This is an important question. Websites can have many functions. Some businesses use a site as advertisement, or a way to help online customers find their contact information or information about products or services offered. Some companies sell products online, or link to partner businesses or other websites. Having a good idea of the goal of the site is the first step in determining the type of website you need. Types of small business sites There are three main types of websites. Each is used by a variety of businesses. The cost of your site and it�s capabilities will be largely determined by which type you choose.
Once you determine how the site will tie in to your business goals and the type of site you want, you need to consider how the site should look. If you have an existing logo or graphics that are associated with your business, these can be incorporated into the design. If you want to use photos, media players, or music, you should determine how these will contribute to the "mood" of the site. It is a good idea to make a list of sites you like in terms of graphics, organization, and color schemes before you meet with a designer. This way, the designer can get a good idea of your taste and the look you are trying to achieve. If you�ve worked with a small business graphic design company in the past, collect any images or logos they provided and transfer them into a single folder or onto a CD for the designer to browse through. Of course, these are not the only concerns about your website you should consider. Think about the types of customers you want to attract in terms of geography, demographics, or income level. A good designer can tailor the site to a specific type of internet user, make the site more navigable, and easier to find. Next > About the Author BusinessMart.com has become the fastest growing business for sale search engine, helping buyers and sellers of small businesses and franchises. BusinessMart.com has many resources to help you on your journey to start your own business, sell your existing business or open a franchise. BusinessMart.com has thousands of businesses for sale in the US and Canada. *** You may use this article on your website as long as the "About The Author" box is in place with all links exactly as above and the article or any links in the article are not altered. *** |