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So you are thinking about starting a new website or perhaps redesigning and old one. Many of our clients have come to us as their second or third go around at creating their website because others flat our screwed them, or were impossible to get a hold of, or just could not accomplish what they needed done. It pays to use a professional, so you don’t have to pay 2-3 times to get your website done. Here a few tips before starting your new website that should help you along your way to avoid costly and time consuming mistakes that we have seen so many others make.

1. Buy your domain name yourself!

Create a go daddy or similar account and search for an buy your own domain. We have seen many clients come to us from other companies to re do their website, because they are unhappy with current provider. Usually not an issue at all, except in some cases where the web company purchased the domain for them under their own account. Sometimes they are very good about transferring it. Other times they want to rake you over to coals to buy that domain from them. Avoid this, buy your own domain name under your own account!

2. Don’t make decisions solely based off of price.

Nowadays there are services out there that allow you to create your own website for free, there are family members, friends, relatives or a guy who knows a guy who will give you a great price.

Here’s a few things to look for before hiring someone to design your website….

  • How long have they been around?
  • Can you look at other examples?
  • Do they have references?
  • Do their websites rank well?

3. Ask for a content management system.

Save your self time and money over the long haul by making sure your website comes equipped with a content management system that allows you to make simple changes and update your website by yourself. We recommend using the wordpress platform. Learn more about wordpress webites.

4. Keep design in mind.

The trend is towards simple, clean and easy to use websites. Your goal is not to wow customers with all of your cool bells and whistles. In fact those just tend to annoy visitors. The goal is to educate prospects and turn them into customers.

5. Be brand consistent.

I cant tell you how many people we have seen with print collateral with one logo and color scheme and a website with another. Keep it all consistent. A good brand starts with a logo, color scheme, certain imagery and can evolve from there. Build the brand before you build the website.

6. Know your goals.

If you want your website to actually help generate business, then you need it professionally done. Cheap or free services just won’t cut it. In life you get what you pay for, web design is no different. You need a website that will be easy to update and change, search engine friendly and socially active. Trying to save money now – will cost you in the long run.

7. Make it Mobile.

Make sure your new website will be mobile friendly. At the time of this post, your new website is most likely to receive more than half of its traffic from mobile devices. If your web developer is not offering you mobile, ask why.

Spectrum Marketing Group is a multimedia marketing agency specializing in website design.