Does your Current Small Business Website Need a Makeover?

“What would my perfect website look like?”  Browse through other websites in your same industry and note which ones you really love.  Do those sites have more photos, graphics, something unique that makes them stand out?  Here is a general list of questions to ask yourself as you begin thinking about that website you have been dreaming about:

1.    What is the main purpose of your website?  How will it expand 
       your business?

2.    What are the secondary purposes of your website?  Is there 
       anything else you absolutely need to convey to your clients   
       and potential clients?

3.    What audience do you want to target?  Specific age group?  Specific industry?

4.    What would be the most important components of your website?  What absolutely needs to be on there?  What hasn’t 
       worked and can it be removed?

5.    Do you have analytics?  If so, have you ever checked them to see how traffic has been running on your website?

6.    What types of designs do you like?  Look at those websites you love and make notes of some of your preferences.

7.    Determine your budget and deadlines of what you can spend and how long you want it to take to get your new and 
       improved website up and running.

8.    Ask yourself if you really need a makeover or really need to go back to the drawing board and begin again.

9.    Think about if you want your website interactive where users can share, tweet or like your content.

10. Are you currently paying too much for a website host?  Check us out and compare.  (Okay, that is a little shameless, 
      self-promotion) 

11. Remember, potential clients and especially buyers if you have products to sell, base their purchases on emotions.  Does 
      your website convey appropriate emotions to gain clients?

12. Marketing materials – do you need to have an online brochure, etc. and/or do you need to update your printed 
      materials?

13. What types of media should you have on your website?  Photos, videos, audio?

14. For social media, do you need to link to your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.?  Need a blog?

15. Does your logo need updating?

16. Call to action – definitely should be included so your potential clients know exactly what steps they need to take next.  
      We know exactly where the best position on your website it should be placed.  (Another shameless, self-promotion)  
      What do you want that call to action to look like?  Sign up to get something for free (in order for you to get their e-mail 
      address), buy your products, or other action?

17. Does your website need eCommerce because you sell products?

18. Do you need the flexibility and freedom to update or post news on your website regularly?

19. Does your website need SEO (Search Engine Optimization)?  I can answer that one for you – yes!  How else will 
      potential clients find you on Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.?

20. Start researching for the right website designer that will suit your needs and budget.  We hope you will check us out.

Have fun working on your own list of ideas for your website.  When you are ready, contact Startup Web Design to begin your makeover.

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