Your business idea has come to fruition and your dream is becoming a reality. So what’s next? You’ve probably already been asked if you have a website. The answer was probably that you’ve been relying on word of mouth, you have a presence on social media and that you have a static website with one page. BUT there are no links on the site and there are no avenues for interaction, much less a way to increase your customer base or make online sales.
There are tons of options out there. Many are the simple DIY route where you choose a template, fill in your info, your logo (if you have one), add some pictures, press a generate button and VOILA - your site is born. Boring as it may be, it’s alive and somewhat kicking. This entire process is perhaps similar to trying to cut hair without the training - or fixing your car engine by just relying on YouTube videos. While it can be done, it usually isn’t the best route.
If you would rather focus your energy on growing the business, doing what you actually know how to do, utilizing the skills you’ve acquired, why not consider hiring a web design company to build a customized website that is one of a kind? This really isn’t as expensive as you would think! If you do go this route, it’s a lot like hiring another employee.
Here are some questions to ask yourself when you decide to hire a company to build your site:
Do they have the experience and expertise required?
How long have they been in business?
Do they have a portfolio with examples?
Do they have good reviews?
Can they provide a way for you to upload fresh content? (backdoor access)
Are they available for sit down meetings to plan, review options etc?
Are they a “big box” website company with no local connection or community ties?
Who is going to actually build my website?
This last question is a biggee…because there are many website building agencies who take on clients - BUT they send the work to be completed remotely by someone they have never met in person. You need to know that your website is being built in-house. When your site is built in-house, there is a team behind your website. And when issues pop up, it will be easier to figure out the problems and expedite solutions. Waiting weeks for simple changes, tweaks, or problems to be solved is a common issue when website companies use third parties to do their work.
“Your website development team should not only sell the site but should also work in the trenches in design, development, and customer service.”
- Greg Alexander, VisionAmp CEO, Owner, Lead Developer
If you go to a meeting and ask this question, you should get a detailed answer about the company’s overall process. They should be able to walk you through the steps from the design meeting to revisions to the site going live. If the company comes back with just a tentative date, then you should ask more about their process. A company who is willing to walk you through the process and have you involved is professional, reliable and consistent.
Even though each VisionAmp website is unique and custom designed, most websites go through the same process. Each client is also assigned a project manager who can help answer any questions, schedule meetings and guide them through their website build.
If you are ready to get started on your new website, give us a call today at (870) 580-0909. Let’s schedule a time to meet face to face so that we can show you what VisionAmp can do for you and your business. We may just be your next employee! Put us to work for you!
