3 Things to Consider if you want to Turn Your Website into a Cash Cow
Whether you’re looking to attract new customers to your website, generate better on-line sales or establish new partnerships, there are many things to consider. Not only do you need to get the design right, but the functionality and search engine optimised website programming. While a website can be a powerful marketing tool, getting an effective website design off the ground can be challenging.
Selecting a web design partner can be difficult, particularly when much of what makes a website successful happens behind the scenes.A good web designer will take the guesswork out of website programming by offering tailored solutions that work for you and your customers. Drawing on the latest technology, professional web designers should be capable of providing an exhaustive range of website solutions including website design, eCommerce, website hosting, and content management systems. All of these topics are well covered across the web, however the following three aspects of websites that when done well, can turn your website into a cash cow. By the same token, if they are done poorly they can be a cash drainer.
1. Website Design
When selecting a website designer, you should check to see if they use ‘out of the box’ website templates. While these systems may be helpful in the initial phase of a business, more often than not, customers outgrow these systems needing to start again. This is a more costly approach in the long run. Many website designers cater for a specific niche, either cheap sites or exclusive sites. You should check to see your web designer provides the level of service you require and fits within your budget. Maybe your website initiative is too daring for some of the budget providers or maybe it’s too insignificant for some of the more exclusive web designers. You will really notice the difference in website providers by checking out there web design portfolio.
It’s our opinion that having the capability to handle every aspect of your website in a way that will minimise cost and maximize efficiency is the best business model to look for when selecting a web design team. Most businesses particular small businesses and start-up companies have a limited budget in the early stage but have a bigger vision for the future. Building a relationship with one web design firm that understands your long term goals will save you time and money in the long run. They will be capable of walking with you on the journey. Whether you want to invigorate a tired and worn website design or you’re looking to launch a bold and entirely new website project, do your homework before selecting a website design and programming services. This should help you get online quicker, and be a valuable resource to provide new ideas that you never dreamed were possible.
2. eCommerce
eCommerce sales are increasing at an exponential rate but they are not suitable for every business model. Large numbers of consumers are finding products and services via website however the way your target market likes to purchase should govern whether you introduce eCommerce features on your website. If you want eCommerce functionality on your website selecting a web design firm with experience in this technology is important. Choose a provider who can tailor an eCommerce website for your unique business needs. They should have the capability of turning your website visitors into customers by making it even easier to buy online.
There are many eCommerce website solutions out there to get you online, trading quickly and cost effectively, just make sure they work with the most popular payment processors and merchant accounts. As mentioned above, website design is extremely important due to the impact it has on the shopper. A well designed eCommerce website will guide the shopper through the process without losing them along the way. Your eCommerce website design should take your customer by the hand and lead them quickly and easily through the sale process.
3. Flash Animation
Flash is website animation technology that creates powerful, creative web solutions. You should be careful your web designers do not misuse it. Flash based websites do not perform well for search engine optimization (SEO) and usability can be a problem. Deciding whether to use Flash animation on your website is a decision that should be guided by factors including your target market, goals and objectives.
Flash animation provides a great platform to flex a web designers creative muscles. If creative impact is important to your business, Flash animation may be a purposeful solution. Research suggests most website users are focused on finding content, therefore the quality of website content, navigation and webpage load times are important. Flash animation doesn’t perform well in these areas; however, your ideal solution may be a combination of Flash animation and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) friendly web technology. If you do choose to use Flash, your web designer should pride themselves on creating engaging user experiences by merging your online message with Flash animation that’s creative and purposeful.
Most designers love a creative challenge, so no matter how difficult your project may seem, you are bound to find a broad range of Flash designers. Flash animation can take your message to new levels. It engages website users in ways that simple text or still images cannot. Make sure your Flash programmers are highly experienced with all aspects of Flash animation and development. Flash can be used to tell stories, demonstrate processes and direct attention to key areas and items on your website; but if designers misuse it, it can also be distracting, and counter-productive. Flash is a highly valuable communication tool, but sometimes your message will be better served by simple, static content. It’s all about striking the right balance between innovation and functionality by designing Flash animation that remains relevant and purposeful while making users’ experiences memorable.
