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What should we look for in a Website Development team?

Wildly varying quotes for Web design projects is one of the major frustrations for people looking for a Website Development Team. One of the best ways to avoid this, and ensure the work is completed to the highest standards, is to specify accurately all aspects of the work to be completed.

It's a case of comparing apples with apples. Note down the exact specifications for the project, how many pages you require, how many forms, etc.  This is the only way to ensure that all quotes are form the same outcome, and only then can you really see who is the best value - without compromising on quality.

Also, define what technical infrastructure you require – what functions will the website provide, such as e-commerce, automated marketing and ease of use.

Furthermore, you should assess the ability of each Website Developer to not only deliver on what you have asked for, but to creatively suggest new and better solutions for delivering what you want to achieve.  The technology is constantly changing... so if your web professional does not sure better ways of doing things than you came up with, you might be heading in the wrong direction!

What if I don't really know yet what I need?

Having said all that, we usually only establish the exact needs of our clients after several meetings and discussions. It can be difficult for people who are inexperienced with the Internet to know exactly what can be done to serve best your specific needs.

And even if you have some internet experience, keeping up with the latest trends and technology can be quite challenging. 

So you want to find a Website Development Team who understand both the internet and business.  They need to be good designers but also have a solid understanding of sales and marketing and business practices.

A lot of people have Web design skills now. Why shouldn't we use a graduate who has these skills?

This is one of the most common questions that we asked.  Design skills are only a very small part of Website development. An attractive site is no good if it does not attract visitors.

We use an exhaustive design process, including a series of design meetings and documents to establish exactly what you want and need the site to do, research of the target market and their requirements for such a site, and close consultation on the look and 'feel' of the site.

We recommend that the wording of the site be completed by an experienced copywriter.  The copy is developed in association with the client and our expert Internet Marketer to ensure that the site will place as high as possible in Search Engines, if this is relevant, and to ensure its relevancy.  Privacy commitments are then included into the site (again, research shows that privacy is the biggest concerns for Internet users).

Clients are involved in the development of the site as much as possible, to ensure it meets the objectives set earlier and is a site of the highest standard.

Why not use a Graphic Designer?

A lot of Graphic Designers are setting themselves up now as Web designers too.  There's no doubt that they can produce some stunning designs.  But you need to make sure that the website that they propose to build for you also meets all the criteria as a business and sales tool.

And that they can provide the technical support that you will need as well as generating lots of traffic to your website. 

Good graphics design does not necessarilly = good website.  That's only part of the equation.

Once the site is up and running, what do I have to do to maintain it?

The site needs to be marketed on an ongoing basis.

Fresh information must be added to the site to keep it up to date and interesting. You can do this yourself if you have the resources available in-house, or we would be delighted to be of assistance.

You should also commit to an ongoing program of SEO Search Engine Optimisation to ensure you have high rankings in the Search Engines.

Is it important to get people to return to the site? If yes, how do you get them to return?

It is vital to have people return to the site again and again. Research indicates that people will feel more comfortable with your company and purchase products or services only after having visited the site seven times previously.

To have people return to the site you have to reward them. We have built-in strategies that will aid repeat visiting. You should also provide interesting information that is  regularly updated such as industry related articles, tips as said, etc. and a links page containing links that appeal to the target market - once visitors know it is available they can return to the site to access the links easily.

How do people find out about Websites?

1. from links from other sites

2. from search engines

3. Word of mouth

4. from magazines and newspapers

How do we let people know of the site?

Effective marketing of a Website is achieved utilizing a variety of techniques. These include:

1. Links - being linked to a site that has a lot of, and/or related, visitors can attract visitors over to your site. Examples of the reciprocal links we will try to establish are with:
1. Suppliers.
2. Clients.
3. Sites of interest.
2. Search Engine Optimisation - up to 85% of all Websites are found after a search engine request. We recommend that you use one of our SEO packages to get your website seen on the net.
3. Structure of the site - the text and meta tags (meta tags are special areas hidden within a site that hold key words that search engines find) should hold all words that are relevant for your site.
4. Off-line advertising - advertising of the site, placing the Website address on all business literature, using a 'postcard' mail out strategy, etc.

Why use Hotpink Websites?

We have the expertise and experience to ensure the trouble-free and effective management of your Website - from conception to ongoing management. The team is highly professional and committed to the highest standards. We have identified the requirements of the site and developed an appropriate strategy to ensure these needs are met.

From expert designers to copywriters and Internet marketers we have the team to ensure the highest quality site at a very competitive rate. We know the pitfalls; we know the shortcuts. Use the team to cut through years of frustrating trial and error.

How quickly will my website be ready?

While there are many factors affecting the delivery of a website, our intention is to complete your website in 25 days or less.

We follow a well defined program of Design, Development, Installation and Testing, with Reviews at each step along the way, including client reviews and feedback.

One of the main factors affecting dcelivery time is how quickly we receive content, (information, images, video, etc), from you, how quickly you respond to our questions and how many changes you request.  Occasionally there are technical issues outside of our control that affect our delivery time.

In general, we do always meet our 25 day delivery deadline and our clients have been delighted with our response time.

 

Professional Website Software and Website Design from Hotpink Websites