When you use a web browser to access SaaS apps, the company running the software is responsible for its upkeep--not you. You simply pay a monthly fee to have access to the program. This is an advantageous arrangement for many small businesses. To increase your chances of a successful website launch, avoid making these common mistakes when hiring a web designer.
Common (Yet Costly!) Mistakes When Hiring a Web Agency
1 - Not Using a CMS
The first mistake many organizations make when hiring a web agency is to not use a content management system (CMS). This is a crucial first step in the process of website design and production. Creating your website from scratch is like building a house from the ground up. It's much easier to use a CMS to build a website because a professional Web developer has already prepared the groundwork for you.
One of the most common mistakes in hiring a web developer is not to use a CMS for your new website.
2 - Not Clarifying Your Goals
Once you have decided to use a CMS to create and maintain your website, you should clarify your goals for your project with the agency you have hired. What do you want your website to do? There are two primary goals: 1) Deliver a clear, concise message to your target audience and 2) In addition, bring in sales and leads.
Your new website should be the central point of communication between your company and your customers. The website works as your virtual front office, marketing department, and sales team. Because of this, you need to be very clear about what you want your website to do. A good web designer will be able to ask the right questions and help you define your goals. After clarifying what you want your website to do, you can also communicate your target audience and the message you want to convey.
3 - Not Staying Involved
When hiring a web design company, one of the most common mistakes you can make is to stay out of the project. You may have hired a professional Web designer, but that does not mean you can sit back and let them do the work for you. You need to stay involved and keep tabs on the progress of the project.
Some of the most common mistakes made by small business owners hiring a web design company are not staying involved in the production of the website.
4 - Rushing Through Projects
Another common mistake is rushing through projects. When you are in a rush to finish your project, you are more likely to make mistakes and cut corners. This will not work to your advantage, as you will not have a quality product to present to your customers. Every website designer wants to meet their deadlines, so you can feel free to push them to get the project done. You are paying them to do the work, so make sure that they are meeting or exceeding your deadlines.
5 - Getting the Lowest Possible Offer
One of the most common mistakes that many small businesses make is to go for the lowest possible price on the project. This is not a good idea. Low bids mean that the company that has offered you the lowest price is going to cut corners on the product. This is because they do not want to lose money on the project. You are better off spending a little bit more upfront on the project and knowing that you have a quality product to present to your customers. You may have a limited budget, but do not compromise on the quality of your new website.
6 - Not Having an Ongoing Marketing Plan
You need to hire an experienced marketing professional to help you build an ongoing online marketing plan in addition to the new website. You will want to focus on three primary areas when it comes to online marketing: Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay-Per-Click (PPC) advertising, and search engine marketing (SEM).
Customers who are ready to buy are searching online. You should be there when they are searching with SEO, Pay-Per-Click promoting, and organic SEO.
7 - Overpaying Your Designer
You can avoid this mistake by being prepared with a clear understanding of the number of pages you want to have on the website, what you want each page to do, and how much you are willing to spend. You should have an idea of what you need and what you are willing to spend. Next, you should be ready to provide a ballpark figure. When the Web designer starts to give you the low-down on the cost, you should have firm numbers in mind.
8 - Not Having a Backup Plan
You need to have a backup plan in place in case your website goes down. If you are using a CMS, you should have access to the CMS platform's support team at all times. If there is a problem with your website, you need to be able to get in touch with the people who provide you with your CMS. The same goes for your hosting provider. Make sure you have a backup plan in place in case your website goes down.
9 - Not Understanding the Cost of Creating a Website
This was already discussed in one of the previous mistakes. You should have a budget in mind prior to hiring a web designer. A good budget will help you prepare your project and will allow you to get everything you need to have a quality website. If you do not have a budget in mind, you will cut corners which will not work to your advantage in the long run.
10 - Giving Up Too Soon
When you are trying to get your website launched and running, you will run into problems. Many of these problems will be frustrating, and it is easy to get discouraged. There is nothing wrong with getting discouraged, but you do not want to give up too soon. It takes time to get things going, so you should be prepared for the ups and downs.
