5 Questions to ask before building a website.
Building a website can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you don't know where to start. Before embarking on a website development project, it is essential to ask yourself five critical questions to ensure that your website meets its objectives and serves its purpose.
What is the purpose of the website?
The purpose of the website is the first question to ask before building a website. You need to know why you're building the website and what you want to achieve with it. Is it an e-commerce platform, a blog, or a service provider website? Knowing the purpose of the website will help you determine the content, design, and functionality required to achieve your goals.
Who is the target audience?
Knowing your target audience is crucial in developing a website that will appeal to them. Your website's design, content, and functionality should be tailored to the needs and preferences of your target audience. For instance, if your website is targeting seniors, you may want to use larger fonts and simpler navigation to make it easier for them to use. Identifying your target audience will help you create a website that speaks to them and engages them.
What is the budget for building the website?
Building a website can be expensive, depending on the complexity and the features required. It is essential to establish a budget for the website development process and work within the budget limits. Knowing your budget will help you prioritise the most important features while avoiding unnecessary expenses.
What are the essential features required for the website?
The essential features required for the website will depend on its purpose and target audience. For instance, an e-commerce website will require shopping cart functionality and secure payment processing, while a personal blog may only require a commenting system. Identifying the essential features will help you ensure that your website meets its objectives.
Who will maintain the website?
A website requires regular maintenance to ensure that it remains functional, secure, and up-to-date. It is essential to identify who will be responsible for maintaining the website and to establish a plan for regular updates and maintenance. This could be done by hiring a professional web developer or by delegating the task to an in-house team member.
What platform should I use?
Here is a breakdown of the go-to platforms I use for my business and for clients.
Shopify
Shopify is an incredibly versatile e-commerce platform that offers a range of powerful tools and features to help businesses of all sizes succeed online. With Shopify, you can create a customized online store that's designed to meet your unique needs, whether you're selling physical or digital products. Some of the standout features of Shopify include its powerful inventory management system, its ability to process payments in multiple currencies, and its suite of powerful marketing and SEO tools that can help you reach a wider audience and drive more sales.
Squarespace
Squarespace is a beautifully designed website builder that offers a range of customisable templates and themes to help you create a stunning website that reflects your brand and vision. Whether you're a blogger, artist, small business owner, or something in between, Squarespace has the tools you need to build a website that looks and functions great on any device. With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, powerful built-in SEO tools, and powerful integrations with third-party tools like Google Analytics and Convertkit, Squarespace is the perfect choice for anyone looking to build a professional-quality website.
Thrivecart
Thrivecart is a comprehensive e-commerce platform that offers a range of features and tools to help you sell your products and services online. With Thrivecart, you can easily create custom checkout pages, set up one-click upsells and downsells, and integrate with a wide range of payment gateways and third-party tools. Some of the standout features of Thrivecart include its ability to handle recurring payments and subscriptions, its powerful affiliate management system, and its advanced reporting and analytics tools that can help you track your sales and optimize your marketing efforts.
ConvertKit
ConvertKit is a powerful email marketing platform that's designed to help bloggers, content creators, and other online entrepreneurs build and nurture their email lists. With ConvertKit, you can easily create customizable opt-in forms and landing pages, automate your email marketing campaigns, and segment your audience based on their interests and behaviors. Some of the standout features of ConvertKit include its intuitive drag-and-drop email editor, its powerful automation and segmentation tools, and its ability to integrate with a wide range of third-party tools and services. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, ConvertKit is the perfect choice for anyone looking to build and grow their email list.
