Building a website is like organizing a wedding: if you want everything to go perfectly, you need to prepare! The better you work out the details, the easier it will be for your developer to bring your idea to life. In this article, you’ll find 9 simple steps to get ready and avoid common mistakes.
Ask yourself this question: what problem will your website solve for your business?
Example: If you’re launching an online store, you’ll need features like a shopping cart and payment integration. If it’s a blog, focus on navigation and article presentation.
Mistake: “I just want a website.” This approach often results in a site that looks nice but doesn’t work effectively.
Your website should appeal not just to you, but to your customers. Define your audience:
Tip: If your target audience is young moms, consider a light design with intuitive navigation. For a business audience, opt for a more professional look.
Mistake: Creating a website “for everyone.” There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution.
Think about the functionalities your website must have. Here are some ideas:
Pro Tip: Divide your list into “essential” and “nice-to-have” features. For example, a shopping cart is essential, while a logo animation is just a bonus.
Mistake: “I want everything at once!” This can lead to budget overruns and unnecessary complexity.
Content is the heart of your website. Plan ahead:
Tip: If you don’t have content yet, discuss this with your developer. They may recommend a copywriter or designer to help.
Mistake: “We’ll handle the content later.” Without texts and images, your website will feel empty.
A website is an investment. Determine how much you’re ready to spend and share this with your developer.
Example: An online store typically requires a larger budget because of the additional features like payment systems and inventory management.
Mistake: Expecting a quality website for €100. That’s either a myth or a disappointment waiting to happen.
Your website is the face of your business. Decide on the following:
Tip: Share 3–5 examples with your developer to give them a clear idea of your preferences.
Mistake: “Make it look nice, and we’ll figure out the rest.” The more specific you are, the better the results will be.
A domain is your website’s address, and hosting is its “home.” For example:
Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which options to choose, ask your developer for advice.
Mistake: Picking the cheapest hosting option. This can result in slow load times and reliability issues.
A website is never “finished”; it grows and evolves. Think ahead:
Tip: Discuss your website’s long-term development with your developer to avoid costly updates later.
Mistake: “Let’s build the site first and worry about the future later.” Planning saves time and money.
Gather all the necessary information before starting:
Pro Tip: The more details you provide, the faster your developer can create a solution that fits your needs.
Mistake: “Just make it like my competitor’s website.” Every business is unique and deserves a tailored approach.
Building a website is a team effort. The better prepared you are, the smoother the process will be. By following these 9 steps, you’ll get a website that becomes a true business asset.
