Steelso vs Real Life

Web Designer First Meeting

We’re not like the dentist, we don’t have the drill. Mostly we’re sweet and inquisitive like small curious animals. However recently I’ve been asked what a potential new client should think about before having a first meeting with their potential new web design company.

This isn’t a full list, it’s not in any order as such and I’ll probably add to it as I go but here are my initial thoughts.

1. Try and think why you’re looking for a redesign or a new website. Do you feel it is time for a change, has your business moved on but your website stayed still, do you see new ways for the website to help your business or are you just unsure if your website is working for you?

We’re not looking for the answers, we’re here to help. However any insight you can give as to why you’re talking to us that would be great.

2. Take the time to look at your competitor’s websites and see what you like or don’t like about what they are doing on-line. This can be useful in determining what’s working in your market and also help us understand where your market is heading on-line.

3. If possible talk to some of your customers to see what they would like to see on your website. This could be additional information about you or possibly placing some business processes on-line. Customer insight is something we believe strongly in and we’ll probably do some research into your customers but your views will be invaluable.

4. Bring as much of your current marketing material as you even if you are planning to change it. It’s good to see what messages you are currentl;y sending out and what values are important to you. Expect to be challenged on them. We’re not tryig to be annoying, we just want to understand as much as possible and that usually is by asking why and then asking why you didn’t do it an other way. This will help us get to know you and your market better.

5. At a first meeting please, please don’t get too hung up on the design. The design is created by understanding your business, your market and, most importantly, the people you are trying to reach with your website.It’s all about the strategy and planning at this stage. Of course you can look at our web design portfolio however at the moment we’ll focus on getting the direction of the website right rather than if it’s nice in red or blue.

Just 5 wee tips. I have a load more but I think these are the top five that I have. Have I missed anything? Anything that hindsight has taught you or any common practice that you’re using and care to pass on?

Loving it.

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