Solo and small business owners work with web designers all the time to create, maintain and update their web presence. Yet, many business owners fail to make the most out of their investment. How can you avoid making the same mistake? Follow these 8 Tips and you’ll be on your way to a website project that is successful and enjoyable.
1) Be Honest
When you embark on a website or Internet Marketing project, be honest about where you’re at with your business and what you hope to accomplish. Your web designer is not clairvoyant (at least most of us aren’t!) and truly wants to serve you in the highest way possible. You can get your desired results quicker and more effectively by being honest about what you need, the budget you’re working with, and what you expect from both the project and your working relationship.
2) Communicate Early and Often
Communication is a two-way street. You need to let the team know your priorities and timelines as well as your preferred means (phone, email, etc.) and frequency (daily, weekly, etc.) of communication. The person you hire should also set expectations on how often you will hear from them with updates and the best ways to communicate with him/her. Keeping the lines open is one of the single most important things you can do to ensure success.
3) Get Clear
Are you clear on the business goals and reasons behind your website and online marketing strategy? If you’re not clear you need to get clear before you start building a site. One way to do that is to hire your web designer or a business coach for some coaching and consulting on your Internet strategy. Technology should enable your business and your website and online activities need to integrate with the bigger picture for your business. The web is no field of dreams and “If you build it, they will come” it not a marketing strategy. That being said you don’t need to have lofty Web 2.0 goals. If the purpose of your site is to have a credible online presence in the way of an online brochure that supports your other marketing, that is reason enough to get started.
4) Understand the Agreed to Working Arrangement
If you are working with an experienced and professional team, you should be required to review and sign off on a scope of work and client agreement prior to beginning work. The purpose of this is not to add administrative details to your life, but rather to make clear the terms and conditions of the relationship so that you are clear on what the project is costing you, what you get for your investment, and what the joint accountabilities are. Without such guidelines you have no assurance or clarity on what to expect which is not a recipe for a good experience or end result success.
5) Do Your Part
All web projects have joint accountabilities between you and the team you hire. It is imperative that you commit to meeting agreed upon milestone and following through with those commitments. If you do not, the project cannot move forward and the likelihood for needed rework (at additional cost) and your general unhappiness increases. Provide things like content, original image files, and input in a timely manner. Partner with your web designer and make it a true team effort.
6) Be Respectful
When it comes to technology sometimes people forget that there are still people involved. Remember that when you work with a web designer that you are dealing with people, not things. Be respectful of each other’s time and expertise. It truly is a two-way street here as well. If you find you are not being treated well or respected in some way it is time to speak up so you can resolve any issues right away. Being respectful also means allowing for sufficient time for requests you make.
7) Give Feedback
In addition to regular communication, consider giving extra feedback along the way. Is your web designer meeting your expectations? Exceeding them? Falling short in some way? Let her know that as soon as possible. Anyone who really means what they say when it comes to serving your needs will welcome your feedback and the opportunity to address anything that is not up to par.
8) Enjoy the Process
Have some fun along the way and give yourself permission for the project to flow easily. A website is just another creative act within your business so embrace it and enjoy it. It doesn’t have to be hard, scary, or complicated. If you work with the right web designer or team that is a fit for you the process can truly be a pleasure.
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