Business owners have lots of questions about Web sites, but often don’t know who to ask. We asked Rick Anderson, an architect from Edmonds, WA, to pose some questions to us that he’s always wanted to know about Web sites:
1. How do I select a Web site/marketing consultant?
At the core, you should make sure the firm or person your hire understands your project, has quoted you a competitive price, and has a track record of doing similar work. Understanding the project means that the person you are speaking with can explain the project in their own words and can make meaningful suggestions on how to make it better. You can determine a competitive price by speaking with other similar companies and verifying that the price you are quoted is within an acceptable range and is a price you can afford. A proven track record can be determined by reviewing a portfolio of work. It is isn’t important that they have done your exact project before, but it is important that whatever work they have done is of sufficient quality and met the needs of whatever clients they are showing you. I’m also curious how other folks answer this question in the comments below.
2. What kind of Web site do you need?
There are several types of Web sites. Each one serves a different need, and mainly people have some of more than one:
- Brochure Web site: This is a site where you describe what you do, where you are located, your approach, and give people a way to contact you.
- Extranet/Intranet: This is a site for use by your employees and staff (or in some cases clients or customers) use to share information, such as work plans, employee manuals, etc. Use of this site is restricted by location and/or username and password.
- Ecommerce Web site: This is where you have product to sell and people can buy it online.
3. What should I expect to pay initially and on a continuing basis for a viable marketing Web site?
Almost all of the work on most Web sites is “upfront” work — that is, it is completed before the site goes live. Likewise, you should expect to pay most of the money during that time period. More information on how much Web sites costs is located here. You’ll also need to buy Web hosting, which can cost $5-$25 per month for a shared account, and $100+ for a dedicated server.
4. What resources – besides cash – do I need to develop and maintain a viable Web site?
Time. Most business owners don’t know that hiring a Web site developer isn’t like buying a box of cereal. You need to give initial information to the developer, and then give feedback throughout the process.
5. What do I need to plan on doing to maximize the return on my Web site investment?
Once you have a fantastic Web site, you need a plan or strategy to get the Web site in front of the right people so that they can be convinced to buy your product or service. One approach for developing a Web marketing plan is discussed here.
