If your business is in need of a website overhaul, it’s crucial that you know exactly where the project is heading. Nobody wants to pay money for web design that doesn’t meet their needs. So, to avoid this happening to you, remember the 5 Ps: Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!
Time spent now is time saved later
Many people start a web design project and just want it finished ASAP. WE understand the excitement of launching a new website! However, by allowing your website development company the time to undertake a full scoping and planning process, you’ll save time and money later on.
Basically, its much easier to build a website from scratch when you’ve got all the information in front of you. Once web development starts, it’s harder and takes longer to make changes or add functionality. That’s why you need everything planned carefully beforehand.
It also saves you money, because most of the time, if you want major changes mid-development, your website development company will charge accordingly if it’s a new request.
Things to consider when planning your web design
While this list certainly isn’t exhaustive, because proper website planning goes a lot deeper than this, it’s a good starting point. These considerations will help you flesh out exactly what you need your website to do.
Which CMS to use for web design?
The content management system is the backend of the website, where you do updates. Common examples are WordPress, Shopify, Magento, or you can have a custom CMS built. Consider who is going to be adding content or updating your site. You want something easy to manage even if you’re not technical.
The main function of your website
What is the aim of your website? To generate more leads? Improve conversion rates? Think carefully about everything you want customers to do on your site, and let it guide your web design.
Who is your target audience?
Web design should align well with the needs and preferences of your target audience. Identify who your audience is, and your web developers can tailor it to them.
What content do you need?
Often, we only think about written content, but what about the rest? Photos, videos and other interactive features can enhance your website. Plan this in advance, because if you need to arrange a professional photoshoot or video production, this can take time.
Custom integrations in web design
Perhaps the most important thing to consider is integration. What other systems will your website interact with? Integration can occur for almost any system, such as accounting programs, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Plus, all the smaller things like payment and delivery integration. Many of these integrations are complex, so you should identify exactly how things should work before starting your web design.
A better finished product
Basically, good website planning results in a better product. You can launch the new site confidently, knowing that everything has been thought of and included. It may be mildly frustrating to sit through planning meetings, but it’s worth it in the long run.
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