Need a website? Here’s the critical info you’ll need to provide.

Creating a website for your small business is a great idea! It gives current and prospective customers quick access to learn about your business, your services/products and engage with you 24/7/365.

 While I build websites, I’m really a business-guy at heart.  I’ve started, owned and run many businesses over the past 30 years.  One of my passions is helping the small to medium size business owner be successful, especially in the area of communication.

 That’s why my business is called Communicatewell … 

To ensure that your web developer can create a site that meets your needs, represents your business effectively, and ensures you are set up to communicate well, here's a list of information you should be prepared to provide:

1. Business Information:

   - Business name, logo, and tagline (if applicable)

   - Brief overview of your business, its history, mission, and values.

   - Contact details (address, phone number, email) for customers to reach you.

2. Website Goals:

   - Clearly define the purpose of your website (e.g., informational, e-commerce, lead generation, portfolio).

   - Specific objectives you want the website to achieve (e.g., increase sales, build brand awareness, provide customer support).

3. Target Audience:

   - Describe your ideal customers: demographics, interests, needs, and preferences.

   - Any existing data or market research that can help the web developer understand your audience better.

4. Content:

   - Text content for various pages (Home, About Us, Services/Products, Contact, Blog, etc.). Consider the tone and style of writing.

   - High-quality images or videos related to your business, products, and services.

   - Any existing branding materials, such as brochures, flyers, or other design assets.

5. Design Preferences:

   - Any color schemes, fonts, or design elements that align with your brand.

   - Examples of websites you like or admire for design inspiration.

   - Desired visual style (e.g., modern, minimalist, playful, professional).

6. Functionality and Features:

   - List of features you want on your website (e.g., online store, contact form, social media integration, blog).

   - Any special functionalities or interactive elements you envision (e.g., animations, scrolling effects).

7. SEO and Online Presence:

   - Keywords related to your business that you'd like to rank for in search engines.

   - Any existing social media profiles or online listings (Google My Business, Yelp) that should be linked or integrated.

8. Budget and Timeline:

   - Your budget for the website project, including design, development, and ongoing maintenance.

   - Desired project timeline or launch date.

9. Maintenance and Updates:

   - Consider how you'll update and maintain the website after it's launched. Will you need ongoing support from the web developer?

10. Domain and Hosting:

    - If you already have a domain name and hosting, provide the necessary details. If not, discuss options and preferences.

11. Legal and Privacy Considerations:

    - Privacy policy, terms of service, and any legal requirements related to your business and website.

By providing this information, you'll help your web developer understand your business's unique needs and create a website that effectively represents your brand and serves your customers.

I build websites on the Squarespace platform (www.squarespace.com).  I like it because once the site is built, my clients can manage the site on their own if they choose.  Communicatewell offers three type of web development:  1) Done for you; 2) Done with you, and 3) Consult while you do it.

Wishing you much success in your business!

Robert -

Learn more at communicatewell.com