Articles about Web Design
Here we are posting a series of informative articles about websites - how to get one, what is involved, how much does it cost, what are the options, and more. As well, we'll share what we know about email, web browsers and the internet.
Why does it take so long to get a website? |
| Jan 05 2010 at 1:51 AM |
While we can churn out websites at a reasonable speed, there are many factors that can delay launch. Here are some tips for making things move more quickly.
1. Content
A web designer does not know anything about your business and cannot be expected to write your content. For best and speediest results, prepare a Word or text document with the following:
a. Outline of the pages you want on your site, including sub-pages
b. Content for each page indicated in (a) above
Present this to your web designer both by email and as a printed document.
If you are not able to write your content, you can employ a copy writer. Your webmaster may have the names and numbers of local copy writers.
2. Photos
A website works best if there are some great photos. These can be photos of your products, your work, you working, your company at work, where your company works, your developments, etc. Or, they can be great photos of where you work, or people who enjoy your work.
Many clients will have a bunch of these photos on hand. Choose your favourites and burn them to a cd or dvd and give to the webmaster.
If you do not really have photos to use on your website, visit this website
istock.com
and using their search bar, peruse through their photos. The cost for using these photos is very low and there are some beautiful shots. When you have picked the photos you like, write down their names and/or numbers so your webmaster can go in and purchase them to use in your design.
When searching the internet for photos, keep in mind that, unless you have paid for the use of the photo, all images are copyright and belong to the owner.
Your webmaster will have names of local photographers who have online photo archives which might present you with a photo you can use on your site. These too are often very inexpensive.
3. Splash Page
Many clients want something up on the web the moment their domain name becomes active. This is understandable! However, a typical website takes 4-6 weeks for launch, sometimes longer.
What we recommend is to create a 'splash' page for our clients who are waiting to get their sites constructed. This page shows their logo, their contact information, and has a short descriptive paragraph regarding their company.
A splash page can be made search engine friendly so while you are waiting for your full website, your domain is being properly registered on google and yahoo etc.
Goodwin Studios will include a splash page as part of their contract with you.
4. Time
During the summer or Christmas, work slows down as staff takes holidays and kids are out of school needing more attention. Once holidays are over things pick up. Plan your website launch for the crisp autumn months or at the start of the new year and you won't be disappointed.
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